In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Spelman College and did an interview with Chandler Nutall the 2022-2023 Student Government Association president.
The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Nutall, who is majoring in English, is from Washington, D.C.. She is a proud Spring 2022 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Suggs Sr. (Instagram – @jeffsuggsphotographyllc)
We interviewed Chandler Nutall, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2022-2023.
Read the full interview below.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?
Serving as SGA President has taught me the importance of patience and perseverance. There are many various challenges that one will encounter in leadership positions. Still, your passion for the role must be strong enough to motivate you to continue to the best of your ability.
What made you decide to attend Spelman College for undergrad?
I ultimately chose Spelman for its community. During my senior year of high school, I attended Spelman’s program for newly admitted students called “Spelbound.” The program allowed me to draw connections between this institution, the type of person I am, and the person I aspire to be. My personality, passions, quirks, and interests all became apparent in the very makeup of this school. I realized that Spelman and its community would accept me as I am and help me evolve for the better.
How has Spelman College molded you into the person you are today?
Spelman has taught me to explore who I am intellectually, professionally, and personally. I have also discovered how to enter every space unapologetically and never fear new experiences or being stretched outside my comfort zone.
Photo Credit: Curtis McDowell Professional Photography
What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?
During my term, I have been passionate about increasing opportunities for Spelman alumnae and current students, especially graduating seniors, to engage so that students feel overwhelmingly connected to the Spelman Network. Spelman SGA hosted the inaugural “On the Road to Graduation: Senior and Alumnae Reception” a few months ago. I look forward to a similar program at the end of the spring semester.
How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Spelman SGA creates engaging social experiences that allow students to decompress, such as “Market Fridays,” which provide food, local vendors, and live entertainment at the end of every week. We have also produced and are planning week-long initiatives to teach students healthy stress management tactics and raise awareness of Spelman’s wellness services.
What does leadership mean to you?
Strong leadership is rooted in an understanding that you cannot do anything alone and are never the most intelligent person in the room. Leadership requires humility and inclusivity.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2022/2023?
The best representation of a school is its students and alumni. Thus, an excellent method for institutions to represent themselves digitally is to use their website and social media platforms to highlight the people it serves. Spelman College frequently celebrates the work of its students and alumnae in a way that beautifully demonstrates its values. This online tactic allows Spelman to represent its mission well.
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?
Watch the Yard allows HBCU students and alumni worldwide to bond over Black culture. In a world that seeks to see the Black community divided, platforms like Watch the Yard are critical for celebrating all Black institutions and the commonalities between the HBCU experience.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduating from Spelman, I will take a gap year before beginning a graduate program to pursue a career in grant management to become an Executive Director at a leading philanthropic organization.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Chandler Nutall for her work as the SGA president of Spelman College.
