In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Delaware State University and did an interview with Na’ja Stokes, 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. Na’ja Stokes, who is majoring in Biological Sciences, Research Prfessions Concentration , is from Detroit, MI.
She is a proud Spring 2025 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta.
We interviewed Na’ja Stokes and talked to her about her 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 is that leadership is less about the title and more about responsibility. In this role, I am constantly balancing advocacy on behalf of students while holding myself and my board accountable, all with empathy and impact at the forefront of every decision. Leadership has shown me that progress does not always happen loudly or quickly, but through consistency, transparency, and meaningful follow through, trust is built and change becomes sustainable.
What made you decide to attend Delaware State University for undergrad?
My decision to attend Delaware State University was influenced by several meaningful factors. As my high school’s valedictorian, I understood the importance of the foundation I had built and believed I deserved the opportunity to pursue my bachelor’s degree debt free. From the moment I was introduced to Delaware State, I was surrounded by individuals who genuinely invested in my success and welcomed me into the Hornet family even before I officially committed. I was fortunate to receive the Presidential Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my degree at no cost. The level of support, belief, and intentionality DSU showed toward me was unmatched by any other institution I considered, and I knew it would be the perfect place for me to grow academically, personally, and as a leader.
How has Delaware State University molded you into the person you are today?
Delaware State University has molded me into the person I am today by helping me find my voice, purpose, and confidence. Through my experiences here, I learned the importance of advocacy and discovered that leadership is rooted in community and support. DSU has provided me with lifelong friendships and sisterhoods that have challenged me to grow both personally and professionally. As I matriculated through college, I gained independence, resilience, and the courage to speak up for myself and others. Because of these experiences, I know I will leave Delaware State University more self assured, purpose driven, and prepared to make meaningful change than when I first arrived.
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 administration, The Hustle Administration, has led several initiatives focused on transparency, student advocacy, and community engagement. We implemented a State of the Campus Address to ensure students are consistently informed about important updates and decisions impacting the student body. We also revised the SGA Constitution, restarted the Student Senate to strengthen shared governance, and established departmental liaisons to improve communication between students and university leadership. In addition to campus-focused efforts, we prioritized community service by completing the 7th Annual No Limit Toy Drive, which served the local Dover community. Through partnerships with local businesses and alumni, we collected over 4,200 toys and raised over $2,000 to support families in need. We also successfully planned safe and engaging Homecoming events that fostered school pride and unity. To further support students, we established regular town halls and office hours to create safe spaces for students to voice concerns, spotlighted student organizations and events to increase engagement, and worked closely with university administration to advocate for student needs. Together, these initiatives have strengthened communication, increased student involvement, and reinforced DSU’s commitment to both its campus community and the surrounding city of Dover.
How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Mental health is a major priority for our administration, and we have been intentional about normalizing conversations surrounding mental wellness. During high stress periods such as midterms and final exams, we engage with the student body in meaningful yet lighthearted ways to provide stress relief from the demands of academic life. Our initiatives have included hosting car smashing events, distributing exam care packages, and facilitating student wellness sessions to remind students that they are not alone. Moving forward, a key goal of my administration is to strengthen our partnership with Counseling Services in order to expand access to support, create consistent safe spaces, and foster open and ongoing dialogue around mental health on campus.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is grounded in service, integrity, and accountability. The principle of servant leadership has been deeply instilled in me and guides how I navigate this role each day. Leadership is about showing up for others, even when the work is uncomfortable or goes unseen, and choosing compassion over ego in every decision. I believe true leadership lies in empowering those around you, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, and leaving every space better than you found it. Ultimately, leadership is about acting with intention and making decisions based on the positive impact they will have on others, rather than personal gain.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?
As we continue to live in an increasingly tech centered society, schools must be intentional about being authentic, engaging, and student centered in their digital footprint. Their online presence should reflect real student experiences, highlight achievements, and communicate transparently. Institutions should leverage social media not only for marketing, but also for storytelling, advocacy, and community building, especially for prospective students who often experience a campus online before ever stepping foot on it.
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?
Watch The Yard is important because it intentionally amplifies Black excellence, culture, and student leadership in ways that mainstream platforms often overlook or fail to center. It serves as a digital archive that preserves the legacy, traditions, and pride of HBCUs while simultaneously highlighting the impact of the students who come from these institutions. By celebrating both the history and the continued progress of our schools, Watch The Yard affirms the high caliber of leaders being cultivated across HBCU campuses.
For Black and HBCU students, Watch The Yard is more than a media platform. It is a space of representation and community. It allows us to share our stories in our own voices, honor our experiences, and see ourselves reflected positively and unapologetically. In doing so, it strengthens Black college culture, reinforces collective pride, and reminds us that our narratives matter and deserve to be told by us and for us.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to continue gaining clinical and research experience before matriculating into medical school. My long term goal is to become an OB GYN committed to providing equitable, patient centered care for women, especially those from marginalized and underserved communities. I also have an interest in research focused on health disparities in the black community, which is something I also want to continue to pursue. I am deeply committed to increasing representation in healthcare and forging a path for black girls to explore their interest in healthcare. I am deeply committed to advocacy, mentorship, and service, and I intend to carry those values with me throughout my medical career and beyond.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Na’ja Stokes for her work as the student government president of Delaware State University.
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