Leadership Highlight: Alabama State University’s SGA President David Whitlow

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate universities  across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Alabama State University and did an interview with David Whitlow the Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president of a is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Whitlow, who is majoring in English, is a current senior and a 2018 initiate of Omega Psi Phi.

We interviewed Whitlow, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2020.

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 is to value your work, value your time and always take care of those who helped you get to where you are now!

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

Alabama State chose me. I actually had no intentions whatsoever on attending college. I enrolled in Alabama State two weeks before classes started because it’s in my hometown and the rest was history.

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

It has nurtured me tremendously. ASU has taught me how to work diligently, resiliently, & to never give up on my dreams. I’ve been able to master the art of networking and connections. Never being afraid to speak up and always being a servant leaders is what ASU has taught me.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

We’ve tried extremely hard to develop a relationship with our community, as well as our local leaders. We’ve branched outside of the norm to try to provide opportunities to students that they normally wouldn’t come across. I think our biggest win of the year is enhancing communication. A lot of the time, ASU has so much to offer but no one ever knows what’s going on. We took it upon ourselves to make sure students knew everything that was happening.

How is your school currently responding to the coronavirus and what is your SGA administration doing to help students?

I think they are responding the best way that they can. Everything is happening so fast, therefore we have to thoroughly examine everything before making a sudden decision. Alumni has stepped up tremendously to help students in need. Our job is to connect the two.

How is the coronavirus affecting SGA elections for next year? 

It has affected campaign season tremendously. Not being able to campaign face to face is pretty heartbreaking. Not being able to look forward to pageants and debates hurts a lot! However, we will be conducting virtual elections.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means to me, being the change that you’d want to see. Being a servant leader, and leading by example. Blazing a trail that is hard to follow but is rewarding for those who do.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2020?

I think schools should offer every program online. Market themselves everywhere and look to make a lasting impact on students without them actually having to come to campus.

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

It has an enormous platform that reaches black students all over the world. Always posting positive content. That’s what people need to see! I’m extremely appreciative of the work that they’ve done!

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on attending graduate school at Alabama, Auburn, LSU or Clemson studying Kinesiology

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Whitlow for his work as the SGA president of Alabama State University.

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