Leadership Highlight: Tougaloo College’s SGA President Natalie Hampton

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Tougaloo College and did an interview with Natalie Robionne Hampton the 2022-2023 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Hampton, who is majoring in Biology, is from Clinton, Mississippi. She is a proud Fall 2021 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

We interviewed Natalie Hampton, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2022-2023.

Read the full interview below.

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

The most valuable information that I have learned during the beginning stages of my term as SGA president is to remain committed to the goal of serving the student body no matter what. Additionally, I have learned the importance of serving as a listening ear to those students who are interested in leadership and/or those who are embarking on their leadership journey.

What made you decide to attend Tougaloo College for undergrad?

I decided to attend the historic Tougaloo College because of my previous experiences as a Science, Language Arts, and Mathematics (SLAM) student. This program, sponsored by The Jackson Heart Study, allowed me the opportunity to engage with the Tougaloo College community by walking these hollowed grounds, meeting current professors, and engaging in college preparation. Because of this experience, I was sure that Tougaloo College was the place for me.

How has Tougaloo College molded you into the person you are today?

Tougaloo College has played an instrumental role in molding me into the person that I am today. Throughout my matriculation at Tougaloo thus far, I have had the opportunity of participating in internships, which include the Mississippi State University Undergraduate Research Experience and the American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE). Additionally, I have received the opportunity to participate in professional development, which has improved my personal statement, resume/CV, and much more. Thus, at Tougaloo College, the opportunities are endless.

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?

The initiatives that I plan to implement during my term as Student Government President are to revive resiliency, implement “Champions for Change,” serve with excellence, and elevate involvement. Through this initiative, I would like to provide students with service opportunities to be change agents within the community. I have learned that no matter how big or small, changes can be made from any improvement. Additionally, I would like to continuously encourage student to involve themselves in campus extra-curricular activities and find their niche in service.

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

The Tougaloo College Student Government Association is currently implementing events where students can receive mental health breaks. Whether through yoga (physical activities) and/or painting, our goal is to continue to cater to the needs of our student body: physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

What does leadership mean to you?

The word leadership is able to be defined in two words initiative and integrity. These words not only characterize leadership, but they define the actions of people. Therefore, leadership is a continuously evolving term, that is constructed upon these two characteristics. While taking initiative as a leader, one must possess integrity.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2022/2023?

In the digital world, I believe that the best way that schools can represent themselves is through various social media outlets and marketing initiatives/social media campaigns.

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

Watch The Yard has served as powerful social media platform that has promoted positivity from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to sororities and fraternities. This platform is vital to college culture because of its role in highlighting many people across the world. I am grateful for this platform and the positive impact that it has had on others.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

My postgraduate plans include receiving a Masters of Science in Public Health, while concentrating on Health Policy. Following this, I plan to serve my local community and state by working for the Mississippi Department of Health.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Natalie Hampton for her work as the SGA president of Tougaloo College.

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