Leadership Highlight: Winston-Salem State University’s SGA President Dyamond S. Carr

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Winston-Salem State University and did an interview with Dyamond S. Carr 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. Carr, who is doing an English and Political Science double major, is from Nashville, Tennessee byway of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

We interviewed Dyamond S. Carr, and talked to her about her 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 Student Government Association President, I have learned that true advocacy is not vested solely in my voice but in my ability to influence my peers to learn how to advocate for themselves. Advocacy is not easy, nor is it something that one is taught. The practice of advocacy involves observing, reflecting, and reenacting what one has observed. As a student leader, advocacy has never been a difficult task. However, to preside over thousands of students who struggle to find their own voice yet teach them to find their voice effectively is the biggest lesson I will continue to learn in life.

What made you decide to attend Winston-Salem State University for undergrad?

I had no idea how to navigate the undergraduate application world in high school. I merely applied to the institutions that my guidance counselors advised. However, one day, I stepped foot on Winston-Salem State University’s campus, and I fell utterly in love. I visited the campus during a day when the campus’ liveliness was in full effect. From the 12-2s on the breezeway to fried chicken Wednesdays, I knew I had found a home. That is when I decided to attend The LIVEST HBCU on the planet.

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 Impact Administration, Winston-Salem State University’s Student Government Association, a primary focus for this academic year is restoring the purpose of advocacy and leaving a footprint while doing It. That said, we plan to continue with monthly town halls, 24/7 accessible, anonymous virtual suggestion boxes, monthly newsletters, and live streaming of our SGA meetings to grasp the students’ attention. Following that, we also plan to optimize the faculty and staff’s resources to help students in every way possible. By continuing to build upon this connection between faculty, staff, students, and surrounding community members, we hope to reinstate the Ramily we once knew before the effects of COVID-19.

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

Following the exemplary leadership of the Student Government Association over the years, Winston-Salem State University’s faculty and staff have hosted several conversations about prioritizing mental health for students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, as an institution, we understand that one cannot give their 100% if they are not 100% themselves. While the university has begun implementing mental health days for academic years to come, our outstanding counseling department has continued to host events such as depression screenings, informational sessions about counseling resources, 15-minute massage therapy sessions, dog-therapy sessions, and much more concerning mental health awareness. Mental health in predominately black communities is a difficult conversation; however, I am proud to say my institution is committed to navigating it each and every day.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is not something I was taught. Leadership is not something I learned either. Sometimes, I hear that individuals are born leaders. However, I think the true leaders are each and every individual who wakes up every day to positively impact the life of another. Leaders do not measure their crowd but their impact. That said, leadership to me is mentorship and guidance. We must lead ourselves and one another at all times.

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

Winston-Salem State University’s Office of Integrated Marketing Communications does a fantastic job representing the institution across all media platforms. While our generation focuses on social media platforms, our OIM office trains students on how to market ourselves in interviews, news broadcasts, and much more. As we move into a technological phase, our institutions must continue to follow that trend in the best light possible.

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

Media outlets are incredibly vital to the development of our peers today. That said, while there are already many adversities set for historically black colleges and universities, we must continue to portray ourselves in the best light to represent black communities as a whole. Watch The Yard allows young black girls and boys to get engaged and inspired in all the things they can be. Representation is everything. With such an influential and positive media outlet, we continue to manage our sense of community and family amongst all HBCUs and black communities.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Following my graduation from Winston-Salem State University, I plan to attend a prestigious law school where I will pursue a Juris Doctor degree focusing on corporate law. During my time in law school, I hope to continue my eagerness to advocate and involve myself in extra circular opportunities and internships/fellowships

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Dyamond S. Carr for her work as the SGA president of Winston-Salem State University.

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