Leadership Highlight: Virginia Union University’s Student Government President Rodney Manning 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 Virginia Union University and did an interview with Rodney Manning Jr, 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. Rodney Manning Jr, who is majoring in Finance and Banking, is from Glenn Dale, Maryland and is a proud Spring 24′ initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi.

We interviewed Rodney Manning Jr and talked to him about his 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?

As SGA President, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the significance of prioritizing personal time and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Balancing the demands of leadership while setting myself up for life after graduation has been a key focus. It’s important to not only be effective in my current role but also to ensure I’m building the skills, network, and experiences that will help me succeed in my career after college. Setting aside time for personal growth, internships, and professional development while managing leadership responsibilities has allowed me to prepare for the future without losing sight of my present commitments. This balance ensures I’m not only leading effectively today but also positioning myself for success beyond graduation.

What made you decide to attend Virginia Union University for undergrad?

I was an athlete throughout high school, playing football, and received several scholarship offers at the end of my junior year. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the NCAA granted current college athletes an additional year of eligibility, which led many of the universities that had offered me scholarships to retract them. Despite this, Virginia Union University recruited me during my senior year and provided me with an incredible opportunity. I am truly grateful for the opportunity they gave me, as it allowed me to further my academics and continue developing into a young man.

How has Virginia Union University molded you into the person you are today?

Attending Virginia Union University was one of the best decisions of my life for many reasons. The institution prides itself on providing opportunities for all students, and I have been fortunate to take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Up until my 20th birthday, I identified solely as an athlete and didn’t engage in many other aspects of college life. Sports were my entire world, and I had little interest in exploring anything beyond that. However, as life began to present challenges and the goals I had set as a high school senior started to feel more distant, I found myself in a difficult place during my sophomore year. I was struggling with direction and battling feelings of depression.

In an effort to find a sense of purpose, I began attending the university’s chapel services, which encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. This led me to discover new passions, such as investing, thanks in large part to my sophomore-year investing professor. I also developed a desire to give back to those who came after me. This newfound perspective prompted me to join the greatest fraternity in the world, become involved in student leadership, and earn a place in a business honor society. More importantly, I embraced the role of a mentor, or as the younger students jokingly call me, “Unc,” striving to guide and support the next generation.

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 main initiative that my administration and I have been committed to is creating a more intimate and accessible communication style, allowing students to voice their thoughts and concerns. We have hosted roundtables, class meetings, and town halls throughout the school year to encourage more students to actively use their voices. Our goal is to create a platform that fosters open dialogue and helps drive positive change across the campus community.

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

Mental health is a priority that both my administration and the university take very seriously. Throughout the school year, my administration has worked closely with the university’s Health and Wellness Department to host and conduct multiple events aimed at raising awareness and providing support for mental well-being. These initiatives are part of our ongoing effort to create a campus environment where students equipped to prioritize their mental health.

What does leadership mean to you?

My definition of leadership is the act of showing up and demonstrating unwavering faith and confidence in yourself no matter the circumstance or situation. The ability to take the heat and stand in the fire when things go wrong, and the ability to uplift others and highlight your team and when things go right.

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

I believe that schools should consider adding more students to their marketing and communications teams. Students are the ones who truly understand the current trends, perspectives, and needs of their generation, so incorporating them into the process would ensure a more authentic and relevant representation of the school. By involving students more directly, institutions can foster innovative ideas and strategies that resonate with the campus community and the broader public, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of their messaging.

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

Watch The Yard is incredibly important to Black students and college culture because it provides a platform that celebrates the rich history, accomplishments, and unique experiences of Black students on campuses nationwide. It highlights the cultural significance of Black fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations that play a pivotal role in fostering community, leadership, and empowerment. Beyond just showcasing student life, Watch The Yard serves as a space for amplifying voices, preserving traditions, and connecting students with their heritage. For Black students, it’s a source of pride, visibility, and unity, and it contributes to a broader understanding of the contributions and impact of Black excellence within higher education.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on securing a great job in the banking industry and relocating to one of a few potential cities: Northern Virginia, back home to Maryland, Charlotte, North Carolina, or Dallas, Texas. As I continue to grow professionally, I’m also actively pursuing stock investing and plan to expand into day trading. My goal is to refine my skills in day trading, and once I reach a level of proficiency, transition it into my full-time occupation. This dual approach will allow me to build a solid foundation in the banking sector while also creating opportunities for financial independence through trading. Additionally, down the road, I’m considering a potential career in politics to give back to my community and help drive positive change.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Rodney Manning Jr for his work as the SGA president of Virginia Union University.

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