Leadership Highlight

Leadership Highlight: Dorian Jordan the Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho at Valdosta State University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Lambda Beta Chapter at Valdosta State University and did an interview with Dorian Jordan the Basileus/president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 23-year-old Dorian has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Psychology major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?

Being a chapter president means that I understand my sisters will look at me for guidance and will trust me to make the right decisions that best benefit our chapter. It also means that I have to remain an unbiased and neutral party when it comes to business. I know that there are eyes always watching me and that I must carry myself in a manner as to not demean my organization, my chapter, or my sisters. It means that I have to make myself available to them for whatever they may need whether that is advice or just to be a listening ear. It also means that I have to take care of myself, otherwise I can’t help them. My duties to my chapter goes behind meetings and it is something I take very seriously.

What made you decide to attend the Valdosta State University for undergrad?

I’m from Tifton and I got my Associate’s degree at a junior college in Albany and decided that I wasn’t ready to venture too far from home yet. I came to Valdosta to give myself some time to be close to my family and grow as a person before making a huge leap off on my own.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?

My chapter is working on branching out and collaborating with more organizations on campus. We are really big on uniting campus outside of just D9. We are really trying to get initiatives started in elementary schools in our community to provide students with mentors and a positive outlet. Most importantly we are making sure that we continue to grow as a chapter and not remain stagnant. We want to continue to build our brand in a positive light.

What made you want to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho?

Like everybody, when I began looking into D9 organizations, I was told to do my research on each one. When reading up on Sigma Gamma Rho and talking to the ones on my campus, I realized that it fit me rather than trying to make myself fit into a box. I made the decision for myself to be a part of a sisterhood that was so different and broke the mold in every aspect.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

We come from small and humble beginnings. We are still very close with one of our charter members and it’s just amazing to have her in our corner at all times. When my line of 11 was brought in last fall, we were the longest line and first double-digit line in Lambda Beta’s 30 year history.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2018?

I think that everybody should just be mindful of everything that they post regardless of Greek organization. It’s hard, but we have to be mindful of the situations we put ourselves in because we not only represent ourselves, but our organizations as a whole. There is an image to be upheld at all times.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership does not mean that I get to stand around and tell everybody what to do. It means that I get in there with them and do the leg work and put in just as much, if not more time than everyone else. Being a good leader means that I listen to the wants and needs of my chapter and make sure that every voice and every idea is heard. When it comes down to the wire, I make sure that the decisions I make are what the chapter wants and what is best for them.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?

It highlights the accomplishments of Black Greeks and doesn’t just portray our probates. Joining a Greek organization is huge accomplishment, but so many Greeks go on to start businesses, become CEO’s of large companies, and create service opportunities in our communities. I love that fact that it highlights us first and our letters are just an added on extra bonus.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

When I think of sisterhood, I think of a bond that is everlasting. My relationship with my sisters will go beyond my undergraduate career. These girls are some of the best friends I’ve ever made and I appreciate them just for allowing me to be my true self. Being sisters means that I’m there for them and they’re for me, even if I am mad at them for texting back in the group chat.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I want to pursue my Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and later pursue Forensic Psychiatry.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Dorian for her work as the president of Lambda Beta Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 1988.