In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Harris-Stowe State University and did an interview with Jala Johnson , 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. Jala Johnson , who is majoring in Business Administration-Marketing , is from Chicago .
She is a proud Fall 2023 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
We interviewed Jala Johnson 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?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned as an SGA president is that leadership is far more about people than position. The role isn’t about having the loudest voice or all the answers, it’s about listening, building trust, and creating space for others to lead alongside you. I’ve learned how important it is to balance advocacy with accountability, to make decisions that serve the collective even when they’re uncomfortable, and to remain grounded in purpose when opinions, pressure, and expectations are coming from every direction.
I’ve also learned that visibility and consistency matter. Showing up, communicating clearly, and following through builds credibility more than titles ever will. Most importantly, the role has taught me that legacy isn’t defined by what you accomplish alone, but by how you empower others, strengthen systems, and leave people more confident in their own ability to lead.
What made you decide to attend Harris-Stowe State University for undergrad?
I decided to attend Harris-Stowe for undergrad because it made sense both practically and personally. Affordability was a major factor for me, I wanted a quality education without placing unnecessary financial strain on myself or my family. The distance from home also played an important role. Harris-Stowe was close enough for me to stay connected to my support system, yet far enough to allow me to grow independently and fully step into adulthood.
What truly sealed my decision, though, was how Harris-Stowe felt the moment I stepped on campus. During Accepted Student Day in March of my senior year of high school, I immediately felt a sense of family and belonging. The environment was welcoming, supportive, and genuine, it didn’t feel intimidating or transactional, it felt like home. I could see myself growing there, not just academically, but personally and as a leader. From that first visit, it was clear that Harris-Stowe was a place where I would be seen, supported, and challenged to become the best version of myself.
How has Harris-Stowe State University molded you into the person you are today?
Harris-Stowe has molded me into the person I am today by pushing me to grow with both confidence and purpose. From the very beginning, I was encouraged to use my voice, step into leadership, and believe in my ability to make an impact. The environment challenged me to think critically, lead with integrity, and remain grounded in service, values that have shaped how I show up not only on campus, but in life.
Being in a close-knit, family-oriented community taught me the importance of relationships, accountability, and showing up for others. I’ve learned how to balance ambition with empathy, how to navigate responsibility under pressure, and how to lead with authenticity. Harris-Stowe didn’t just prepare me academically, it helped shape my character, strengthened my confidence, and affirmed that I belong in spaces where decisions are being made. It’s a place that allowed me to grow into myself while being fully supported along the way.
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, our SGA administration has focused on initiatives that not only uplift Harris-Stowe students but also strengthen connections with the surrounding community. One of our key efforts has been bridging the gap between the “big three” student leadership groups—SGA, CAB, and Royal Court—by creating more opportunities for collaboration, joint programming, and unified student engagement. This has helped streamline communication, maximize resources, and ensure that student voices are at the center of every decision we make.
We’ve also expanded our network beyond campus by connecting with other HBCU SGA presidents and administrations. Sharing ideas, strategies, and best practices allows us to bring innovative solutions back to our own campus, and it positions Harris-Stowe as a leader in student governance and HBCU collaboration.
On the advocacy front, we’ve championed initiatives that address student needs and enhance campus life. From organizing leadership development programs and workshops to creating forums where students can share concerns directly with administration, we are ensuring that SGA truly represents the student body. Our signature event, the all-SGA conference LEGACY RISING: THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE, will be a day full of workshops, panels, and empowerment sessions designed to equip all students with practical skills and inspire a lasting impact on our community.
Together, these initiatives are more than just events, they’re about building a legacy, leading change, and strengthening the sense of family, pride, and purpose across Harris-Stowe and the greater St. Louis community. Our goal is to leave the school stronger, more connected, and more student-centered than ever before.
How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Our SGA administration is prioritizing student mental health by creating accessible resources and safe spaces for support. We’ve partnered with campus counseling services to host workshops, stress-relief events, and peer support programs. We also hold open forums where students can share concerns, and we advocate directly to administration for policies that reduce stress and promote overall well-being. The focus is on making mental health a visible, supported, and normalized part of campus life.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means using your voice and influence to uplift others while creating spaces where everyone can thrive. It’s about listening as much as guiding, taking responsibility for outcomes, and making decisions that serve the greater good, not just yourself. Leadership is also about legacy: leaving people, systems, and communities stronger than you found them. It’s showing up consistently, holding yourself accountable, and empowering others to step into their own potential, even when it’s challenging. True leadership is service in action, it’s impact, integrity, and inspiration all at once.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?
In 2025–2026, schools need to have a strong, authentic digital presence that shows who they really are. From a marketing perspective, this means using social media to highlight student stories, campus life, events, and achievements in real time, content that students can engage with, share, and relate to. We live in a generation that values visuals, interactivity, and transparency, so schools should focus on short-form videos, live updates, and platforms where students already spend their time. Online representation isn’t just about promotion, it’s about connection, community, and showing prospective and current students the experience they can be a part of.
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 celebrates HBCU life, highlights student achievements, and creates a space where our culture and excellence are seen and amplified. As an HBCU student, it has connected me to a broader community of leaders, creatives, and change makers across the country, showing me the impact we can have when we share our stories and support one another. It empowers students by giving visibility to our traditions, our successes, and our voices, reminding us that what we do on campus matters and can inspire others beyond our own schools.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue growing my women’s and kids’ clothing brand, Fashionably Embellished, with a relaunch and a brand-new store opening in Summer 2026. Beyond that, I want to take my marketing skills to the next level and eventually launch a mini marketing company focused on helping minority-owned brands tell their stories, reach their audiences, and grow their businesses the right way. My goal is to combine creativity, strategy, and community impact to build ventures that empower others while also pursuing my own entrepreneurial vision.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jala Johnson for her work as the student government president of Harris-Stowe State University .