In an attempt to shed light on people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we reached the yard to the University of Kazavier in Louisiana and we interviewed with Chis Patterson, 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. Chis Patterson, who specializes in pre -medical biology, is from Atlanta, Georgia, the Fall of 2023 of omega Psi Phi.
We met Patterson 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?
The most important lesson you learned as SGA president is that there should not be no void. Early, I found myself working tirelessly, but I see the minimum progress. I had a critical evaluation whether my efforts are really leading change or simply filling time. Once I aligned my tasks, I visited a clear strategy, I became more effective in pioneering and advocating students. Now, every project and a intentional decision, ensuring that my leadership has a permanent effect.
What made you decide to join the University of Kazavier Louisiana for university students?
My goal is to become orthopedic surgeon specialized in sports medicine. Looking at the challenges of the medical field, I knew that I needed to attend an institution with a busy record to prepare black students for success in the field of health care. Kazavier Louisiana University is constantly graduated from the largest number of black doctors in the country, and I wanted to be part of this legacy. Besides academics, a culture of excellence, service and flexibility in Kazavier made the perfect choice for my university trip.
How did the Kazavier University in Louisiana trize you to the person you are today?
I can say with confidence that I am a completely different person compared to who you are asking. Kazavier challenged me to grow in ways I never expected. I have developed confidence in communicating with influential leaders, and my ability to think critical through complex issues, and expand my aspirations beyond merely becoming a doctor. Now, I do not only see myself as a doctor in the future, but also as a leader who can make a meaningful change in American -African society through health care, politics and guidance.
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?
One of the main initiatives I worked on is to expand student backgrounds to enhance student morale. Currently, we only have one official back door every year while returning to the homeland, which limits students’ chances of engaging in the spirit of school and building society. To change this, we were working to modify the current policy and remove the restrictions that prevent additional backgrounds from occurrence. By creating more spaces for students to meet outside the semester, we can enhance school pride and enhance student experience in general.
Another major initiative is to amend our SGA constitution for the first time in four years, although the most important change is a proposed gradual increase in student activity fees over the next five years. This SGA amendment will allow a annual budget of about 3 million dollars, an unprecedented increase that will significantly expand our ability to finance student programs, initiatives and campus improvement significantly. This change will guarantee that in the future the SGA departments have financial resources to better serve the Student Authority and address long -term needs.
Finally, we are working to secure exclusive Xaviereite discounts with companies in New Orleans. Through partnership with local stores, restaurants and service providers, we aim to create concrete financial benefits for students, making daily expenses more at reasonable prices. This initiative not only strengthens the lives of students, but also enhances the relationship of Kazavier to the broader New Orleans community, which enhances a useful partnership for the two parties between the university and local companies.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
One of the main initiatives that I worked on is a student’s comprehensive welfare policy, which I originally presented as a masters. This policy allows students to take two personal days for each semester according to their appreciation without a penalty, and it adjusts our academic leave policy, and establishes a mental health day at the campus level.
In addition, my administration is paid to repair scholarships, and is invited to students to regain academic scholarships if they exceed the minimum requirements that they granted at first.
Besides politics, we also focus on the culture of campus and morale, including developing aesthetic positive assurances about the campus to provide motivation and encouragement for students. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve student experience by meeting the needs of academic and mental health, ensuring that our university campus enhances the culture of success and support.
What does driving mean to you?
The leadership revolves around directing and inspiring others towards a common vision without dictating their path. Real leadership is not related to power or control – it relates to influence, empowerment and service. The great leader illuminates the opportunities that others may not see alone and provides encouragement, resources and direction to help them reach their full potential. However, the leadership is not only related to making others follow – it relates to understanding their aspirations and integrating their views in the greatest vision. When people see their ideas, goals and values, they are reflected in the broader task, they are more likely to take ownership and full investment in achieving them. The most effective leaders listen to, and create a sense of collective purpose, ensuring that success is not only personal, but common. Leaders not only build followers, but future leaders are equally committed to seeing.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
The strong online presence should exceed websites and traditional email messages – it must create a dynamic and interactive experience for students, faculty and graduates. Schools need to benefit from social media platforms strategically, using them to display students’ achievements, highlight the culture of campus, and participate in meaningful conversations with their fans. Transparency should also be a priority, as institutions guarantee that students can easily access academic resources, mental health services and online financial aid information. In addition, schools must integrate digital communication opportunities, and link students to graduates and professionals in the industry to enhance job preparation. By adopting innovative technology, such as virtual tours, AI’s academic advice, and interactive learning platforms, institutions can update the student’s experience and enhance their brand.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch the courtyard plays an important role in enhancing unity, representation and communication between black students and the wider college culture. One of the most common themes I heard from student leaders all over HBCUS is the desire to build stronger alliances and networks among our institutions. Although each of us has unique experiences on campus, we share the common goals of empowerment, leadership and culture. Watch the square as a bridge, allowing us not only to celebrate our traditions and achievements, but also to learn from each other. It provides a platform where student leaders can display their initiatives, gain an insight into how other SGAS works, and adopts best practices that enhance our university campus. Besides leadership, it enhances the legacy and influence of black excellence in higher education by documenting our stories, highlighting our contributions, and ensuring that our voices amplified at the national level. In a world of representation, Watch
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I will attend the University of Toulin for the School of Graduate Studies to obtain a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology before applying for the Faculty of Medicine. Regardless of academics, I plan to use this time completely, build a set of skills and explore other interests such as data and business analyzes.
We would like to praise Chis Patterson for his work as President of the University of Keviye at Louisiana University.
Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Chase Patterson and Xavier University of Louisiana.
