Leadership Highlight: North Carolina A&T’s Student Government President Kylie Rice

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to North Carolina A&T State University and did an interview with Kylie Rice, the 2024-2025 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role, and there is a special pride in being elected by peers to lead. Kylie Rice, who is majoring in Honors Political Science, minor in Public Relations, is from Roswell, GA and is a proud Spring 2022 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

We interviewed Kylie Rice and talked to her about her position, goals, future, and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2024-2025.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

The biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is the importance of your community. While titles and positions hold significance, what truly matters most are the people you serve alongside and the impact you create together. Strong individuals are needed to start movements, but real change happens with collective action and numbers. 

What made you decide to attend North Carolina A&T State University for undergrad?

I initially chose to attend NCA&T because I was blessed with a full-ride as a prestigious Lewis & Elizabeth Dowdy Scholar. However, what truly solidified my decision was learning about the A&T Four and their impact on the civil rights movement. As someone passionate about civil rights, following in the footsteps of such trailblazers was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Standing on the shoulders of giants and carrying forward their legacy of change is a privilege I deeply cherish. While financial support brought me to A&T, its rich history is what made me fall in love.

How has North Carolina A&T State University molded you into the person you are today?

North Carolina A&T has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the leader—and, more importantly, the individual—I am today. It has challenged me to embrace adversity, set ambitious goals, and persevere through obstacles. Through opportunities such as being initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during my freshman year, serving in student government throughout my four years, and securing internships through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, A&T has provided me with platforms to lead, inspire, and serve. Whether through traditional leadership roles, like SGA, honoring legacy through presiding over the laying of the wreath ceremony, or engaging in campus organizing, A&T has continuously empowered me to make an impact.

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?

More importantly than initiatives, my administration, the Change Administration, is fostering a space of collaboration and inclusion. We want to create a campus culture where all students feel welcomed and valued while highlighting their responsibilities both civically and socially. This year, A&T has tackled the election cycle head-on by promoting civic engagement, voter registration, and political education — skills necessary to advance our position in society. We also prioritized highlighting an entrepreneurial spirit to promote financial freedom by creating opportunities for engagement to grow student businesses. As student leaders, we strive to set an example and advocate alongside the rest of the Aggies to bring about the change we want to see.

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Besides the mental health days built into our academic calendar, NCA&T is working to add an excused absence for mental health, recognizing students’ challenges and the importance of well-being. Our goal is to ensure students can take a personal day when needed—without stigma or penalty. We also offer resources like SafeZone for campus safety and mental health support and Togetherall, a peer-support platform for connection and guidance. NCA&T remains committed to prioritizing mental health and fostering a supportive campus culture.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is not defined by a title—it is demonstrated through actions and behavior. True leadership goes beyond holding a position; it requires actively driving change from every angle. You can lead from the front by setting the vision, from the back by empowering others, or from the side by offering support and collaboration. At its core, leadership is about strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and, most importantly, listening. A great leader understands the needs of others, amplifies voices that are often unheard, and advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Leadership is not about authority but about impact, service, and inspiring others to create change together.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025?

As social media continues to grow and content creation becomes more influential, universities must adapt to the digital era by supporting student creators and authentically showcasing campus life. Digital storytelling and social media shape public perception, with current and prospective students at the center. Schools should invest in strategies that amplify student voices online and collaborate with those pursuing content creation. By leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, universities can effectively highlight campus culture, academics, and community impact, reaching audiences in a more engaging and relatable way.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch The Yard is a vital platform for celebrating and amplifying student success, particularly within the HBCU community. As HBCU students and African Americans, we are often overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream media, making it even more important to have spaces that genuinely reflect our excellence, leadership, and achievements. Watch The Yard showcases the accomplishments of HBCU students but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within our community. By providing a national platform, it ensures that the hard work, innovation, and resilience of HBCU students are recognized and celebrated on a broader scale. I appreciate Watch The Yard’s commitment to uplifting our voices and shining a well-deserved spotlight on our positive impact.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I will be working full time at Cisco Systems in their Atlanta, GA office.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kylie Rice for her work as the SGA president of North Carolina A&T State University.

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