Leadership Highlight: Columbus State University’s Student Government President Undrell Walker

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Columbus State University  and did an interview with Undrell Walker, 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. Undrell Walker, who is majoring in Health Science , is from Augusta, Georgia.

He is a proud Spring 2024 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We interviewed Undrell Walker 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 thus far is the value of listening with focus and leading with empathy. Effective leadership is about recognizing students’ needs and viewpoints and working together to meet them. I’ve discovered that development occurs when communication is open, relationships are based on trust, and student opinions are truly respected. Serving as SGA president has taught me the importance of patience and adaptability. Change often takes time, and substantial influence is achieved by consistency, teamwork, and staying focused on the big picture—even when challenges arise.

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

I chose to attend Columbus State University because of the William B. Turner Undergraduate Servant Leadership Program. Through this program, I have strengthened my dedication to service, integrity, and community involvement while gaining a greater understanding of servant leadership. I have become a more deliberate and purpose-driven leader as a result of the program’s practical leadership experiences, significant mentorship, and chances to serve the school and the local community.

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

Columbus State University has molded me by providing a space where I can authentically learn, grow, and lead. Through its supportive environment, the university has equipped me with the necessary skills, meaningful connections, and valuable partnerships that have prepared me for success both academically and professionally.

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?

In order to make the campus community safer, better informed, and more cohesive, I have led and supported a number of campus safety projects this year. Organizing campus safety walks, which brought together students, administrators, and campus police to physically inspect campus areas, identify safety concerns, and discuss immediate remedies, has been one of our main initiatives. These walks directly improved campus safety while promoting candid communication and giving students a sense of being heard.

Additionally, we held campus safety forums where students could express their concerns, ask questions, and learn more about safety protocols and services. By improving communication between students and university administrators, these forums promoted openness and trust. By encouraging cooperation, visibility, and preventative safety measures, these efforts have raised awareness, promoted community accountability, and created a safer environment for the school and the surrounding community.

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

By placing a high priority on access, awareness, and open communication, our SGA administration and school are actively working to assist student mental health. In order to encourage students to seek help without feeling stigmatized, we partner with university counseling services to promote mental health resources, workshops, and wellness events. We highlight the value of self-care and assist in disseminating information about accessible support services through student platforms and social media.

Furthermore, SGA collaborates closely with university administration to promote student needs, such as increased mental health services, stress-reduction programs during stressful periods like finals and midterms, and areas where students can freely express their worries. We make sure that student opinions are taken into consideration when developing wellness programs on campus and that mental health is always given top attention.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means enacting on influence that is grounded in purpose, accountability, and service. It’s not only about having a title; it’s also about fostering an atmosphere where people feel encouraged, enabled, and driven to achieve. A true leader is one who listens, sets an example, and is prepared to take charge when things become tough while encouraging others around them. Using your position to generate possibilities, foster a sense of community, and motivate others to succeed is another aspect of leadership. Integrity, consistency, and the capacity to adjust while adhering to your principles are necessary. In the end, leadership is about leaving spaces and people in a better state than when you found them.

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

In the digital world, schools must be thoughtful, authentic, and student-centered in how they promote themselves online in 2025–2026. First, schools should have a strong and consistent presence on many platforms, particularly social media, where students and families already spend time. This entails sharing authentic experiences, student voices, accomplishments, and day-to-day school life rather than just formal statements. Schools should also focus on digital transparency and involvement. Responding to comments, addressing issues gently, and emphasizing diversity, inclusiveness, and community effect fosters trust and accountability. Overall, portraying a school online entails demonstrating who they genuinely are, valuing student experiences, and leveraging digital platforms to foster meaningful connections—not only for promotion, but also for communication and engagement.

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

Watch The Yard is significant to Black students and collegiate society because it promotes, preserves, and honors Black excellence, particularly within Black Greek-letter organizations. It draws attention to traditions, leadership, and accomplishments that are sometimes overlooked or distorted in mainstream media.

Watch The Yard instills a sense of pride and belonging in Black pupils by depicting people who look like them achieving, organizing, and celebrating culture. It also acts as a forum for storytelling, education, and accountability, allowing students to better appreciate the history and relevance of Black college traditions rather than reducing them to stereotypes. Watch The Yard strives to defend and enhance Black spaces in college by filming important events such as student leadership, and community service. It reinforces the notion that Black student life is vital, strong, and deserving of respect, while also inspiring future generations to stay connected to their roots and lead purposefully.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Health Administration, with the long-term goal of becoming the CEO of a pediatric hospital.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Undrell Walker for his work as the student government president of Columbus State University .

Photo Credits: @tankupro