Leadership Highlight: Gordon State College’s Student Government President Mahki Stephens

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Gordon State College and did an interview with Mahki Stephens, 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. Mahki Stephens, who is majoring in Business Management, is from Jonesboro, Ga.

He is a proud Fall 24 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We interviewed Mahki Stephens  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?

SGA taught me the importance of truly listening. Not just hearing people, but understanding what they feel, what they need, and what they hope for. When you listen the right way, people trust you. And with trust comes responsibility. I learned that if I say I am going to do something, I have to show up and follow through. Being president pushed me to hold myself to a higher standard and reminded me that leadership is built on consistency, not convenience.

What made you decide to attend Gordon State College for undergrad?

I chose Gordon State College because I needed a place where I could focus and grow without getting lost in the crowd. The small community felt personal and intentional. I saw a chance to build real relationships, stay grounded, and become the version of myself I always knew I could be. Gordon gave me an environment where I could lock in, stay disciplined, and take advantage of every opportunity in front of me.

How has Gordon State College molded you into the person you are today?

Gordon State College shaped me by challenging me to step into leadership, speak up, and take responsibility for the spaces I am part of. This campus pushed me to grow in confidence, maturity, and purpose. I learned how to communicate, how to lead effectively, and how to serve people the right way. The person I am today is a reflection of the experiences, lessons, and community I found here.

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?

My focus this year has been strengthening engagement on campus and making sure students feel seen and valued. We have worked to bring students and administration closer together and to create events that make campus feel more connected and alive. I want Gordon to be a place where students feel like they belong and where their voices matter. Building stronger partnerships in the community is also a priority because the campus and the town should grow together.

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

We are working with counseling services to make sure students know where to find support and feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. We are pushing for more visibility, more open conversations, and more opportunities for students to take care of themselves. Our goal is to create a campus environment where mental health is taken seriously, and where students don’t feel like they have to carry their struggles alone.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me is serving with intention and integrity. It means being steady even when things get challenging and staying committed to the people who look to you for guidance. Becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated helped me understand leadership on a deeper level. It taught me to lead by example, uplift others, and stay grounded in purpose. Leadership is not about titles. It is about how you show up for people day after day.

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

Schools need to tell their story in a way that feels real. Students connect with authenticity. They want to see the culture, the energy, the people, and the experiences that make a campus what it is. By sharing genuine moments and highlighting student voices, schools can create an online presence that reflects the heart of the campus and attracts people who want to be part of that community

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

Watch The Yard is important because it shines a light on our stories. It highlights the leadership, tradition, and pride within Black Greek life and Black college communities. For many students, it is the first time they see their experience reflected on a national platform. It celebrates who we are and what we contribute, and it inspires the next generation to step into their own leadership and legacy.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I plan to pursue a career in business and technology. I want to work in analytics, consulting, and project management and use my skills to help organizations operate better and serve people more effectively. I also want to continue mentoring and giving back because everything I have learned reminds me that my purpose is tied to helping others grow.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Mahki Stephens  for his work as the student government president of Gordon State College.