Deltas

Leadership Highlight: Tikeya McQuillan the President of Delta Sigma Theta at High Point University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Upsilon Alpha Chapter at High Point University and did an interview with Tikeya McQuillan the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 21-year-old Tikeya McQuillan has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Mathematics major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership position on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?
Being a chapter president comes with great responsibility. It is my responsibility to take my chapter to the next level and make sure that everyone in my chapter is living up to the standards of being a Delta Woman!

What made you decide to attend High Point University for undergrad?
Honestly…the campus. That’s it.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?
We are going to start mentoring young girls around the city of High Point. We want to show these girls that, despite where they come from, they can be successful. This will be a great community program, as it will get young girls involved and out of the house. No more just sitting around on your phone.

What made you want to pledge Delta Sigma Theta?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. stood for everything that I already stood for! Community Service is huge in my life, as well as giving back to the black community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. accepts my faith, beliefs, and values! Both I and the organization complimented each other.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
We are an NPHC chapter on one of the most highly rated PWI’s. We face a LOT of adversity on our campus, but we still keep pushing for change.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?
Undergraduate chapters need to develop a strong Instagram and Twitter presence. These are the two main social media platforms of our generation. Starting with developing your presence within your campus and then spreading out to the community would be a huge benefit to your chapter overall.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is the greatest responsibility of them all. You have people depending on you to lead them in the right direction towards success. There’s no time for being unfocused when you’re the leader. You must be focused at all times and ready to take on whatever comes your way. They are depending on you.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
Watch The Yard brings everyone together! No matter the org, the school, the age, everyone can celebrate each other! That’s what the NPHC is all about. Yes, there may be some historical separations; but, Greek Unity is beautiful and Watch The Yard is making that happen.

What does sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood! The core of it all. Sisterhood is such a strong bond. It is a bond that NO ONE can break in any situation. We may not get along with all of our sisters. But, when the time comes where they need us, Sisterhood always overpowers everything else. Having that support system behind you 24/7 is something that is truly incomparable.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation I will be teaching High School Math, while going back to school to get my MBA. I will also be further developing my various businesses that I already have.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Tikeya McQuillan for her work as the president of Upsilon Alpha Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 2006.