Leadership Highlight: University of Chicago’s Student Government President Elijah Jenkins

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the University of Chicago and did an interview with Elijah Jenkins, 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. Elijah Jenkins, who is a joint degree student (BA with a double major in Law, Letters, and Society & Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity Double and an MA in International Relations), is from Chandler, Arizona. Jenkins is a proud Fall’23 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We interviewed Jenkins 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?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as SGA president is that leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about listening, learning, and constantly adapting. This role has shown me how complex leadership really is. Whether it’s working with administrators, handling student concerns, or trying to advocate for resources, I’ve realized that nothing moves forward without collaboration and persistence. You’re constantly juggling priorities and making decisions that impact an entire campus, which is both an immense responsibility and an incredible opportunity. Every day, there’s a new challenge that stretches me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’ve grown so much because of it.

I’ve also come to understand that leadership can be isolating at times. People often see the results but don’t always notice the late nights or tough conversations that happen behind the scenes. Balancing the expectations of the student body with the realities of what’s possible has taught me patience and resilience. It’s not always easy, but moments when students tell me they feel heard or when an initiative I championed finally gets implemented make it all worth it. Being SGA president has shown me that true leadership is about service—working for others, even when it’s hard, and finding ways to leave things better than you found them.

What made you decide to attend the University of Chicago for undergrad?

Choosing UChicago was a deeply personal decision for me. I wanted to attend an elite institution that would challenge me academically and provide the resources to help me grow as a thinker and leader. UChicago’s reputation for intellectual rigor and its focus on questioning assumptions aligned perfectly with the kind of environment I wanted to be in. But beyond academics, I was drawn to its location. Growing up, I attended a predominantly white Catholic school, and I knew how isolating it could feel to be in spaces where diversity isn’t celebrated or reflected. UChicago offered something different—a campus in the heart of Chicago with a vibrant Black community surrounding it. That combination of opportunity and culture was hard to find at other PWIs.

Being at UChicago has been a gift because it allows me to engage with people and ideas that constantly challenge me while staying connected to a community that understands the experiences I bring with me. It’s was an institution that could prepare me for the future without forcing me to leave behind the parts of my identity that make me who I am. UChicago has done that and more.

How has The University of Chicago molded you into the person you are today?

UChicago has been a place of transformation for me. It’s pushed me to think critically not just about what I’m learning but about how I apply that knowledge to the world around me. The university’s culture of relentless questioning has taught me that it’s okay not to have all the answers—as long as you’re willing to dig deeper and keep asking the hard questions. That mindset has been crucial in shaping how I approach advocacy and leadership, especially as someone who wants to create lasting change.

What’s made the biggest impact, though, is the community I’ve found here. Being surrounded by peers and mentors who are just as passionate about making a difference has been inspiring. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow students on initiatives or working with faculty who challenge me to think beyond the obvious, UChicago has shown me the power of collective effort. It’s a place that has refined my sense of purpose and taught me to embrace the complexities of the world without losing sight of what matters most, making it better for everyone.

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?

One initiative I’m incredibly proud of is launching Igbo language courses at UChicago. This wasn’t just about adding a class, it was about representation for countless Nigerian students on my campus who were eager for cultural connections that didn’t previously exist here. The process involved a lot of advocacy—working with administrators, making the case for why this was necessary, and rallying support from students who felt the same way. Now, seeing those courses being offered and knowing they’re helping students connect with their heritage or learn something new is a reminder of what’s possible when you fight for what you believe in.

Another initiative I’m excited about is the creation of Greek Life Liaisons within student government. Greek life at UChicago operates differently from other schools because it’s not officially recognized by the administration, which means it often lacks representation in key conversations. This role bridges that gap, ensuring that our voices are heard and that our contributions to campus life aren’t overlooked.

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

Winter quarter at UChicago can be particularly challenging due to the cold weather, shorter days, and academic pressures. To support students during this difficult time, we’re distributing care bags to provide small comforts and resources that encourage self-care. Additionally, we’re working on long-term solutions by collaborating with the administration to create more third spaces on campus—welcoming environments where students can relax, connect, and recharge away from academic and residential stressors.

What does leadership mean to you?

For me, leadership is about service and accountability. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room but about creating space for others to speak and ensuring their voices are heard. I’ve learned that leadership is as much about listening as it is about taking action. It’s about building trust with the people you’re leading and showing them through your actions that you’re there for them, not for yourself. True leadership means being willing to do the hard, often unseen work that keeps everything running smoothly.

At its core, leadership is about empowering others. It’s not about holding power but about sharing it—lifting people up and helping them realize their own potential. That’s something I try to practice every day, whether it’s in my fraternity, student government, or any other space I’m in. Leadership, to me, is about leaving things better than you found them and inspiring others to do the same.

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

In 2025, schools need to use their online platforms to take a clear and vocal stand for their values. Marginalized communities, particularly Black students, often face attacks questioning their place at elite institutions, while schools remain silent. This silence sends the wrong message—it can feel like an acceptance of those harmful narratives. Instead, institutions need to make it clear that every student, regardless of their background, belongs and is valued.

It’s not just about responding when issues arise. Schools should actively celebrate and amplify the voices and achievements of all underrepresented communities, showing that they’re not just tolerated but essential to campus life. Marginalized students need to see that their institution is committed to creating a culture of belonging, and prospective students need to know they’ll be supported. By being proactive and unapologetically standing for equity and inclusion online, schools can show they’re not just institutions of learning—they’re communities that care deeply about all their members.

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

Watch The Yard is vital because it celebrates the richness of Black college life in a way that no other platform does. It highlights our achievements, traditions, and culture, showing the world the vibrancy and diversity of Black student experiences. For Black students, especially at PWIs, it’s a reminder that we are part of something bigger—a legacy of excellence, resilience, and community that transcends individual campuses.

It’s also a space where our stories are told authentically, without being filtered through the lens of institutions that might not fully understand our experiences. Watch The Yard gives us a platform to celebrate who we are, connect with one another, and inspire future generations. In a world where our voices are often marginalized, platforms like this are not just important; they’re necessary.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to enter the field of international affairs and eventually become a diplomat. As of now, only about 5.4% of diplomats are Black, so I see this as an opportunity to contribute a unique perspective to global conversations and policy. My goal is to advocate for marginalized communities, promote equity, and foster international collaboration, drawing on my background and experiences to make a meaningful impact in diplomacy.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Elijah Jenkins for his work as the SGA president of the University of Chicago.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Elijah Jenkins and the University of Chicago.