In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Philander Smith University and did an interview with DeCarlos Nora Jr, 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. DeCarlos Nora Jr, who is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, is from San Francisco, CA.
He is a proud Fall 2023 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha.
We interviewed DeCarlos Nora Jr 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?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned thus far as SGA President is the power and responsibility that comes with this position. I quickly realized that this role gives me a platform to advocate for the student body and shape the campus experience in meaningful ways. Understanding the impact of my voice and leadership has pushed me to approach every decision with intention, knowing that what I do today directly affects the direction of Philander Smith University.
With that responsibility comes an obligation to improve the institution for both current and future students. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about addressing the needs of the moment; it’s about laying a foundation that will benefit those who follow. This perspective has encouraged me to think long-term, working collaboratively with administration to create systems, opportunities, and resources that will continue to serve the student body long after my term ends.
I have also learned that creativity is a vital part of effective leadership. The challenges students face are constantly evolving, and traditional methods don’t always lead to meaningful change. To truly serve the student body, I’ve had to step beyond conventional thinking and seek out innovative solutions. Being SGA President has taught me that success often stems from exploring new ideas and finding fresh approaches that allow ideas to reach their full potential.
Another major lesson has been the importance of representing myself positively and professionally at all times. In this role, everything I do reflects not just on me, but on the entire student body and the image of Philander Smith University. Carrying myself with integrity, confidence, and respect has become essential, because I understand that I serve as an example for others and a representative of the institution in every space I enter.
Overall, serving as SGA President has helped me grow into a more well-rounded leader. It has shown me that leadership is not only about holding a title, but about using that position to leave a legacy that encourages future student leaders to do even more.
What made you decide to attend Philander Smith University for undergrad?
I first became aware of Philander Smith University during my freshman year of high school. At the time, I was part of a pre-college program called Help Yourself, which exposed students to HBCUs and provided early access to higher education opportunities. Each spring, the program took us on tours of different HBCUs, allowing us to learn firsthand about the environments we might one day be in. Philander Smith, then Philander Smith College, was one of the HBCUs I visited during my freshman year of high school. Even though that initial tour was many years ago, I remember the campus standing out because of its strong sense of community. As someone who always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, the idea of a smaller, close-knit institution immediately resonated with me.
By the time I reached my senior year of high school, Philander had remained in the back of my mind as a strong option. In the spring of 2022, I attended Philander’s Preview Day, which gave me the chance to revisit the campus with a fresh perspective. This visit allowed me to explore the academic programs more deeply, learn about the resources available to students, and see the impact of student organizations and campus traditions. Experiencing the campus culture up close as someone preparing to make an enrollment decision helped me recognize how special and unique Philander truly is.
During the event, I also had the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and current students, who all made an effort to answer questions and offer insight into campus life. Those interactions were meaningful and reassured me that Philander was a place where I could grow personally, academically, and professionally. The environment felt supportive in a way that mattered to me, and I could genuinely envision myself becoming part of the community.
At the end of Preview Day, I spoke with the Admissions team and submitted my transcript and test scores. Shortly afterward, I was offered a scholarship that made attending Philander not only an exciting choice, but also a practical one. The combination of the campus atmosphere, the opportunities available, and the financial support I received made Philander Smith University the clear and undeniable choice for my undergraduate journey. It was the place where I felt I could truly reach my full potential.
How has Philander Smith University molded you into the person you are today?
Philander Smith University has played a major role in helping me grow beyond my comfort zone. As an introverted person, opening up has never come naturally to me, and that hesitation often caused me to miss out on opportunities or stay in the background when I had something valuable to offer. But being at an institution with such a close-knit and supportive community has truly helped me break out of my shell. At Philander, people don’t let you go unnoticed. They uplift you and challenge you to be present. Additionally, Professors and staff constantly create spaces that make you want to be your best self, and that environment has encouraged me to speak up, participate more, and become comfortable with leadership roles I once would have avoided.
Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how transformative that support can be. Instead of holding myself back, I learned to lean into opportunities and trust my own abilities. Whether it was joining organizations, stepping into leadership positions, or simply opening up socially, Philander has allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It has helped me develop the confidence to not only be part of the campus community but to contribute to it in meaningful ways.
Being surrounded by excellence at Philander has also shaped my mindset and ambition. This institution has a long history of producing graduates who excel academically, rise in their professions, and make significant contributions to society. Seeing that legacy firsthand and seeing so many current students who want to create their own lasting legacy has been incredibly motivating. Watching my peers balance academics, leadership, service, and personal growth has pushed me to hold myself to a higher standard.
Philander has shown me what it looks like to strive for greatness and to fully embrace my potential. The environment here instills a sense of purpose and determination that becomes part of who you are. It has taught me to work harder and believe in the possibilities ahead of me. Today, I carry myself with a level of confidence that I didn’t have before attending Philander Smith University. I can truly say that this institution has helped mold me into a more complete version of myself.
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 first initiative my administration conducted was an SGA Town Hall to begin the school year. This was designed to create an open space for students to voice their concerns, offer suggestions on how to improve the campus, and give ideas on things they want to see on campus. The turnout and engagement were incredible, and we received a wide range of thoughtful ideas, such as student-focused programs and campus enhancements. Hearing directly from the student body helped us better understand their priorities, and it is now our goal to bring as many of these suggestions to life as possible. This initiative strengthened communication between students and leadership, setting the tone for a year centered on action from the Student Government.
Following the town hall, we developed our “Taste of Change” initiative to address one of the major concerns students raised: dining options on campus. We allowed students to submit meal ideas they wanted to see in the cafeteria, and worked closely with dining staff to rebuild the lunch and dinner menus based on their feedback. This not only showed students that their voices are heard, but also demonstrated our commitment to responding quickly and effectively to their needs. The updated menus created a better dining experience on campus and improved overall student satisfaction with meal offerings.
Another initiative we are proud of is our “Grooming Clinic,” which provided students with free personal care services ahead of Homecoming Week. Recognizing that Homecoming is a major moment of celebration and personal presentation, we wanted to ensure all students had access to the grooming resources they needed. This initiative supported students’ confidence and helped eliminate financial barriers that might prevent them from participating fully in Homecoming events. It was well-received by the student body and highlighted our administration’s commitment to meeting students’ needs in thoughtful and practical ways.
Looking ahead, my administration is working to implement a monthly campus newsletter that students will be able to access. This newsletter will highlight upcoming events, campus resources, important announcements, student achievements, etc. Our goal is to keep students informed, increase awareness of opportunities, and foster a stronger sense of connection across campus. By improving communication, we hope to ensure that students feel more connected to the heartbeat of Philander Smith University.
Collectively, these initiatives are designed to elevate both the student experience and the broader community surrounding Philander Smith University. By addressing student concerns, enhancing campus resources, promoting civic engagement, and strengthening communication, our administration aims to create a versatile campus culture. Each initiative, whether it’s focused on academics, engagement, or personal development, helps build a stronger foundation for student success and contributes to a positive campus environment. Through this work, we hope to leave a lasting impact that benefits not only current students but future generations of Panthers as well.
How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
For far too long, mental health has been a topic that has not received the attention, conversation, or resources it truly deserves, especially within the Black community. Mental health struggles disproportionately affect young Black individuals, yet stigma and lack of awareness often prevent people from seeking help. It is crucial that Black students have access to mental health resources and feel empowered to utilize them without hesitation or shame. Supporting mental health is not only about addressing crises when they occur; it is about creating a culture where emotional well-being is prioritized.
Recently, our campus community experienced a heartbreaking tragedy that further highlighted the importance of mental health care. This past fall semester, a devastating car accident resulted in the passing of a freshman student, Mr. Taariq Conner, and the hospitalization of another student. Thankfully, the student who was injured is recovering well, but the emotional impact of this loss has touched everyone on campus. This tragedy has served as a painful reminder that life is fragile and that students need access to spaces where they can process their grief, and take care of their mental and emotional well-being. It reinforced just how essential it is for universities to provide strong mental health resources, especially during moments of collective mourning.
In response to this tragedy, SGA hosted a “Hearts of Healing” event to give students a supportive space to come together and express their emotions. During this event, students created heartfelt cards and posters for Mr. Conner’s family as well as for the student who was hospitalized. It became a powerful moment of unity and compassion as students leaned on one another and channeled their grief into something meaningful. Additionally, the university held a candlelight and balloon release ceremony where Mr. Conner’s mother addressed the student body and reflected on her son’s life. Though his time at Philander Smith University was cut far too short, her words reminded us of the impact he made in such a short period and allowed the community to honor his memory together.
Both my administration and Philander Smith University fully recognize the importance of supporting students’ mental health, not just in times of crisis, but every day. The university provides counseling services for students who need professional support, and we continuously work to ensure that these resources are visible. Our administration remains committed to advocating for mental health awareness and fostering an environment where students feel safe reaching out for help. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to make sure our students are cared for mentally, emotionally, and holistically.
What does leadership mean to you?
In my opinion, leadership is the ability to spark transformative and positive change by setting a vision that others are inspired to follow. Leadership is not defined by the number of people watching you; it is rooted in the willingness to take initiative. A true leader identifies meaningful goals that will motivate and empower, and works diligently to create an environment where others feel encouraged to join in the mission. Leadership requires courage and consistency, but above all, it requires a commitment to progress.
Whether you are leading one person or a million people, I believe that every leader carries an obligation to use their influence responsibly. History has shown that leadership can be used for good or for harm, and the impact of a leader’s choices always extends far beyond themselves. Because of this, leaders must approach their role with positive intention. They must strive to build, not destroy, and they must instill confidence in those who look to them for guidance. A leader who recognizes the weight of their influence will always work to leave things better than they found them.
I also believe that leadership is about selflessness. A great leader doesn’t just strive for personal success; they inspire a sense of determination within others. They create a space where people feel capable of contributing to something bigger than themselves. When followers feel genuinely connected to the mission, they don’t just support it, they will also carry it forward. In this way, good leadership becomes a cycle where motivated leaders cultivate motivated communities, and eventually, create more leaders.
Ultimately, leadership is about making decisions today that will have a positive impact tomorrow. Leaders who embody genuine and positive qualities leave behind more than accomplishments, they leave behind a standard for others to follow. That is the kind of leader I strive to be: one who encourages others to create meaningful change and inspires those around me to continue the work long after my role has ended.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?
In today’s digital world, a school’s online presence is just as significant as its physical campus. This is because social media often serves as the first point of contact for prospective students, and even future employers. Schools must ensure that what they are displaying online accurately reflects their core values and institutional identity. Their digital platforms should highlight what makes the school unique, such as its culture, history, student life, academic offerings, and overall campus experience. When schools showcase authentic moments and the true spirit of their campus community, they provide a clear picture of who they are and why students choose to be a part of that environment.
Schools also need to use their online platforms to set and communicate a standard of excellence for their students. Featuring student achievements, campus involvement, leadership opportunities, and academic success not only encourages school pride but also demonstrates the high expectations the institution has for its scholars. When a school consistently highlights the accomplishments and character of its student body, it empowers current students to strive for greater success and gives prospective students an idea of the type of environment they would be entering. This type of online representation promotes a shared sense of purpose.
Overall, social media is incredibly influential, especially among young people. As time moves on, the importance of social media will only continue to grow. As a result, it is essential for schools, particularly HBCUs, to be intentional about how they manage and present themselves online. HBCUs have powerful histories, accomplishments, and cultures that deserve to be shared widely and accurately. By dedicating sufficient resources to their online presence, they can ensure that their image is strong and accurately reflects the excellence they produce every day. This investment not only enhances visibility but also strengthens the institution as a whole.
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?
Watch The Yard plays a vital role in uplifting and celebrating Black students by providing a space that consistently shines a positive light on Black college culture. At a time when mainstream media too often highlights negative narratives about the Black community or uses those narratives to diminish our progress, platforms like Watch The Yard offer necessary balance. They remind the world, and remind us, that excellence exists within Black college spaces. This type of representation not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens pride in our institutions and our collective identity.
Media is incredibly influential, and the stories people see shape the narratives they believe. When negativity dominates the mainstream, it becomes even more important to have outlets dedicated to showing the truth about who we are. Watch The Yard highlights student achievements, campus life, leadership, service, and the traditions that make our culture powerful. Without a platform like Watch The Yard, many of the positive contributions that Black students make every day, whether it’s academically, socially, or culturally, would go unnoticed or unrecorded. Watch The Yard ensures that our stories are told accurately, making it an invaluable resource for Black students and Black college culture as a whole.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
Immediately following graduation, I plan to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree, specifically an MBA. Advancing my studies is extremely important to me because I want to deepen my understanding of business strategy and organizational management. An MBA will provide the tools and credentials necessary for me to be competitive in my field and to enter the workforce with a strong foundation. I also believe that pursuing graduate education right after undergrad will allow me to continue building momentum academically, positioning me to take advantage of opportunities early in my career. My goal is to attend another HBCU that not only challenges me academically but also supports my growth as a leader and provides a space that will allow me to succeed.
In terms of my long-term career aspirations, I am committed to building a successful path that eventually leads me to a senior executive role within a Fortune 500 company. I want to contribute to major organizational decisions and help shape the vision and strategic direction of a large-scale business. Being in an executive position will allow me to continue on my path of leadership, where I will create the change I want to see within organizations while empowering others to do the same through mentorship and example. In addition to my corporate ambitions, I plan to pursue real estate investing as another key aspect of my professional life. Real estate offers both financial opportunity and long-term stability, and it is an area where I can build generational wealth while continuing to expand my business portfolio. Combining corporate leadership with entrepreneurship reflects my desire to have a career that is impactful and aligned with my long-term goals of success.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend DeCarlos Nora Jr for his work as the student government president of Philander Smith University.