Leadership Highlight: Georgia Southern University’s Student Government President Jya Ewing

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Georgia Southern University and did an interview with Jya Ewing, 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. Jya Ewing, who is majoring in Political Science and International Studies, is from Richmond Hill, GA.

She is a proud Fall 2024 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

We interviewed Jya Ewing 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?

The biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is that no idea is too big. There’s always a way to make it happen. Even when something feels completely unrealistic at first, I’ve watched how working together, staying persistent, and thinking strategically can turn a wild vision into reality. This role has taught me to stop doubting bold ideas and instead focus my energy on figuring out the right path forward.

What made you decide to attend Georgia Southern University for undergrad?

I decided to attend Georgia Southern because it felt like home. Growing up around the area, I already knew the community and the people, and that familiarity made it feel comforting and welcoming in a way other schools just didn’t. I wasn’t really focused on prestige or rankings. What mattered most to me was finding a place where I’d feel supported, connected, and genuinely at home. Georgia Southern gave me exactly that sense of belonging I was looking for.

How has Georgia Southern University molded you into the person you are today?

Georgia Southern has shaped me into someone who leads with purpose and focuses on what really matters. Being here has taught me how to advocate for others, build genuine relationships with my peers and professors, and jump on opportunities that push me to grow. It’s made me less focused on myself, though I wasn’t overly self-centered to begin with, but Georgia Southern has really transformed me into a complete servant leader. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about me or what I can gain from it. It’s about showing up for others, listening to what they need, and using whatever position or influence I have to make their experience better. Choosing Georgia Southern has made me more confident, grounded, and focused on making an impact based on my values rather than just chasing another accomplishment. 

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, I’ve been leading something we call the SGA “World Tour.” Basically, we go visit student organizations right where they meet and shine a spotlight on all the incredible work they’re doing. The whole point is to show up for these groups, let more people know about their programs, and help campus feel less like a collection of separate bubbles. When we meet students on their turf instead of waiting for them to come to us, it makes a real difference. People feel seen, they get more involved, and honestly, it makes our school feel more like a community.

I’m also working on something I’m really excited about. I’ve been bringing together SGA, the Counseling Center, and the Academic Success Center to get the word out about all the support that’s already here for students. The thing is, so many people have no idea these resources even exist, whether it’s academic help, mental health support, or just someone to talk to. We’re planning outreach campaigns and events that actually speak to students and make it easier to reach out when you need help. My hope is that this doesn’t just help individual students succeed and feel better. It creates a healthier campus culture that ripples out into the community around us.

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

Our SGA administration is working on student mental health from a couple of different angles. We’re partnering with the Counseling Center and Academic Success Center to make sure students actually know what’s available to them and where to go when they’re struggling. We also know that mental and emotional health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When you’re stressed about money or dealing with an unexpected crisis, everything else gets harder. That’s why we maintain an E4E fund to help students who hit a rough patch financially. Taking some of that pressure off can make a real difference in how someone’s doing overall. Between raising awareness, building these partnerships, and offering direct support when students need it, we’re trying to build a campus where people feel like they’re not alone and they have what they need to succeed.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership is about lifting people up and helping them find their own voice in the process. It’s listening first, making sure everyone has a seat at the table, and making people feel like they actually matter. Leadership isn’t about the title or getting credit. It’s about doing the work that needs to be done, making the hard calls, and staying true to what you believe in. But most importantly, it’s about empowering people to lead themselves, not just follow you around. A great leader leaves people feeling more confident, more capable, and more inspired than they were before they met you.

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

Schools really need to think about their online presence these days. Posting pretty campus photos and enrollment numbers isn’t cutting it anymore. Students can tell when something’s real and when it’s just marketing. What actually works is when schools share genuine stories from students with different backgrounds, different majors, and different lived experiences. And honestly, students appreciate when schools are upfront about campus life, both the good and the things they’re still figuring out. But what really important is using those platforms to show you actually care. Reply when students have concerns. Share the resources that are available. Celebrate when students do amazing things. Show people the real community and connections happening on campus, not just what goes on in the classroom.

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

Watch The Yard matters because it gives Black students a platform where their culture, achievements, and stories actually get the spotlight they deserve on a national scale. For a lot of students, especially those at schools where Black life isn’t as visible or represented, Watch The Yard is a lifeline. It helps them stay connected to their identity and reminds them they’re not alone. It shows Black students that they’re part of something way bigger than just their own campus. When they see other minority students running organizations, crushing it academically, joining Divine Nine groups, or making real change in their communities, it’s not just inspiring. It’s a reflection of what’s possible for them too. Watch The Yard sends a clear message: you belong here, you matter, and you have every right to take up space, step into leadership, and leave your mark.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan to go to law school to pursue education law, specifically focusing on K-12 because I’m passionate about making sure students have fair access, resources, and opportunities. My goal is to advocate for equitable policies, protect students who often get overlooked, and help create environments where all children can succeed. Later in life, I hope to expand my impact by going back to school for a degree in higher education administration so I can do this work at the college level too. Ultimately, I want my career to be about improving the educational system from the ground up, starting with K through 12 and eventually extending into higher education.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jya Ewing for her work as the student government president of Georgia Southern University.

Photo Credits: @georgiasouthernuniversity