Leadership Highlight: Howard University  Student Government President Jay Jones

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Howard University  and did an interview with Jay Jones, 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. Jay Jones, who is majoring in Political Science, is from Greensboro, North Carolina .

We interviewed Jay Jones 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 lesson I’ve learned as student body president at Howard University is the importance of meeting people where they are. In this role, I’ve come to understand that effective leadership requires empathy, adaptability, and the ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. As the main student representative, my responsibility goes beyond just advocating for students; it’s about ensuring that every student has equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This means listening to their concerns, understanding their unique challenges, and creating solutions that are inclusive and accessible.

In addition to providing resources, my role involves bridging the gap between students, faculty, and administration. Whether it’s addressing concerns, facilitating communication, or fostering an environment where students feel heard and valued, my goal is to create a more cohesive and supportive campus community. By meeting students where they are—whether that’s through one-on-one conversations, hosting events, or using digital platforms—I strive to ensure that their voices are represented, and their needs are met. This lesson of inclusivity and connection has profoundly shaped my approach to leadership, reinforcing the importance of being adaptable, compassionate, and proactive in serving the needs of all students.

What made you decide to attend Howard University for undergrad?

I have always dreamed of attending Howard University since I was a young child. I vividly remember my 5th-grade trip to Washington, D.C., when I had the chance to drive by Howard’s campus. Even then, I felt an unexplainable connection to the school, despite not having stepped foot on it yet. In 8th grade, during college days, my teacher asked, “Where do you want to go to college?” and without hesitation, I said, “I want to go to Howard because I want to change the world.”

However, after moving to Texas for financial reasons, it seemed like Howard was out of reach. By the time my senior year rolled around, the bright-eyed child who dreamed of changing the world was overshadowed by the harsh realities of self-doubt. Despite this, I had already applied to several schools, including the University of North Texas, where I received housing, financial aid, and a roommate assignment. But my mom and aunt encouraged me to be audacious and dare to dream again. With a heart full of hope, I prayed, saying, “God, if I get accepted into Howard University, you must have something special planned for me.”

Never in a million years could I have imagined the incredible path God had in store for me at Howard University.


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

Howard University has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the leader I am today by providing me with the space to become the person I always wanted to be. Throughout my time here, this university has been instrumental in offering unwavering support and love, especially during moments of transition. It has created an environment where I feel nurtured, supported, and cared for—an environment that fosters personal and academic growth.

This sense of community and belonging has deeply influenced my leadership philosophy. The care and encouragement I’ve received at Howard have inspired me to adopt the same mindset in my leadership style. In everything I do, whether in student government or working with my peers, I strive to create spaces that are loving, inclusive, and supportive. My goal is to help others grow, feel valued, and develop their full potential. Howard has shown me that great leadership is rooted in empathy and support, and I carry that lesson with me as I continue to lead and inspire those around me.

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?

Some of the key initiatives that my administration has undertaken include collaborating with the administration to create the ONWARD Fund, which is dedicated to assisting seniors during the first semester of their final year at Howard. Additionally, our administration has drafted the ONWARD Plan, a comprehensive document that standardizes crisis response procedures on our campus. We were also proud to give students a greater voice in university decision-making by placing them on various committees across campus, including those focused on Student Affairs, Auxiliary Enterprises, Public Safety, Physical Facilities Management, and Tuition Rates and Fees.

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

As mental health continues to be a growing concern among college students, my administration was pleased to establish a new department called the Department of Public Safety, which specializes not only in physical health but also in mental health. This department has been innovative in its approach to addressing the mental health crisis, ensuring that we are as productive as possible in meeting the growing needs of our students.


What does leadership mean to you?

The number one thing leadership means to me is servitude. Leadership isn’t about power or control; it’s about learning how to serve others—whether that’s our students, our community, or the people around us. True leadership comes from a place of humility, understanding that our role is to empower others, guide them, and offer support in ways that help them grow and succeed. At its core, leadership is about being selfless—putting the needs of others first, and actively listening to their needs, concerns, and aspirations.


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

In this new digital age, HBCUs will need to consistently justify their relevance and importance to the broader community. As technology advances and the landscape of education continues to evolve, it becomes essential for these institutions to effectively demonstrate their unique value proposition. HBCUs are not just places of higher learning; they are pillars of cultural heritage, social justice, and community empowerment. To ensure their continued success and support, they must highlight the distinct contributions they make to the academic, social, and economic advancement of their students, as well as to society as a whole.

Additionally, HBCUs must improve how they communicate the transformative changes occurring within their institutions. Whether it’s advancements in curriculum, research initiatives, student engagement, or campus development, these institutions need to showcase how they are adapting to the needs of today’s students while honoring their historic missions. By embracing digital platforms and utilizing modern communication strategies, HBCUs can better share the positive impacts they have on their students, alumni, and communities. This proactive approach to communication will help build stronger connections with prospective students, potential donors, and the general public, ultimately ensuring that these institutions continue to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

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

Watch The Yard plays a crucial role in highlighting the invaluable work that our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) do and telling the important, often underrepresented stories of these institutions. It brings attention to the academic achievements, cultural contributions, and social impact of HBCUs, ensuring that their significance is recognized not just within the Black community, but across the nation and beyond. Through its platform, Watch The Yard amplifies the unique aspects of HBCU culture—whether it’s the history of Black Greek life, the rich tradition of student activism, or the vibrant campus life that fosters personal growth and leadership.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work full-time at JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a Chase Leadership Development Program Associate.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jay Jones for her work as the SGA president of Howard University .

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