Leadership Highlight: Southern University’s SGA President Carlos Martez Brister 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 Southern University and A&M College and did an interview with Carlos Martez Brister Jr. the 2022-2023 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Brister, who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering, is from Hammond, LA.

We interviewed Carlos Martez Brister Jr., and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2022-2023.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

As an SGA President, my experience thus far has shown me the unique abilities people have and how I can assist it successfully completing a task. I also mastered the ability to exemplify excellence on behalf of my peers when having imperative conversations with administration. Through this position, being true to yourself can lead to more success than trying to act like someone you’re not.

What made you decide to attend Southern University and A&M College for undergrad?

I was deeply rooted in the HBCU culture and I always knew I would attend one. At Southern University, our students are unyielding leaders, dynamic scholars, and exceptional citizens who define the next great generation of global leaders. During my tour of the campus, looked around and seen aspiring business men and women, government leaders, lawyers, educators, dancers, future physicians. At Southern, students are exploring their interests and passions and using their talents to leave their mark on the campus of Southern University, the nation, and worldwide. Our students make Southern University a lively, inspiring, and innovative place to be. This vibrant institution had to become my “home away from home.”

How has Southern University and A&M College molded you into the person you are today?

The true significance of academic success and student leadership is taught with trained and highly rated higher education professionals. A university that is rooted with Excellence, Pride & Tradition, you receive more than simply a degree, it goes beyond that. Each scholar gets a deeper sense of pride—not just for Southern but also for themselves. As a Mighty Jaguar student, you undoubtedly experience both highs and lows, but regardless of the weather, you will constantly work to become a better person. You can achieve anything that may be thrown at you in the world when you leave Southern University, solely because you have the skills and the emotional intelligence that they’ve instilled in you to do so.

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?

The Dynamic Administration’s main focus is Impact, Core, Innovation and Advocacy. We promoted more talent development events, which helped our students become prepared for the workforce. This provided students with the opportunity to participate in activities that would aid them in the post college stage throughout the academic year. This year, both the number of students participating in our events and the overall campus engagement increased by 54%. My administration has also carried out a ride share partnership with our local transit company, which is one of the many strategic partnerships we have planned to give the students of Southern University the best HBCU experience.

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

The student body and administration have become strong advocates for mental health due to COVID-19. The pandemic helped in shedding the light on this imperative matter, and we have grappled with conversations to strategize a plan that would be suitable for our entire campus community. Our SGA has partnered with outside entities to host programs related to stress release and roundtable discussions. The health center is always providing assistance in a timely fashion to ensure our students’ needs are met.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is a person who navigate or inspires others within a cohort of individuals or community to achieve a specific goal or objective. Life has multiple opportunities to press forward and take charge of a situation, or conversely, to shrink into the background. It also mean putting others first and ensure that your intent is to maximize their paths, tools and resources.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2022/2023?

In this day in age, it would behoove of us to get more technology and more online programs. PWIs are quickly advancing their areas and in order to retain our students and recruit them, it is imperative that we get “up-to-date” to ensure we send students out there ready to tackle the world’s current era.

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

Watch The Yard emphasizes the HBCU Culture, experiences, and accomplishments of Black students nationwide, Watch The Yard is significant to Black students and the collegiate society.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work for Fortune 500 company using my B.A. in Mechanical Engineering. I also have plans to get my MBA from Southern University.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Carlos Martez Brister Jr. for his work as the SGA president of Southern University and A&M College.

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