Leadership Highlight: Tougaloo College’s Student Government President Sydnee Thompson

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Tougaloo College and did an interview with Sydnee Thompson, 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. Thompson, who is majoring in Economics; Pre-Law Minor, is from Edwards, Ms. She is a proud Fall 2024 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

We interviewed Sydnee Thompson 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?

As SGA President, the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that while I hold the title of president, it truly takes a village to make our tasks and goals a success. Growing up, I often navigated challenges independently, believing that I had to handle everything on my own. However, I have an administration that has shown me that leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself—it’s about building a strong, supportive community around you. I’ve learned to rely on my team, delegate responsibilities, and trust others to bring their strengths to the table, which has been an invaluable experience in both leadership and my personal growth.

What made you decide to attend Tougaloo College for undergrad?

I decided to attend Tougaloo College for my undergraduate studies because of the deep connection I’ve always had to the institution as the daughter of Tougaloo alumni. Growing up, I was constantly exposed to the culture of Tougaloo, whether it was through attending homecoming, alumni events, or the Founders Day picnic. I’ve always admired the tight-knit community that felt more like a family than just a college environment.

Additionally, my journey with Tougaloo began even before I was officially a student here. I graduated from the Jackson Public Schools (JPS) Tougaloo Early College High School program, where I had the unique opportunity to earn both my high school diploma and an associate’s degree. During that time, the staff and professors at Tougaloo were incredibly dedicated to my growth and success. They treated me with the same level of respect and care as any other college student, and they provided me with opportunities that helped shape my educational journey. More importantly, they showed a genuine interest in my overall life progression, regardless of whether I chose to continue at Tougaloo or pursue another path. Their support made me feel welcomed and encouraged, solidifying my decision to continue my education here.

How has Tougaloo College molded you into the person you are today?

For one, Tougaloo College has given me the chance to engage in social issues that are bigger than myself. Tougaloo has such a rich history of being involved in social justice and equality, and being a part of that legacy has been incredibly inspiring. It’s one thing to learn about social justice, but it’s another to be a part of the next generation of people pushing for those same values.

It’s also given me confidence, and I honestly believe that HBCUs like Tougaloo help develop more socially aware and enlightened individuals. When I think back to things like Wassup Wednesday, Convocations, Social justice week, and so much more, I realize how much they’ve shaped the way I see the world and how I want to carry myself in it.

Overall, I’ve become a well-spoken, well-dressed, accomplished Black woman, and I’m proud of that. I’ve learned to embrace my identity, stand up for what I believe in, and appreciate the value of an HBCU education. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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?

Civic engagement has been a key focus for my administration this year. We made it our mission to ensure that as many students as possible are aware of the power they hold within the democratic process. Far too often, people think their vote doesn’t matter, but when we come together as a collective force, we realize just how powerful our generation can be. As student leaders, we’ve made it a point to set the example and show our peers that their voices matter and their actions can drive change.

One major initiative we’ve worked on this fall was a Civic Engagement Summit, where we partnered with leaders from surrounding HBCUs, including Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State, Alcorn State, and Coahoma Community College. Together, we hosted a summit to discuss critical topics like voter disenfranchisement, voter mobilization, and the importance of education around these issues. This summit was not just an opportunity for learning but also for igniting action and encouraging students to be active participants in the political process.

We believe that through initiatives like this, we can inspire a more politically engaged and informed student body. By fostering a sense of civic responsibility on campus, we hope to create a ripple effect that extends beyond our school and into the surrounding community, encouraging positive change and greater involvement in the democratic process. This is just one of the many ways we plan to impact not only our university but also the broader community, showing that when students come together, we can make a real difference.

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

As an SGA administration, we’re really focused on making sure students’ mental health is a priority, and we start with something simple but powerful: being here for them. A lot of the time, students just need someone to listen, someone who’s approachable and personable. It’s easy for people in leadership positions to become distant or hard to reach, but I made a promise to myself that I would never be like that.

I’ve made it a point to stay accessible to students, whether it’s through regular office hours, open forums, or just casual conversations around campus. Sometimes, it’s not about solving all of their problems, but simply being someone they can talk to and feel heard by. In addition to that, we’re also working to connect students to the resources they need,In addition to being there for students, we also make sure they’re aware of the free counseling services available on campus, as well as the numerous events they host. We know that mental health can often be overlooked, so we work hard to spread the word about the resources that are already in place to support students while continuing to build a culture where it’s okay to ask for help.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me has never been about being the loudest or authoritative, but moreso being able to inspire others to tke action towards a common goal. Leadership is using your resources and sharpening others around you to make the best out of any situation. Leadership requires you to be firm on your morals, yet understanding and inclusive of other perspectives. To show true leadership is to show the purest form of selflessness.

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

First, schools need to make sure their online presence is engaging, dynamic, and easy to navigate. Students today expect information to be accessible quickly, so having an updated, user-friendly website and active social media platforms is key. I also believe that emerging technologies should be utilized. Things like virtual reality campus tours, live Q&A sessions, and using platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels would transform how people see schools all while demonstrating what life on campus really looks like.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it showcases Black excellence in a positive light, especially for HBCUs that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. By shining a spotlight on the accomplishments and experiences of Black students, alumni, and faculty, it creates a space where we can celebrate our culture and our contributions without the filter of mainstream media. It spreads positive awareness and helps us connect as a community, giving us a platform to uplift each other, share resources, and amplify our voices in ways that are empowering and meaningful. With uniting and empowering the Black college community, I think it plays a huge role in shaping how we’re represented and how we represent ourselves.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I will be attending law school and utilizing my corporate law experience to own and operate resorts and hotels named Queen’s Palace. I also intend to advocate for policy around the mass incarceration system and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.


We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Sydnee Thompson for her work as the SGA president of Tougaloo College.

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