Leadership Highlight: Shaw University Student Government President Aydia Cobb

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Shaw University and did an interview with Aydia Cobb, 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. Aydia, who is majoring in Exercise Science: Pre-Athletic Training, is from Aubrey, TX.

We interviewed Aydia Cobb 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?

Being SGA President has been a journey of learning, growth, and difficulty. The most important skills I’ve learned are the value of listening, accountability, meeting people where they are, supporting others, and teamwork. Listening is more than just hearing worries; it’s also about comprehending feelings and viewpoints. Being approachable involves more than just keeping office hours; it also involves fostering a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

I’ve learned how to manage tasks, strike a balance between the demands of administration, faculty, and students, and lead with integrity and flexibility thanks to this position. Building trust and encouraging our students to discuss challenges requires trustworthiness and personability. I’ve developed enduring abilities in decision-making, public speaking, and board and committee participation.

Success has been based on collaboration, demonstrating that teamwork increases our influence. Candid conversations and utilizing individual abilities have made working as a team possible.

Despite its demands, this position has forced me to step outside my comfort zone and taught me to lead with compassion, understanding, and respect. It has made me a more capable and self-assured leader and equipped me for difficulties in the future. This journey, full of twists and turns, has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I will always cherish.

What made you decide to attend Shaw University for undergrad?

A major turning point in my life was my decision to enroll at Shaw University. As a Texas girl since birth, moving across several states was both exciting and nerve-racking. I couldn’t pass up the chance to go to school debt-free after receiving a Presidential Scholarship. What truly confirmed my decision was learning about Shaw University’s impressive history and legacy while conducting my research.

Shaw is an institution of firsts—the first HBCU in the South, the first to welcome women students, the first to train Black doctors, pharmacists, and lawyers dedicated to serving their communities, and many more. These turning points symbolized a prominent legacy of activism, knowledge, and advancement rather than merely being historical facts.
Shaw’s innovative contribution to opening doors for Black women in higher education especially inspired me. As I learned more about the university’s past, I came across motivational stories of Shaw alums who broke down barriers: physicians who established the first Black hospitals, attorneys who fought for civil rights, and teachers who influenced the following generation. I was moved by the thought of becoming a part of this legacy of changemakers.

The historic buildings and history of student advocacy on Shaw’s historic campus gave me a sense of purpose and opportunity. Choosing Shaw meant more than just picking a university; it meant entering a rich tradition and starting my own. By being a student of Shaw University, I wanted to honor its tradition of excellence and lay the foundation for my legacy—one that would inspire my family and shape my future.

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

My development has been completely transformed by Shaw University, which has provided the foundation for my rise as a self-assured individual and campus leader. When arriving on campus, I was a quiet student who avoided attention, but Shaw’s supportive atmosphere forced me to reimagine my potential. I grew both personally and professionally due to moving away from home and immersing myself in Shaw’s vibrant academic and cultural environment. I discovered that I was taking on leadership roles that I never would have imagined being able to, which was a massive change from my introverted personality. Shaw gave a voyage of self-discovery in addition to intellectual instruction, which makes this transition significant. The supportive community here has fostered an environment where I could explore different facets of my identity, build genuine self-confidence, and develop a more profound sense of self-love.
Most importantly, once I stepped into leadership positions, I discovered my voice and cherished my university as a foundation for my future achievements and success. Shaws’ rich heritage, mentoring, and camaraderie have all broadened my horizons and altered my worldview. Shaw will forever hold a special place in my heart because it has shaped me into a person with higher aspirations and the self-assurance and skills to make them come true. This transformation journey at Shaw will undoubtedly influence my path long after graduation as a foundation for future achievements and personal growth.

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?

This year, my top priority has been to remind students of the value of voting. As young adults, our votes and opinions influence the future by fostering a more diverse democracy that represents a range of backgrounds, ages, and viewpoints. I have organized and collaborated in educational events, such as “March to the Polls,” a Voting Dorm Storm, treat-filled tabling events, Bears Vote Palooza, and more, to encourage students to fulfill this civic obligation. These programs aimed to boost voter turnout and make the process enjoyable and applicable to students’ daily lives. I also focused on helping students understand how voting directly impacts our experience as HBCU students—affecting education equity, HBCU funding, student loan policies, job opportunities, and even our specific fields of study. Through voting checklists, giveaways, and informative videos, we ensured that students saw voting as a civic duty and a powerful tool to shape their future. Even though the recent election may not have produced the intended results for some, this is not the end. Real change happens beyond just one election cycle, especially at the local level. It’s important to know what you stand for to see who you stand with. Defending the issues that matter most doesn’t stop once you submit your ballot—you can continue to make a difference by connecting with local representatives, advocating for policies you are passionate about, and staying informed on both regional and national issues.

In addition to my voting initiative, I have prioritized leadership development on campus. One of my biggest goals as SGA President has been to inspire students to step into leadership positions because after we graduate, our legacy must continue through the next generation. Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making an impact and ensuring that the work we start today continues to benefit students in the future. I also placed a lot of emphasis on professional development, assisting students in defining their career goals, obtaining internships, and eventually landing their dream jobs.   To help students feel ready for life after college, we have offered them mentorship, networking opportunities, and valuable tools.
Last but not least, I made it a priority to demonstrate to our students that leadership is more than simply working hard; it’s also about having passion, being creative, and enjoying making a difference. Although being a leader can be difficult, it should never feel like a chore. It’s a thrilling road with many detours, and my mission has been to show them that helping others is among the most fulfilling things they can do. I want to inspire others and make a lasting impression on my university with those efforts to continue shaping our school and community for the better.

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

In the Respark administration, mental health has been a key focus and has been integrated into our mission to support students in meaningful ways. While implementing initiatives such as mental health surveys and mental health days, we’ve learned that smaller, everyday actions often make the most impact. Simply speaking to students—during events or casual conversations—can have a powerful effect.

By interacting with them one-on-one, we’ve established an environment where students feel heard and appreciated. Students feel more included and are inspired to share their experiences due to this relationship.

We have also attempted to expand access to mental health resources by bringing in new counselors and carefully advertising their availability. This ensures students have the support they need when it’s most convenient for them.

Through these efforts, we’ve strived to weave mental health support into the daily life of our campus, showing that even the most minor actions—like a simple conversation—can have a lasting impact on student well-being.

What does leadership mean to you?

Because of the invaluable experience I’ve gathered during my time in college, my outlook on leadership has undergone a considerable transformation. I take into account particular difficulties that taught me important lessons when I remark that leadership necessitates ongoing learning. For example, I discovered how to be creative and form community collaborations when faced with financing requirements for student programs. Every obstacle has become an opportunity to learn, showing me that being a leader is about being resourceful and adaptable rather than having all the answers.

The realization that students closely observe their leaders is the basis for the “walking that walk and talking that talk” component. When I promote academic excellence, I ensure that my academic performance aligns with those values. I take an active part in activities that encourage involvement on campus. Credibility and trust, built by coordinating words and actions, are necessary for effective leadership.

Being genuine is among the most crucial leadership principles I’ve ever learned. I tried to imitate other people’s leadership styles early on, but it didn’t feel sincere. My Texas upbringing, experiences as a scholarship recipient, and time at Shaw have all influenced my distinct viewpoint and methodology, which are assets.

My leadership approach now revolves around collaboration. I’ve built a network of relationships across campus – from staff to academic deans – because I understand that meaningful change requires all parties. When planning major initiatives, I involve diverse voices and perspectives, creating solutions that serve our entire campus community.

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

Living in this digital age, particularly as a Gen Z leader, I’ve gained unique insights into how institutions must evolve their online presence. I’ve observed firsthand how students consume information primarily through social media platforms and how this shapes their perceptions and decisions. When I look at successful institutional social media strategies, I see that it’s not just about posting announcements – it’s about creating engaging content that reflects campus culture and student life.

Schools need to embrace a multi-platform approach that goes beyond traditional social media. This includes producing short-form video material for websites such as Instagram Reels and TikTok, keeping up-to-date LinkedIn profiles for professional networking, and utilizing Facebook to communicate with alumni and engage the community. Schools should encourage students to contribute their real-life experiences by utilizing user-generated material. I’ve seen how powerful student testimonials and day-in-the-life content can be in connecting with prospective students. Instagram takeovers by student leaders and behind-the-scenes looks at campus life help create a more complete digital picture of the institution.

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

My admiration for Watch The Yard has grown as I’ve seen how important it is to capture and honor Black campus culture. As an SGA President at an HBCU, I can vouch for how their coverage creates a sense of solidarity among Black students from different institutions. When Watch The Yard shares stories about student achievements, Greek life, or innovations on campus, they are doing more than just reporting news; they are strengthening our feeling of community.

Watch The Yard stands out primarily due to its all-around approach to representation. In addition to HBCUs like Shaw, where Black students demonstrate greatness, they highlight the achievements of Black students at PWIs and MSIs. This broad coverage helps break down differences between different institutions while maintaining a focus on Black excellence. When they cover a student government initiative at another HBCU, it gives me ideas for our campus. It motivates our students to push limits when they showcase a Black student’s groundbreaking research at a PWI.

The site records moments the media might miss, acting as a digital storage of human experiences. From academic accomplishments to step show contests, from cultural events to social justice campaigns, Watch The Yard makes sure these tales are shared and maintained.
Additionally, Watch The Yard is essential for fostering relationships between generations. By sharing the experiences of current students, Watch The Yard establishes a link between the past and present generations. This relationship is priceless for networking, mentoring, and preserving our illustrious institutional legacies.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduating, I intend to pursue additional schooling to become a radiologist certified in all imaging modalities. With this extensive training, I will be able to work with various diagnostic imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-rays, and many more. Everything I’ve learned at Shaw—leadership, service, creativity, and dedication to the community—is combined with one ambition. It’s about taking the principles taught to me here and turning them into real improvements in healthcare accessibility. With an emphasis on helping underprivileged communities where access to cutting-edge medical imaging is restricted, my objective is to become proficient in interpreting medical images from these many modalities to deliver precise diagnoses and superior patient care. I’m committed to using my skills to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure quality diagnostic services reach those with limited access to such care.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Aydia Cobb for her work as the SGA president of Shaw University.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Aydia Cobb and Shaw University.