Leadership Highlight: Arizona State University’s Student Government President Seanika Mathis

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Arizona State University and did an interview with Seanika Mathis, 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. Mathis, who is majoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice Minor: Philosophy, is from Anchorage, Alaska and is a proud Spring 24′ initiate of Delta Sigma Theta.

We interviewed Seanika Mathis and talked to her about her 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 thing that I have learned as a student body president so far is the importance of networking. The world is so big and it can begin to feel intimidating when you don’t know what you don’t know. Building your network and connecting with people in various fields really helps to make the world feel smaller and more conquerable.

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

I decided to attend Arizona State University for undergrad because I was offered great scholarships to the university. Also, as an in-state student I had a great tuition rate as well. Other than that, there wasn’t much rhyme or rhythm to my choice of attending ASU. Since being here, however, I have grown greatly connect to my university considering all the opportunities available here.

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

Arizona State University has molded me into the person I am today through the limitless opportunities offered. There are so many opportunities available here and there is a culture at ASU to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I have done so many things in my time here at ASU that I would not have imagined myself to partake and succeed in. This includes being the first Black woman to be a student body president here at Arizona State University. Being at ASU has filled me with confidence in myself and everything I have to offer to the world.

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?

This year I have piloted an initiative called “Spring Community Projects” where students can apply for $2500 worth of funding for a project that will benefit the Downtown Phoenix community (our campus service area). This initiative has allowed our student government to provide students with funding for a project that will better our community. It allows students a way to find funding without needing to be attached to a club or organization. We are also planning a “Career + Fair” event that has elements of a career fair and an actual fair event. This year’s theme is “Alumni Connections” and it focuses on internship, post-grad, and networking opportunities for students.

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

Our student government is working on attending to the mental health through students by continuously providing students with resources pertaining to mental and sexual health. We also started a health and wellness cart initiative that we started this year. It is a cart that sits permanently outside of our office filled with snacks, waters, menstrual products, condoms, etc. all free for students at any time. We also hosted our annual safety walk around campus where we provided students with safety resources including whistles and blankets. We are also working on a safety walk 2.0 this semester where will will collaborate with greek life organizations for a larger impact.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means guiding others towards a common vision. In my leadership experience I’ve learned that it’s important to consider every perspective and ensure it is reflected in initiatives and conversations. Each perspective bring value and to be a successful leader it takes an open mind and an open heart.

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

In 2025 I think schools and universities need to get creative to represent themselves online in 2025. At Arizona State University we have a large online student population and it is important that they do not feel isolated or left out. To ensure this, we must keep the online community at the forefront of our minds and appreciate the perspective and value they add to our university. In Undergraduate Student Government Downtown at ASU we have gotten creative with our event marketing on social media through videos and livestreams. We also include online students in events and ship out incentives to online students to immerse themselves in into the event as best we can.

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 highlights the excellence of Black students around the world. Watch The Yard is inspiring and it offers positive insight in the Black community in a world that can oftentimes be chaotic.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I plan to attend law school. I am extremely passionate about social justice and I have been deeply inspired by the Innocence Project. I aspire to be a criminal defense attorney and help those who are in need of someone to

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

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Seanika Mathis and Arizona State University.