Leadership Highlight: Jenay Jones The SGA President of Central State University

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate universities  across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Central State University and did an interview with Jenay Jones 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. Jenay Jones, who is majoring in Communications Broadcast Media, is a current senior.

We interviewed Jones, and talked to her about her 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 learn in my position is that just because someone works in higher education does not mean they have the passion for it. I say this because as a student leader I have witnessed a lot of unhealthy things going on with my university that were not beneficial to the student body it more so hurts the student body.

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

I decided to attend Central State University because of my uncle Julius Kelly. He’s a graduate of the 2010 class. When I first attended the university with him I got a family vibe, everyone was so down to earth and openly nice to meeting new people. Students were able to enjoy campus life and enjoy their yard.

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

Central State University had molded me to think strategically and be resilient, with the challenges us students face everyday with our administration it forces us to never give up and fight for whats right.

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

Some initiative that I have presented would have helped improve the school unity. My goal was to bridge the gap between the student body and administration but it would have only worked if our administration was open and was willing to take the students into consideration.

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

My school responded to the coronavirus based off of their decisions, they did not include SGA in anything even when I tried to get answers I received no responses.

How is the coronavirus affecting SGA elections for next year? 

Since the administration won’t communicate with SGA we don’t have any direction on how we can move forward they told me that everything is cancelled and left it at that.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me means, someone who is honest, dependable, inspiring, intelligent, and has courage. A leader is someone who will stand up for what is right and fight against what is wrong.

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

Schools need to be sure that every student is able to be moved to digital. Meaning schools should provide laptops to students who are in need, also provided internet because of the pandemic. Schools have to understand that not everyone has the resources hence why students utilize libraries, computer labs, and school wifi.

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

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it gives students an inside look of the different HBCU institutions we have around the world. It also educates our black community.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I plan to return to Cincinnati and work to gain some income, after that I plan to attend grad school to receive my master’s in higher education.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jones for her work as the SGA president of Central State University.

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