In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities across the country, we got to the courtyard to Virginia Union University and interviewed with Rodney Manning 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. Rodney Manning Junior, who specializes in financing and banking services, from Glen Dell, Maryland, is the pride of 24 ′ Kappa Alpha Psi.
We met Rodney Manning 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, one of the most valuable lessons you learned is the importance of setting personal time priorities and maintaining a healthy balance between work and life. The budget of the leadership demands during my life preparation after graduation was a major axis. It is important not only to be effective in the current league, but also to ensure the construction of skills, networks and experiences that will help me succeed in my career after college. I allowed me to allocate time for personal growth, internal training and vocational development while managing leadership responsibilities to prepare for the future without losing my current obligations. This balance guarantees that I am not only effectively progressing today, but also myself to succeed after graduation.
What made you decide to join the University of Virginia Union for university students?
I was athlete throughout the high school, playing football, and I got many academic offers at the end of my preparatory year. However, when PandeMic Covid-19 succeeded, NCAA granted the current athletes in the college an additional year of eligibility, which led many universities that provided me with scholarships for their retreat. Nevertheless, Virginia Union University recruited me during my supreme year and gave me a great opportunity. I am really grateful for the opportunity to give me, because it allowed me to increase my academics and continue to develop into a young man.
How did the University of Virginia Union formed the person you are today?
The presence of the University of Virginia Union was one of the best decisions of my life for many reasons. The Foundation is proud to provide opportunities for all students, and I was lucky to take full advantage of everything it provides. Until my twentieth birthday, I only got to know a sporting and did not participate in many other aspects of university life. Sports was the entire world, and I had no great interest in exploring anything that exceeded that. However, when life began to provide the challenges and goals that I identified as a senior high school, I began to feel more distant, and I found myself in a difficult place during the second year of the year. I was suffering from the direction and fighting feelings of depression.
In an attempt to find a sense of goal, I started attending the services of the university chapel, which encouraged me to get out of my comfort area. This led me to discover new emotions, such as investment, thanks to a large part of the second year investment professor. I also developed a desire to return the favor to those who came after me. This newly discovered perspective prompted me to join the world’s greatest brotherhood, participate in the leadership of students, and gain a place in the business honor community. More importantly, I embraced the role of the guide, or as younger students call me, “UNC”, seeking to direct the next generation and support it.
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?
The main initiative that my administration has committed is to create a more intimate and accessible communication method, allowing students to express their ideas and concerns. We have hosted round table warehouses, class meetings, and city halls throughout the school year to encourage more students to use their voices actively. Our goal is to create a platform that enhances a dialogue that opens and helps increase positive change through the campus community.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
Mental health is a priority to take both administrations and university very seriously. Throughout the school year, my administration worked closely with the university’s health and wellness department to host and conduct multiple events aimed at increasing awareness and providing support to mental well -being. These initiatives are part of our continuous effort to create an environment on campus where students are equipped to determine their mental health priorities.
What does driving mean to you?
I definition of leadership is the act of appearing and showing fixed faith and confidence in yourself regardless of circumstances or position. The ability to take heat and stand in the fire when things get worse, the ability to raise others and highlight your team and when things go well.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
I think schools should consider adding more students to their marketing and communications teams. Students are the ones who really understand the current trends, perspectives and the needs of their generation, and therefore their integration into the process will guarantee a more honest and related representation in the school. By directly involving students, institutions can enhance innovative ideas and strategies that resonate with the campus community and the wider public, which ultimately enhances the total effectiveness of their messages.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch The Yard is incredibly important for black students and college culture because it provides a platform that celebrates the rich history, achievements and unique experiences of black students in universities at the country level. It highlights the cultural importance of black bodies, women’s societies and other student organizations that play a pivotal role in promoting society, leadership and empowerment. Besides just showing students ’life, weat the yard acts as a space to amplify sounds, maintain traditions, and link students to their heritage. For black students, it is a source of pride, vision and unity, and contributes to a broader understanding of the contributions and the impact of black excellence in higher education.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan to secure a great work in the banking industry and move to one of some potential cities: north of Virginia, or return to Maryland, Charlotte, North Carolina, or Dallas, Texas. As it continues to grow professionally, I follow the activity of stock investment and plan to expand daily trading. My goal is to improve my daily trading skills, and as soon as I reach a level of efficiency, it is transferred to my full -time profession. This double approach will allow me to build a solid foundation in the banking sector while creating financial independence opportunities through trading. In addition, on the road, I am thinking about a possible profession in politics to return the favor to my community and help in increasing positive change.
We want to watch the courtyard in Rodney Manning Junior for his work as President of the University of Virginia Union.
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