In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities across the country, we have reached the courtyard to North Western State and had an interview with Terrell Woodard Junior, 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. Terril Woodard, the son, who specializes in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences, is Carendo, Louisiana, a proud fall 2023 starting Alpha Phi Alpha.
We met Terril Woodard Junior and talked to him about his position, goals and 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?
As SGA president, so far, I learned that there is great importance in effective communication and cooperation. The only way for someone to be effective in this position is to be as continuous as possible. This is manifested in many ways, but as president of students, I always make sure that my government, consultants and the Senate are aware as much as possible with anything that might come down in the pipeline. In this regard, I also make sure that we are running as transparent SGA. The Student Authority has the right to know the things that may affect them, so I do my best to get the open door policy about anything that happens in SGA. I also learned how to rely on those around me to get support and guidance during the daily events in SGA. I must take all views into consideration in order to make the most enlightened decisions. He did this formed me to a leader who is able to work effectively with a variety of people to complete the task on hand.
What made you decide to attend the Northwestern State University for university students?
Since my sister came and graduated from NSU in front of me, I have always been subjected to some extent, but it was not until I decided to look at the university myself, I realized that this is the right place for me. When searching for my home during the next few years, I knew that I wanted to attend a university that made me feel more than a number. After attending a recruitment events at Northwestern State, I quickly realized that this is where I needed to be. There was a strong focus on a family -like atmosphere and the transition from high school to the college was smooth. I have always felt appreciated and heard at this university and I am grateful for that forever. From the faculty and employees members to the professors, I can say sincerely that North and Strine State University has my best in mind!
How did the Northwestern State University divided you into the person you are today?
Saying that Northwestern State University is designed in a completely achieved copy of myself. From my early participation as a guidance leader to the head of the Student Authority, faculty, employees and students in North Western have always had great interest in developing me for a better leader day after a day. I appreciate most of the opportunities that I received as a university student in North Western and I know that I am the person I am today because of the interest in the details that NSU seemed to be on my path as a leader.
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?
In addition to the vice president of my country, Alfa Kapa Alpha, our organization, the goal member from Hana Davis, we focused on four columns for our initiatives. Student technology, participation in campus, transparency, and campus safety. In all of these areas, we have been constantly met with school officials to defend the student’s experience here in North Western. We have also worked closely with the campus management and administrations on campus to defend our student fees. The last time it was done was in 2015 and with the current prices of most things, it left a lot of programs for a lack of financing. We have worked alongside campus officials to ensure that restructuring will be something that would benefit those needy departments and will also be fair to students.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
In compliance with the previous Willis/Cooksey administration, the phone number is printed to the national suicide line and crises at the back of all university identity cards. We also share different groups inside and outside the campus to host the events in which we bring the speakers of trainers to meet the needs of students in NSU by talking about various topics surrounding mental health. As SGA and University, we have always made a strong effort to listen to students’ concerns and bring the right resources to help meet these needs!
What does driving mean to you?
For me, driving means going up to serve the needy with or without a title. There are times that will come that will make you have to progress regardless of the organization to the organization. Being and always ready to serve the campus/community is a sign that someone is a real leader. The leader is also modest enough to be able to drive even if that means that they are not the movement of the movement from which they are. There are people, unfortunately, only leads to recognition. Be ready to be part of something without admitting it because it is also a sign of a real leader.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
On this day and the digital era, I think it is important for colleges and universities to really weaken itself on social media with the best of its power. Social media should be a great reflection for those who attend the institution and the general atmosphere of the school, as well as the main programs/services they provide. Now more than ever, these schools can communicate with the major population composition for potential students. By simply using social media, colleges/universities have a tool to increase their registration numbers with jumps and borders. It is extremely important to take advantage of this and make sure that the university is represented in the best light!
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
I think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the college because it is a positive space that celebrates the successes of black students and the black community as a whole. In a world of negativity, Watch The Yard is a lighthouse of hope for black students to know that there will always be an outlet for our “victories” of our society rather than focusing on our losses. Watch
What do you plan to do after graduation?
Follow a profession in drug sales while obtaining a master’s and doctorate in pharmacy
We would like to praise Terrel Woodard, the son for his work as SGA president at Northwestern State University.
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