In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Towson University and did an interview with Jordan Colquitt the 2023-2024 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. Colquitt, who is majoring in Political Science, is from Riverdale, Maryland.
Photo Credit: @simishoots
We interviewed Jordan Colquitt, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.
Read the full interview below.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?
My journey as the SGA president has been marked by lessons in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. One of the most significant takeaways from my tenure is the transformative power of collaborative and inclusive leadership. Through initiatives such as expanding dining hall hours, creating support positions for first-generation and low-income students, and championing mental health awareness, I’ve learned that meaningful change requires not only vision and determination but also the ability to unite diverse voices and perspectives toward a common goal. Without engaging stakeholders whether it be students, faculty, staff, administrators, or other campus partners, I would not have been able to accomplish many of my goals. My experiences have reinforced the importance of leading by listening and community building to enact tangible improvements.
What made you decide to attend Towson University for undergrad?
Towson University stood out to me for its diverse community, pre-law opportunities, and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program. As a prospective student passionate about social justice and civic engagement, Towson’s record of student leadership and participation in shared governance spaces was particularly appealing. I was drawn to Towson’s inclusive environment where students are given real opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. Aside from engagement, The university’s dedication to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and practical skills necessary for success in law school and beyond solidified my decision to choose Towson for my undergraduate education. I sought the advice of a couple of alumni students and knew that TU was the right choice for me.
How has Towson University molded you into the person you are today?
Towson University has been instrumental in shaping me into the person that I am today. Through my involvement in student government, campus organizations, and community initiatives, Towson has provided me with invaluable opportunities to develop my skills and cultivate my passion for social justice and community. The university’s diverse and inclusive environment has exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, fostering cultural competence, and a deep appreciation for the value of diversity. Additionally, Towson’s rigorous academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities have equipped me with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical experience necessary to succeed in my endeavors and positively impact the world.
Photo Credit: @shotby.tobi
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?
The well-being and success of students should be the number one focus of any student government president. Eliminating barriers to success has been my focus during my term as treasurer and two terms as president of the Towson SGA. From expanding dining hall hours to creating scholarships for first-generation and low-income students, funding our laptop loaner program, and advocating for period product accessibility, each initiative has been guided by a commitment to provide access to opportunity. These initiatives improve the overall student experience and create a more inclusive and supportive environment that benefits the entire Towson community.
How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Our SGA administration has prioritized mental health, and we’ve implemented several initiatives to support students’ well-being. One of the main priorities of the SGA over the past two years has been advocating for student wellness days as excused absences and promoting campus safety measures. Our student senate passed a resolution to urge the university to adopt the wellness day model, and several members of the SGA have been working tirelessly to ensure the bill gets the faculty supported needed to be implemented. We have also led campus safety walks to address student concerns about campus safety and walkability. These walks led to the installation of two new lights on campus, in addition to over eighteen being repaired. By addressing the unique challenges and stressors that students face we aim to create a campus community where every student has the ability to thrive.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership is not just about holding a title or position of authority; it’s about giving others a seat at the table and opportunities to develop themselves. As the first African American to serve two terms as SGA president at Towson University, I’ve learned that leadership is about leading by example, listening to the community’s needs, and breaking barriers to success. It’s about empowering others, building coalitions, and working collaboratively toward shared goals.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?
In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever for schools to effectively represent themselves online and engage with students in virtual spaces. Higher education institutions will need to prioritize and invest in digital platforms for communication, outreach, and community building. I think it is also equally important for schools to invest in research and opportunities to enhance the security of online information and digital infrastructure. From maintaining updated websites and active social media channels to offering research opportunities, schools need to embrace technology to adjust to our digital age. As the SGA President, I recognized this need and digitized our entire internal expense and application process to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?
By telling Black stories, Watch the Yard inspires and empowers future generations to pursue their dreams and positively impact their communities. In a society where Black voices are often marginalized or misrepresented, Watch The Yard is a staple of representation and pride and fosters a much-needed sense of belonging and solidarity among Black students and college culture.
Photo Credit: @flicksfromchii
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, I will be commissioned into the New Jersey National Guard as a second lieutenant in the signal corps through the Army ROTC program. Additionally, I will be taking a gap year before law school, during which I will work in the eviction prevention department at Community Legal Services, a pro bono law firm. My experiences as SGA president and my commitment to public service have inspired me to pursue a career in public interest law, where I hope to continue advocating for justice and equity in underserved communities. Ultimately, I aspire to use my legal education and leadership skills to address pressing social issues, promote systemic change, and enhance the quality of life for marginalized communities.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jordan Colquitt for his work as the SGA president of Towson University.
