Leadership Highlight: Tuskegee University’s SGA President Micah Dwayne Grey

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate universities  across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Tuskegee University and did an interview with Micah Dwayne Grey the Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president of a is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Grey, who is majoring in Biology Pre-Med, is a current senior and a Spring 2018 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi.

We interviewed Grey, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2020.

Read the full interview below.

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

As SGA President, I have learned how to utilize the strengths and weaknesses of others in order to accomplish a task. I have also learned how to effectively communicate with administrators, and be a liaison for my students. This role has showed me how being yourself can take you much further, than pretending to be someone you’re not.

What made you decide to attend Tuskegee University for undergrad? 

After high school, I knew that I wanted to attend a HBCU. Among the top HBCU’s in the country, Tuskegee stood out the most to me. Tuskegee’s rich history, notable alumni, and alumni pride drew me in. I discovered that the Tuskegee experience was one of a kind, and the students truly loved everything about their school. After attending open house I knew that Tuskegee would soon become my home away from home.

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

Tuskegee University teaches its students the true meaning of hard work. The school was built by the students under the leadership of Booker T. Washington. It supplies you with more than just a degree. You gain a higher understanding of pride, not only for Tuskegee but for yourself. This pride encourages you to excel and reach limits you’ve never been before. Of course you have your ups and downs as a Tuskegee student, but whether sunny or gray you still will better yourself as a person day by day. When you leave Tuskegee, you leave with the tools and the mindset to face anything in the world. Looking back at myself freshman year to now, I am more than prepared to embark on a successful career.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

As an e-board, we wanted to tackle three main initiatives. We increased career readiness among our students by hosting more events geared towards the professional world. This gave students the opportunity to attend events throughout the school year, that would prepare them for life after college. This year we had an increase in student involvement at our events and also had an increase in homecoming ticket sales. Lastly, we wanted to assist the smaller and new organizations on campus. This included, helping them organize and fund their events, as well as collaborating with them. This initiative was closely related to my campaign, “Ballin'”, which means Be All In. I made it my goal to encourage the students to come together as family and help one another.

How is your school currently responding to the coronavirus and what is your SGA administration doing to help students?

Tuskegee University is working diligently to make the best decisions regarding everything the coronavirus has affected. In response to the virus, most students have left campus and returned home. Students were able to submit exception applications if they were not able to return home for various reasons. The University has transitioned into virtual classes for the remainder of the year, and also canceled all on campus events. Other topics such as the new grading policy, refunds, and commencement plans are still being discussed among administrators and student leaders. As SGA, we have made it our goal to keep track of all questions and concerns students may have for administration. During this pandemic we still are dedicated to serving our student body.

How is the coronavirus affecting SGA elections for next year? 

Our 2020-2021 SGA elections took place earlier this semester, so luckily we were able to hold elections and were not affected by the Coronavirus.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is about overcoming obstacles, despite the circumstances. A true leader will recognize their own mistakes and correct them. Leadership doesn’t have to have a title, because it’s the work that you put in that makes you the leader; not the title.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2020?

In the digital world we live in, schools should connect with current students, alumni, prospective students, and donors by always highlighting what is going on at the school. Social media use is at an all time high in 2020, and is the gateway to communicating with anyone affiliated with a school. In addition to using social media effectively, schools should offer online resources to their students.

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

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture, because it highlights the lives, experiences and successes of Black students across the country. The content that is posted is always positive and encourages other black students to work towards excellence. Watch The Yard also shows the importance of HBCU’s and the Divine Nine Organizations.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and later go on to attend medical school.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Micah Dwayne Grey for his work as the SGA president of Tuskegee University.

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