Leadership Highlight: Central Michigan University’s Student Government President Akua Acheampong

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Central Michigan University  and did an interview with Akua Acheampong, the 2025–2026 Student Government Association president.

The position of student government president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Acheampong, who is majoring in Political Science, is from Cincinnati, OH.

She is a proud Fall 2025 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

We interviewed Akua Acheampong and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2025–2026.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as a student government president so far?

I have learned the true value of rest and coming back stronger. Self-care and truly taking care of yourself is something I feel like we talk about a lot but for a lot of student leaders do not really put it in practice. Taking care of yourself is the balance necessary when you work hard.

What made you decide to attend Central Michigan University for undergrad?

Central Michigan has a lot of opportunities to support you not just as a student, but as an individual with goals and aspirations. I chose CMU because they checked my personal list by providing the program I needed as well as financial support. In my role and connecting with students from other universities I couldn’t have a made a better choice.

How has Central Michigan University molded you into the person you are today?

I could go on all day about the support I have received. To cut it short, the resources and opportunities for growth, to learn more about yourself, your talents, strengths and weaknesses, CMU has provided that for me. The opportunity to be a leader, to build community and make what I envision come true is something that has shaped me and I am really grateful for.

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 we have had a lot going for us and are still seeking to do more. This year we launched SGA popouts where we stepped out of our comfort zone and regular meeting time to meet students where they’re at. Partnering with our bookstore, we giveaway iPads, AirPods, gift cards to students who are able to answer our trivia questions about SGA and the university. These are surprise popouts to classes and we also popout to support other student-led organizations at their events. We also hosted our first Executive Roundtables event which we hope to continue doing going forward which brings together student leaders for conversations about daily challenges and exchange ideas on various topics over light snacks. Looking ahead, we are will be hosting an anniversary event to mark CMU SGA’s 105th anniversary. This event will also mark the official launch of the SGA scholarship to encourage student leaders and their involvement by alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with a college education. This and so much more are coming up for us.

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

Mental health is such a core part of the discussions various universities and SGA’s have when it comes to challenges students face. Specifically for CMU, we provide free counseling services for all students. We have systems in place like care reports where students, faculty or staff can submit requests for check-ins on others. There are several events each month both in residence halls and within student affairs to provide students with community and the space to discuss any and all struggles or to simply exist with others. I like that our university takes Mental health seriously and more importantly take student input seriously when planning out programs to support the mental health of students.

What does leadership mean to you?

I think leadership is harnessing the talents of a group to achieve a shared vision. When all are aligned with the group’s goals and are willing to bring together their strengths to make it a reality. I don’t think there are perfect leaders but the greatest leaders for me are those that did what it took to see results. 

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?

I think the digital world is increasingly gaining so much influence over our lives, but in some ways it is a necessary evil. If something isn’t documented it’s almost like it didn’t happen and for us in this age that has come in the form of social media and other digital spaces. I think there is a huge craving for authenticity and for universities doing so is the best way you can repeat themselves online. The age of so many rules around curating an image is slowly dying out and so I would say authenticity.

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

I followed watch the yard on Instagram recently and the genuine joy I got from seeing other black student leaders involved in SGA was through the roof. As someone going to a PWI who was also the first black woman to be elected President in our University’s history, it is a great feeling to see great leaders who look like you. I think Watch The Yard highlighting black student leaders, projecting black Greek life and black culture is representative of documenting in a digital age.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I am on the pre-law track so I plan to go to law school but before then because I am graduating a semester early I will most likely work a full-time job. 

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Akua Acheampong for her work as the student government president of Central Michiga University .

Photo Credits:

– @cmuniversity
– @akazetarho
– @dangakenimages
– @praiseoyimi