Colleges

Leadership Highlight: Fort Valley State University’s SGA President Alexander Lowe

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Fort Valley State University and did an interview with Alexander Lowe the Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president of a is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Lowe, who is majoring in Mathematics & Computer Science, is a current junior.

We interviewed Lowe, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2020.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

Stepping into the role of SGA President at Fort Valley State University as of April 3, 2020 has been a journey full of learning experiences, but I have recently been hit with the realization that I can’t be a great student leader without being a great student and individual. I realize anything I want to inspire in others whether it be academic excellence, spiritual connection, mental health, or physical wellness; must be upheld within in my own life.

What made you decide to attend Fort Valley State University for undergrad?

My college selection process is something I consider quite peculiar. I went to a college fair in August of Senior year, and I got accepted on the spot to Fort Valley State University. When it came time for early application, I found myself unable to complete any of my applications. When the same feeling hit me as tried to apply for regular application, I ultimately realized that Fort Valley was more than a college I got accepted to, but the college I needed to attend.

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

Fort Valley has given me the environment to own my life and step into who I am as an adult. Managing my schedule, networking opportunities, and career experiences have shaped me into a growing professional. But not just professionally, on a deeper level the challenges faced here have grown my social, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Fort Valley is more than my university, it is my home.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

While the current administration is still solidifying our master plan for the year, we are passionate about student entrepreneurship. Creating an atmosphere of students who are knowledgeable on the processes required to employ themselves, will drastically affect the trajectory of their lives. I see a campus of students who invest in each other, so that before we leave college we have set ourselves up to be financially stable.

How is your school currently responding to the coronavirus and what is your SGA administration doing to help students?

Currently, Fort Valley State University has continued its education in the form of online classes. As issues are presented the Student Government Association addresses them to campus leadership to respond to student needs.

How is the coronavirus affecting SGA elections for next year?

Fortunately, the elections for 2020-2021 were completed prior to March. However, we had to virtually install the new administration.

What does leadership mean to you?

I would sum leadership simply to “applying direction.” As I have grown, I have realized passionate people are everywhere and good ideas are in abundance, but none of those things can cause a positive shift without organization. It has become ever clear to me that the success of this administration will not be on anything I do, but how I lead everyone to a future better than our present.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2020?

Being present online as a university in this digital age is more important than ever. I believe we will see a Renaissance in our time, changing the status quo for many of the things we believe constant. Failure to engage through platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, may lead to the end of an institution.

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

It is very obvious that the larger media is not a reliable way to understand the culture of HBCUs. Platforms such as Watch The Yard, shed light on the real on-goings of our beloved universities, in a way outside media wouldn’t have the connection to understand. I can only imagine how excited incoming Freshmen are to see the family they have waiting for them in the next step of their lives.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduating, I will either work in the field of Computer Engineering or pursue a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I also own a tutoring business, The HBCU Tutor, and I see myself managing that along with my future exploits. I want to change education towards the focus of learning, and ultimately create things that make the world a better place.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Alexander Lowe for his work as the SGA president of Fort Valley State University.