Leadership Highlight: Northwestern State University’s Student Government President Terrell Woodard, Jr.

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Northwestern State University and did an interview with Terrell Woodard, Jr., 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. Terrell Woodard, Jr., who is majoring in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences, is from Carencro, Louisiana and is a proud Fall 2023 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We interviewed Terrell Woodard, Jr. and talked to him about his 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, so far, I have learned that there is an extreme importance in effective communication and collaboration. The only way for someone to be effective in this position is to be as communicative as possible. That manifests itself in so many ways, but as Student Body President, I always make sure to keep my cabinet, advisors, and senate as informed as possible about anything that might be coming down the pipeline. In that same regard, I also make sure that we are running an SGA that is as transparent as possible. The Student Body has every right to know about the things that might be affecting them, so I do my best to have an open-door policy about anything that’s happening in SGA. I’ve also learned how to lean on those around me for support and guidance through the day-to-day happenings in SGA. I have to take all perspectives into account in order to make the most informed decisions possible. Doing this has molded me into a leader who is able to work effectively with a diverse group of people in order to get the task at hand completed. 

What made you decide to attend Northwestern State University for undergrad?

Seeing as though my sister attended and graduated from NSU before me, I had always been exposed to it to a certain extent, but it wasn’t until I decided to look into the university myself that I realized that this was the place for me. When searching for my home for the next few years, I knew that I wanted to attend a university that made me feel like I was more than a number. After attending one of Northwestern State’s recruiting events, I soon realized that this was the place that I needed to be at. There was a strong emphasis on a family-like atmosphere and the transition from high school to college was smooth. I have always felt valued and heard at this university and I am forever grateful for that. From the faculty and staff to the professors, I can say wholeheartedly that Northwestern State University has my best interest in mind!

How has Northwestern State University molded you into the person you are today?

To say that Northwestern State University has molded me into a fully realized version of myself would be an understatement. From my early involvement as an orientation leader to being Student Body President, the faculty, staff, and students at Northwestern State have always had a keen interest in developing me into a better leader day in and day out. I credit most of the opportunities that I have received as an undergraduate student to that of Northwestern State and I know that I am the person I am today due to the attention to detail that NSU has seemed to have over my trajectory as a leader. 

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?

Alongside my Vice President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorportated Member Hannah Davis, we focused on four pillars for our initiatives. Student Technology, Campus Engagement, Transparency, and Campus Safety. In all these areas, we have consistently met with school officials to advocate for the betterment of the student experience here at Northwestern State. We have also worked closely with campus administration and departments on campus to advocate for a restructuring of our Student Fees. The last time that this has been done was in 2015 and with the current prices of most things, it left a lot of programs to be underfunded. We worked alongside campus officials to ensure that the restructuring would be something that would benefit those departments in need and would also be fair to the students. 

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

In alignment with the previous Willis/Cooksey administration, the phone number to the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline is printed on the back of all University ID Cards. We also partner with various groups on and off campus to host events where we bring in trained speakers to address the needs of the students at NSU by speaking on various topics that surround Mental Health. As an SGA and university, we have always made a strong effort to listen to the concerns of Students and bring in the correct resources to help in addressing those needs!

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means stepping up to serve those in need with or without a title. There are times that will come that will cause you to have to step up regardless of your affiliation to an organization. Always being ready and willing to serve your campus/community is a sign that someone is a true leader. A leader is also humble enough to be able to lead even if it means that they are not the face of the movement that they are a part of. There are people who, unfortunately, only lead for recognition. Being willing to be a part of something without being recognized for it is also a sign of a true leader. 

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

In this digital day and age, I believe that it is of the upmost importance for colleges and universities to truly brand themselves on social media to the best of their ability. Their social media should be a great reflection of those who attend the institution, the overall atmosphere of the school, and well as key programs/services they offer. Now more than ever, these schools can outreach to bigger demographics of prospective students. By simply using social media, colleges/universities have a tool to increase their enrollment numbers by leaps and bounds. It is extremely important to take advantage of this and make sure that the university is represented in the best light!

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

I think that Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it’s a positive space that celebrates the successes of Black students and the Black community at large. In a world of negativity, Watch The Yard is a beacon of hope for Black students to know that there will always be an outlet that reports on the “wins” of our community instead of focusing on our losses. Watch The Yard has become a staple in not only the Black Greek community, but the Black community and I am so happy that a platform with such a positive message is continuing to get the recognition that it so rightfully deserves. 

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Pursuing a career in Pharmaceutical Sales while obtaining a Master’s and Doctorate in Pharmacology

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Terrell Woodard, Jr. for his work as the SGA president of Northwestern State University.

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