Leadership Highlight: Widener University’s Student Government President Laura Wallon

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Widener University and did an interview with Laura Wallon, 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. Laura Wallon, who is majoring in Psychology, is from Philadelphia & Port au Prince, Haiti.

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

We interviewed Laura Wallon 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 most impactful things I’ve learned is to lead authentically. Being in a very visible role on campus sometimes makes you feel like you may need to play a role, but I ran my campaign with creativity, passion, and authenticity and I was determined to lead that way. Highlighting my peers, uplifting the ideas around me and belonging have been my main goals that I have successfully worked towards. 

What made you decide to attend Widener University for undergrad?

I received a leadership scholarship as a junior in high school. It put Widener on my radar and I was able to see how much they prioritized the individual student and making sure the belonged and created spaces for different students. I was able to envision myself graduating from there even as a junior.

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

Widener has shaped me into a professional. All the skills that I previously had were honed and perfected from my mentors, my peers and my advisors. You can truly learn something from everyone if you learn to listen. The people in my life have always believed in me. I became the youngest elected (as a sophomore) and only SGA president to be elected twice. Making history feels amazing when you have people who’s belief in you never faltered.

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?

One of the initiatives my E-board and I have been working on is creating an anonymous reporting platform for hate speech. In the age we’re living in, many people feel comfortable expressing bigotry and violence with the guise of the protection of social media. It is my goal that everyone feels safe in the classroom and beyond. It is also my hope that those who feel comfortable sharing such ignorance receive consequences as well. My executive board and I came up with the idea when a group of passionate  brought issues with our university’s new revised but pre existing Freedom of speech policy to our attention as an open forum at one of our town halls. Since then we have created events and round table talks to foster dialogue between students and administrators. We look forward to completing many goals this next semester but I am the most excited for working on that!

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

There have been several initiatives that professional staff have been working on and many things from the university level. SGA always makes it a priority to be apart of those committees, initiatives, and programs. We have specifically had discussions centered around mental health and student leaderships. Over the past 4 years, I have worked on turning town halls from a meeting that disengaged student leaders were required to go to into a space where all students have starting attending engaging presentations and discussions. One of our discussions was centered around burnout in student leaders and providing resources. It’s always been my principle to meet students where they are at and it definitely is not boring presentations!

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means leading as the authentic you. You’re able to reach more people when you’re being yourself. Leadership sometimes means taking a step back and not being the loudest in the room. Allowing others to find their voice and let it shine is the most gratifying thing to see. Leadership means creating opportunities to sit at the table and to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts freely!

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

I think schools need to keep in mind their institution’s goals and principles but when issues affect their students, silence is complacency. 

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

It is important to come together in times where we are expected to turn against each other. Watch the yard exemplifies Black joy and we need to see that on the timeline more!

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on attending a PsyD program to become a neuroscientist!

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Laura Wallon for her work as the student government president of Widener University.

Photo Credits: @gillianrcruz, @willdonnely1118, @aaddi.xoxo