Colleges

Leadership Highlight: Norfolk State University’s SGA President Linei Woodson

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Norfolk State University and did an interview with Linei Woodson 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. Woodson, who is majoring in [MAJOR], is a current senior and a 2019 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta.

We interviewed Woodson, 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 have learned at being the Student Government Association President was the power of advocacy and how it has such an impact. I have learned the value of time management , patience, and also trusting the process. Being the SGA President has tremendously contributed to my professional development growth. I learned the value of teamwork and I could not do this without thanking my Family Affair Administration for riding with me during this entire journey !

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

Honestly, college was never really in my mind until I had a lifestyle change at age 16. My mother came in and changed my mindset, strengthen my values, and literally changed my entire world. She encouraged me to run track at Potomac Senior my junior year where I excelled and was named the most valuable athlete my Senior year . It was the recruitment from Coach Giles at Norfolk State and the offer to be apart of the Track & Field / Cross Country Program which led me to my journey to the Prestigious Norfolk State.

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

Norfolk State has taught me a lot in the past 4 years. Norfolk State has taught me the value of networking and the value of self growth. At Norfolk State I learned how to be more comfortable in my own skin, it is a place that accepted me and molded me to be the best version of myself. They believed in my talents and assets that I didn’t realize as a freshman, they seen the future in me. Four years later , I can say returned the favor by securing my presidency and bringing back a MEAC Championship all in my senior year!

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

During my presidency, the SGA’s goal was to increase the inclusion of the University and we did just that. This year we have successfully facilitated a Student ONLY General Assembly to ensure all students have the opportunity to freely voice their concerns. A major initiative during the Family Affair Reign was focusing on HBCU and PWI stigmas in the community. We partnered up with Old Dominion University SGA to address it the issues. We look forward to future partnerships and relationships between them and the communities.

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

Norfolk State University has been working expeditiously during the COVID-19 pandemic. SGA and Senior Administration have been working cohesively to ensure that the students needs are met and that their success will always be our biggest priority.

How is the coronavirus affecting SGA elections for next year?

COVID-19 has affected the Student Government Association Elections by postponing them until the Fall 2020 semester.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership can be defined by the ability to lead people and with that you must show that you are capable to lead. Leadership isn’t always about leading but it involves following people, by being humble and never forgetting where you came from. Everyone can learn and teach the next person. A true leader brings the heart out in the person they help, in hope that person will want to encourage and assist the next – like a pay it forward chain reaction.

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 utilize social media to its maximum potential for reasons such ad rebranding and recruiting. Social media is the next thing especially given the current circumstances, schools should look forward to expanding to digital resources.

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

I think Watch The Yard is important not only to black students and college culture but its also important to remind students of who they are and show them that you can be black and successful.