Leadership Highlight: Hampton University’s Student Government President Shavonne Hines-Foster

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Hampton University and did an interview with Shavonne Hines-Foster, 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. Shavonne, who is majoring in Political Science Major on the Pre Law Track, is from San Francisco, California.

We interviewed Shavonne 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?

Be Grounded. This is the most important thing I have learned. SGA can sometimes get very political so for me it is important that you remained grounded. Opinions can often play a huge role in how we view our leadership. Being grounded allows us to be in confident in whatever impact you make big or small.

What made you decide to attend Hampton University for undergrad?

Hampton University holds a piece of rich history with legendary locations like our Emancipation Oak and University Museum. Aside from this, our campus has breathtaking views like our campus Waterfront. Hampton also emphasizes academic excellence which holds true within our scholastic achievements.

How has Hampton University molded you into the person you are today?

Hampton has molded me into the person I am today by pushing its students to go above and beyond. Hampton holds a long legacy of leadership and cultivating excellence amongst its students.

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?

Our main goal has been to humanize SGA. The 79th Administrations priority is to serve as an advocate between the student body and administration. Our priorities this year also include bringing transparency, equity, and liveliness to our campus. This is done through targeted initiatives and engagement on social and through campus programming.

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

Our university continues to invest into our students well being. Hampton has She Care: Wellness Pods provided by Taraji P. Henson’s non profit as well as our Hampton University Counseling Department. Our administration continues to provide programming for students to attend like “Wellness Weekend” with yoga, Zumba, and guided journaling. We also continue to advocate for mental health days in our university calendar.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means analyzing what’s wrong to stand up to make change for what’s right.

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

I would say listen to students. With majority of campuses having student from Generation Z, student will play a key role in providing feedback on the best ways to represent themselves online.

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

Watch The Yard serves as a hub for the Black collegiate community. From politics, Greek life, and history, Watch the Yard covers our stories.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in social policy, public affairs, or administration. Upon obtaining my Master’s, I hope to work in the non-profit or public sector, pursuing a job focusing on community engagement and advocacy.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Shavonne Hines-Foster for her work as the SGA President of Hampton University.

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Photo Credits: @twinny.twin.cam @ayannaf1lms_ @pgscvll @honeyrosesmithh