Leadership Highlight: Alcorn State University’s Student Government President Avantavis T. Carter

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Alcorn State University and did an interview with Avantavis T Carter, 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. Avantavis T Carter, who is majoring in elementary Education, is from Hazlehurst Ms.

He is a proud Spring 2025 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We interviewed Avantavis T Carter and talked to him about his 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 how much growth comes from stepping into leadership as a first-generation college student. Navigating this journey without a blueprint has taught me to value every piece of knowledge I gain and to respect the experiences and perspectives of others. Serving in this role has shown me the importance of humility, understanding, and patience. I’ve learned that real leadership means listening to people, uplifting their voices, and appreciating the diverse paths that brought each of us to Alcorn.

What made you decide to attend Alcorn State University for undergrad?

I chose Alcorn State University because it represents a dream my mother held long before I ever stepped on campus. My mom, who is disabled, always loved Alcorn and spoke of it with pride and admiration. Her passion for this university became the foundation of my own. Attending Alcorn isn’t just my journey—it’s the beginning of a legacy I’m creating for her. Choosing Alcorn allowed me to honor her, carry forward her dreams, and build a future rooted in everything she believed in.

How has Alcorn State University molded you into the person you are today?

Alcorn State University has molded me into the person I am today by giving me the space to grow, lead, and heal. Coming in as a first-generation college student who grew up without a father figure, I knew I wanted to create my own legacy—but I didn’t yet know how. Alcorn gave me that “how.”

Through its community, opportunities, and culture, Alcorn helped me develop confidence in my voice and purpose. Serving in leadership roles—from Mister Freshman to SGA President—taught me how to represent others with integrity and humility. These experiences shaped my communication skills, strengthened my professionalism, and pushed me to become a leader who doesn’t just speak for people but listens to them. My time as an RA helped me understand responsibility, patience, and what it means to support others, while my work in community service—book drives, Read Across America, and campus initiatives—deepened my passion for giving back. And becoming the Ace of my Alpha line, “Executive Order,” reinforced discipline, excellence, and brotherhood.

Academically, Alcorn has nurtured my love for teaching as an Elementary Education major and reminded me why representation and mentorship matter. Personally, it has helped me turn challenges into motivation and purpose.

Alcorn didn’t just educate me—it shaped me into a stronger leader, a servant to my community, and a man who is determined to build the legacy he never had growing up.

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, my initiatives as SGA President have focused on strengthening student engagement, improving communication, and expanding service within the broader community. One of the key initiatives I have led is increasing town hall forums and open-conversation spaces so students can voice their concerns directly. This has helped rebuild trust, increase transparency, and ensure that students feel heard and represented.

I have also worked on enhancing collaboration between student organizations by creating more unified programming opportunities. This has helped bring the campus together and increased student participation and morale.

Another major priority has been community service. I have continued to support and expand projects such as book drives, literacy-centered outreach, and volunteer efforts that connect Alcorn students with local schools and families. These initiatives strengthen Alcorn’s relationship with the surrounding community while allowing students to give back in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, I am planning initiatives focused on improving student spaces, increasing campus resources, and enhancing the overall student experience, especially for first-generation students who, like me, rely heavily on support systems to thrive.

All of these efforts work together to improve campus culture, elevate student pride, and promote a stronger, more connected relationship between Alcorn State University and the community we serve.

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

Our SGA administration is intentionally prioritizing student mental health by focusing on accessibility, awareness, and consistent support. One of our main efforts has been strengthening communication between students and campus counseling services so students clearly understand what resources are available and how to access them without barriers. We’ve been working with administration to promote extended counseling hours, quicker appointment scheduling, and more visibility of mental-health staff across campus.

We have also been creating more wellness-focused programming, including stress-relief events, safe-space discussions, and peer-support initiatives that allow students to check in with one another. These events help reduce stigma and remind students that they are not alone in their experiences.

Additionally, our administration has advocated for more training for student leaders, RAs, and campus staff to help them recognize signs of emotional distress and connect students to the right resources. This ensures that support isn’t just available—it’s proactive.

Overall, our goal is to make mental health a campus-wide priority by promoting resources, increasing support systems, and fostering an environment where students feel seen, valued, and cared for.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means using your voice, your influence, and your purpose to uplift others. It’s not about titles—it’s about service. Leadership means standing in front when necessary, but also standing beside people, listening to them, and making sure they feel seen, valued, and heard.

As a first-generation college student, leadership also means breaking cycles and creating a legacy where one didn’t exist before. It’s understanding that the example you set can open doors for people who come after you.

Leadership is integrity. It’s humility. It’s doing the hard work even when no one is watching. It’s making decisions that don’t just benefit you but strengthen the entire community. It’s respecting different viewpoints, valuing teamwork, and being willing to grow.

Most importantly, leadership means using every experience—your struggles, your wins, and your story—to inspire others and help them believe in their own potential.

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 must be intentional and innovative about how they represent themselves online. A strong digital presence is no longer optional—it’s essential for communication, recruitment, and community engagement. Schools need to create online spaces that are transparent, informative, and student-centered.

First, they should maintain active and well-designed websites and social media platforms that clearly highlight their values, programs, achievements, and campus culture. This allows prospective students, families, and partners to see the school’s identity and impact.

Second, schools must prioritize consistent communication. This means using social media, email platforms, and digital newsletters to share updates, celebrate student success, provide resources, and respond quickly to student needs.

Third, digital accessibility is key. Schools must ensure their online platforms are easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Finally, schools should use digital spaces to tell authentic stories—sharing student voices, community projects, academic innovations, and campus life in a way that reflects who they truly are.

By embracing technology with clarity, creativity, and inclusivity, schools can strengthen their reputation, expand their reach, and build deeper connections with both their campus community and the world around them.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it highlights and preserves Black college culture in a positive, authentic way. It gives Black students a national platform to celebrate our achievements, Greek life, leadership, and traditions. It keeps our stories visible and reminds us that our experiences matter.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to start my career as an elementary educator so I can make a direct impact on young students, especially those who come from backgrounds similar to mine. I want to be the positive example and support system that many children don’t always have. In addition, I plan to stay involved in leadership, mentorship, and community service, using everything I’ve learned at Alcorn to continue building my legacy. I also hope to pursue graduate studies to further my impact in education and community development.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Avantavis T Carter for his work as the student government president of Alcorn State University.

Photo Credits: @capturedby.jg