In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we arrived in the courtyard at the University of Howard and interviewed Jay Jones, President of the Student Government Association 2024-2025.
The position of SGA president is a great respect, and there is a special pride in their election by their peers to lead. Jay Jones, a specialist in political science, from Greenburo, North Carolina.
We met Jay Jones and talked to her about her position, goals, future, and what it means to occupy this type of leadership in 2024-2025.
** Read the full interview below. **
What is the biggest thing you learned as SGA president so far?
The largest lesson I learned as a head of a student at the University of Howard is the importance of meeting people where they are. In this role, I understood that effective leadership requires sympathy, ability to adapt and the ability to communicate with individuals from all aspects of life. As a representative of the main student, my responsibility exceeds mere calling for students; It comes to ensuring that every student has equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to achieve success. This means listening to their concerns, understanding their unique challenges, and creating comprehensive and accessible solutions.
In addition to providing resources, the bridal bridal league includes students and faculty and administration. Whether this addresses concerns, facilitating communication, or enhancing an environment in which students feel with them and appreciation, my goal is to create a more coherent and supportive university campus. By interviewing students where they are-whether through individual conversations, hosting events, or using digital platforms-strive to ensure that their voices are represented and meet their needs. This lesson of inclusiveness and communication has deeply formed an approach to driving, which enhances the importance of being adaptive, passionate, and pre -emptive in meeting the needs of all students.
What made you decide to attend the University of Howard for university students?
I have always dreamed of attending the University of Howard since I was a young child. I clearly remember my fifth -grade trip to Washington, DC, when I had the opportunity to drive on the Haward campus. Until then, I felt an irreplaceable relationship in school, although the foot is not difficult for it yet. In the eighth grade, during the college days, my teacher asked, “Where do you want to go to college?” Without hesitation, I said, “I want to go to Howard because I want to change the world.”
However, after moving to Texas for financial reasons, Howard appeared to be out of reach. By the time of my supreme year, I overwhelmed the bright child who dreamed of changing the world through the harsh facts of the autonomy. Nevertheless, I had already applied to many schools, including the University of North Texas, where I received housing, financial aid and a room colleague’s mission. But my mother and aunt encouraged me to be bold and dared to dream again. With a heart full of hope, I prayed, “God, if I was accepted at Howard University, you must have something special planned for me.”
I never imagined in the million years the amazing path that God had at Huard University.
How did the University of Howard formed you in the person you are today?
Howard University played a pivotal role in forming me in the leader who today I am providing me with the space to become the person I always wanted to be. Throughout my presence here, this university was effective in providing fixed support and love, especially during the moments of transition. I created an environment in which I feel care, support and care – an environment that enhances personal and academic growth.
This feeling of society and belonging strongly affected the philosophy of my leadership. I was inspired by the care and encouragement that I received in Howard to adopt the same mentality in my leadership style. In everything I do, whether in the student’s government or work with my colleagues, I seek to create love, comprehensive and supportive spaces. My goal is to help others grow, a sense of appreciation, and develop their full potential. Howard showed me that the great leadership is rooted in sympathy and support, and I carry this lesson with me and I continue to lead and inspire around me.
What are the specific initiatives that you went to this year (or planning), and how do you think it will improve the school and the surrounding community?
Some of the main initiatives carried out by the two cooperation departments with the administration to establish the author, which is devoted to helping the elderly during the first semester of their last year in Howard. In addition, our administration has drafted the separation plan, a comprehensive document that unites the procedures for responding to crises on the campus. We were also proud to give students a greater voice in making university decisions by placing them in different committees throughout the campus, including those that focus on student affairs, auxiliary and public safety institutions, physical facilities management and tuition fees.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
As mental health continues to be healthy health to be an increasing source of anxiety among university students, my administration was happy to create a new department called the Public Safety Department, which is a specialist not only in physical health but also in mental health. This section was innovative in its approach to addressing the mental health crisis, ensuring that we are as possible as possible to meet the increasing needs of our students.
What does driving mean to you?
The first thing that driving for me is slavery. Leadership is not related to power or control; It comes to learn how to serve others – whether it is our students, our society or the people around us. The real leadership comes from the place of humility, and understands that our role is to empower others, direct them, and provide support in ways that help them grow and succeed. In essence, leadership revolves around being non -selfish – by meeting the needs of others first, and actively listening to their needs, interests and aspirations.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
In this new digital age, HBCUS will need to justify its importance and constantly important to the wider society. With the continued development of technology and the education scene in evolution, it becomes necessary for these institutions to show an effective unique value proposal. HBCUS is not just places for higher education. They are pillars of cultural heritage, social justice and the empowerment of society. To ensure their continued success and support, they must highlight the distinguished contributions they make for academic, social and economic progress for their students, as well as to society as a whole.
In addition, HBCUS must improve how to connect the transformational changes that occur within their institutions. Whether this is progress in curricula, research initiatives, students ’participation, or university campus development, these institutions need to show how to adapt them to today’s students’ needs while honoring their historical tasks. By embracing digital platforms and using modern communication strategies, HBCUS can share the positive effects that you have better on their students, graduates and societies. This pre -emptive approach to communication will help build stronger links with potential students, potential donors, and the general public, which ultimately ensures that these institutions continue to prosper in a digital world and grow.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch the square plays an important role in highlighting the inexpensive work that our black colleges and universities are historically (HBCUS) and tells important stories that have often been represented for these institutions. It draws attention to academic achievements, cultural contributions, and the social impact of HBCU, which ensures that its importance is not only within the black society, but throughout the country and beyond. Through its platform, the arena inflated the unique aspects of HBCU culture – whether it is the history of black Greek life, the rich tradition of student activity, or life of vibrant university campus that promotes personal growth and leadership.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work full time at JPMorgan Chase & Co. As a participant in the chase leadership development program.
We would like to monitor the courtyard Jay Jones on her work as the head of the University of Howard at SGA University.
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