Leadership Highlight: Fayetteville State University Student Government President Johnae Walker

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Fayetteville State University and did an interview with Johnae Walker, 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. Johnae Walker, who is majoring in Organismal Biology, is from Charlotte, NC and is a proud Spring 2023 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta.

We interviewed Johnae Walker 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?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is how to delegate, trust my team, and always prioritize my health. I have always been extremely independent and do not like asking for help, but I had to realize that I cannot do everything on my own. Learning to delegate was not easy, but it taught me to share the workload and trust my team to help us reach our goals as an administration. Right now, I am juggling being SGA President, working a part-time internship, serving as Vice President of my chapter, keeping up with schoolwork, and applying to graduate school. I have always had strong time management skills, but this year has taught me the importance of prioritizing my health even when I become super busy. Leadership is a huge part of who I am, but I have come to understand that my physical and mental well-being must come first because I cannot lead effectively if I am not taking care of myself.

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

I decided to attend Fayetteville State University because of its family-oriented environment, affordability, opportunities for growth, and strong student engagement. FSU has truly become my home away from home, as everyone I have met has made me feel welcomed and supported. FSU’s affordability was a huge draw for me, as it offered a high-quality education at a cost that allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial strain. With FSU being a smaller institution, it was the perfect place to grow both professionally and academically. The powerful sense of student engagement was another key reason I chose FSU because it was clear that the faculty, staff, and administration were dedicated to keeping students involved and forming a positive community.

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

Fayetteville State University has shaped me in countless ways. The faculty, staff, and administration continuously bring out the best in me. They invest their time and knowledge to cultivate strong and influential student leaders. One of the most impactful experiences has been the Student Leadership Retreats, where we strengthen our programming, develop new skills, and engage in self-reflection. Coming into college, I was timid, introverted, and cautious. However, through the support and opportunities provided by FSU, I have grown to be an ambitious and adventurous student leader ready to take on new challenges and lead with confidence.

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?

I have been dedicated to creating initiatives that empower students, strengthen our community, and provide meaningful opportunities for growth and engagement. Tip Tuesdays is a segment on our SGA Instagram where we share quick, practical advice to help students navigate college life. I have also been working on civic engagement, helping organize marches to the polls to ensure students had both the opportunity and encouragement to vote during election season. In February 2025, we are launching the Bronco Business Challenge, an initiative aimed to encourage students to dress more professionally on campus. Our goal is to show how dressing the part can boost confidence and open doors for success, both in college and beyond. Also, I am teaming up with a faculty member to create an initiative targeted for upperclassmen. While there are plenty of programs for first-year students, we recognized that juniors and seniors need more support too. The initiative would ensure they continue to have the resources, guidance, and space to feel seen and supported as they work toward graduation. These initiatives are designed to help students grow, while also inspiring younger students in our community to follow their dreams. 

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

Our school really cares about students’ mental, emotional, and physical health. SGA is always sharing information about mental health resources and making sure students know where to go if they need help. We have a Counseling and Personal Development Center that offers a variety of services, and there is even a Bronco Whole Mind Spa where students can go to relax and recharge. SGA also partners with organizations within these departments to host events that help raise awareness and educate students about taking care of their well-being. College can be a lot to juggle, so we always make sure students know they can rely on their Bronco family for support whenever they need it.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me means being an advocate, empowering others, and building a legacy. It also means taking the initiative to create change and lead by example. My administration is called the Uplift Administration, inspired by my campaign centered on mentorship, leadership, and fellowship. With these pillars, I planned to build connections, promote leadership development, and guide students toward graduation. My focus has always been on creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow and succeed.

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

Schools should represent themselves online with fun and engaging content. One of the things that drew me to Fayetteville State was how active they were on social media. They were always making TikTok’s or going live to connect with prospective students. It made the school feel welcoming and exciting. Social media is a powerful tool to use for increasing enrollment, and schools should take full advantage of it to reach students in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it highlights black excellence and the impact of HBCUs. I have been following Watch The Yard since 2019, back when I was in high school. I always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, so I made it a priority to follow platforms that celebrate our excellence. Beyond highlighting student life, Watch The Yard also emphasizes Divine Nine organizations and their members who are making a difference in their fields and communities. As someone who loves HBCU culture, I appreciate the way Watch The Yard uplifts our community and preserves the legacy of black leadership, scholarship, and success.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I am pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology. I chose this path because I am passionate about increasing representation in public health and tackling chronic illnesses that impact underrepresented communities. My goal is to make a difference by educating the community, pushing for new research, and advocating for better health strategies that create lasting change.

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

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