Leadership Highlight: Mississippi Valley State University’s SGA President Keyjuan Meeks

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Mississippi Valley State University and did an interview with Keyjuan Meeks the 2022-2023 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Meeks, who is majoring in Government & Politics and Pre-law/Legal Studies, is from Indianola, MS. He is a proud Spring 2022 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

We interviewed Keyjuan Meeks, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2022-2023.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

As the SGA President, I have learned the true meaning of service. The SGA is an organization that is dedicated to the bettering the experience of the student body in advocacy and programming. It takes a lot of work in pushing policies and creating intentional programs for the students.

What made you decide to attend Mississippi Valley State University for undergrad?

Mississippi Valley State University showed me that they wanted me here and that I would get a quality education if I attend. Despite it being close to home, it wasn’t my initial choice but after talking instructors in different departments and making relationships with the staff during summer programs it was evident that MVSU was the place for me. The University is very family oriented and the faculty here make valuable connections with the students to ensure that the students are matriculating though the University and it showed. The institution was genuine in its recruitment process.

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

Mississippi Valley State University has help me to grow into the person I am today. My experiences at the University are priceless. I have had opportunities to speak with some very passionate alumni, who I have made good connections with. It has helped to enhance who I am professionally by providing me opportunities that would prepare me for life post graduation.

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 Student Government Association is working strongly to increase the student activity fees at our universities. This increase will be very beneficial to students at the university as we will be able to offer more intentional programming. It will also allows us to support our registered student organizations in financial in any programs that they wish to have. It will enhance the quality and quantity of our large scale programs, such as homecoming.

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

Students at the university have began having mental health events for other students to come and express themselves. The students come together to show that no one is alone and they they have a supportive home in Mississippi Valley State University.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is an action. It is important to me because every organization’s success is based on the people in leadership. An institution or organization cannot thrive if the leader is not committed to the betterment of its members and of the organization.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2022/2023?

In this digital world, schools need to enhance their social media output. Express heavily in the media all the disciplines and educational opportunities that the school offers. Promote the university in a manner than aligns with generation; times change and the process by which institutions present their university to prospective students and employees should change as well.

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

Watch the Yard is important to college culture because it is a platform for HBCUs to showcase all of the good things that are going on our campuses.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on attending law school.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Keyjuan Meeks for his work as the SGA president of Mississippi Valley State University.

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