Leadership Highlight: Dillard University’s Student Government President Lucine Flores

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Dillard University and did an interview with Lucine Flores, 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. Flores, who is majoring in Criminal Justice, is from New Orleans, LA (Westbank).

We interviewed Lucine Flores 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 as an SGA President so far is patience. Real change does not happen overnight, and leadership has taught me that progress is often happening even when it isn’t immediately visible. There are moments when the outcomes you’re hoping for don’t come as quickly as you expect, and sometimes you may not even be present to see the full result of the work you started.

What I’ve come to understand is that leadership is about planting seeds. It’s about creating ideas, policies, and opportunities, and then teaching others how to nurture them. When you invest in people, give them the tools they need, and empower them to carry the vision forward, growth will happen in its own time. Even if you don’t witness it firsthand, the impact still matters.

Through this journey, I’ve also learned the importance of having a strong and trustworthy team. Progress is impossible without people who believe in the mission, communicate honestly, and show up consistently. A great team doesn’t just support the leader, they challenge you, hold you accountable, and help push the vision further than you could on your own.

Ultimately, this role has shown me that leadership isn’t about immediate results or personal recognition. It’s about building something sustainable, creating space for others to lead, and trusting the process. Patience, teamwork, and purpose are what turn short-term efforts into long-term change.

What made you decide to attend Dillard University for undergrad?

I always say honestly that Dillard University was not my first choice, but it was exactly where God intended me to be. I’m grateful that I allowed Him to order my steps, because choosing Dillard changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. What truly made me stay at my Fair Dillard was getting involved on campus.

During my freshman year, student leadership was very visible, and by my sophomore year I decided to step into it fully. From that point on, I haven’t looked back. I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a Career Ambassador, Student Leadership Office Manager, and President of multiple organizations. I’ve also been able to travel internationally to London and Rome, experiences that were made possible through the support of Dillard’s staff, professors, and the many opportunities the university provides.

What I’ve learned is that Dillard offers so much, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there and grab the opportunities. Beyond the academic and professional growth, Dillard has given me something even more meaningful: a community. I’ve met friends here who have truly become my family, and that sense of belonging is something I will always carry with me.

That’s why Dillard became home.

How has Dillard University molded you into the person you are today?

Dillard University has molded me into the person I am today by shaping my mindset and sense of responsibility. Being in an institution whose mission centers on leadership, service, and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society pushed me to think beyond myself and consider the impact of my actions on others.

Dillard taught me how to lead with intention and character, not just ambition. I learned that leadership is rooted in ethical decision-making, accountability, and a commitment to uplifting the community. The university consistently challenged me to show up prepared, speak with purpose, and carry myself in a way that reflects excellence.

Most importantly, Dillard reinforced the idea of service to humanity. It helped me understand that success is not only measured by personal achievement, but by how you use your education and influence to create positive change. The environment cultivated confidence, resilience, and a deeper awareness of my role in the world.

Dillard didn’t just help me grow academically, it refined who I am, strengthened my values, and prepared me to lead with purpose wherever life takes me.

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?

As SGA President, I’ve had the privilege of leading and coordinating numerous initiatives this year designed to positively impact our campus and the surrounding New Orleans community. This past fall, some key efforts included:

Campus Engagement & Leadership Programs: Hosting events like Town Halls, Senate Sessions, Sips With Senate, and bi-weekly Oak Talk videos on our Instagram page kept students informed, engaged, and connected to everything happening on campus. The “You Tell, We Elevate” Summer Survey gave students a direct way to influence campus improvements. Additionally, our Senate chartered six new student organizations, expanding leadership and involvement opportunities for the student body.

Civic Engagement: Through our collaboration with Vote HBCU, we helped students register to vote and promoted civic engagement, empowering the student body to take an active role in shaping their communities.

Community Service & Student Support: We partnered with organizations like the Center for Racial Justice for community clean-ups across New Orleans and restocked the Aunt Flow machines at the start of the year to ensure students had access to essential resources. Study sessions during midterms and wellness initiatives also created spaces for students to connect, de-stress, and feel supported academically and socially.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue these efforts in the spring semester. Our initiatives include class-specific events, community clean-ups, The HerAgenda: Women in Leadership, and a partnership with the JCS Project to give away 100 snack boxes, further extending our service to the campus and surrounding community.

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

Our SGA administration takes student mental health seriously and has implemented several initiatives to support wellness across campus. Each month, we share uplifting messages and Bible scriptures to encourage reflection, positivity, and resilience among students.

Additionally, our SGA Chaplain personally visits students’ rooms, leaving scriptures and words of encouragement on their doors. We also hosted a prayer walk in collaboration with our Campus Programming Team and Royal Court, providing students with a space to reflect, connect spiritually, and find encouragement in community.

Beyond spiritual support, we prioritize direct check-ins with students. During Sips With Senate and student body meetings, we engage with students to see how they’re doing. Our class representatives stay active within their respective classes, hosting regular class meetings and maintaining consistent communication to ensure students feel heard and supported.

These efforts are designed to promote emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, reminding students that support is available and that they are not alone. By integrating encouragement, faith, and active engagement, we aim to foster a campus environment where students feel cared for, valued, and supported in all aspects of their lives.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership is not just about titles or recognition. True leadership is rooted in service, humility, and integrity. It is about using your position, whether formal or informal, to uplift others, create opportunities, and make a positive impact. A leader’s role is not to seek personal glory, but to ensure that the team, community, or organization thrives.

Leadership also requires courage, the courage to stand firm in your beliefs even when it is difficult, unpopular, or challenging. It means being accountable for your decisions, admitting when you are wrong, and continually striving to grow. A leader listens as much as they speak, values diverse perspectives, and empowers others to share their voices.

Ultimately, leadership is about leaving a lasting, meaningful impact. It is measured not by awards or accolades, but by the ways you inspire, serve, and influence those around you to be their best selves. True leadership transforms both the leader and the people they serve.

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

In 2025–2026, schools need to actively cultivate their digital presence in ways that are engaging, authentic, and reflective of their values. It is no longer enough to simply maintain a website or static social media pages. Schools should use platforms like Instagram Reels, Stories, and TikTok to showcase student achievements, campus initiatives, and community impact, giving prospective students and the broader public a real sense of life on campus.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by involving students directly in content creation. Mass Communication, Film, and media students can produce high-quality videos, manage social media campaigns, and provide a student perspective that feels genuine and relatable. Featuring student voices, leadership opportunities, and behind-the-scenes glimpses allows the school to highlight the diversity of experiences on campus in an engaging way.

Authenticity and interaction are key. Schools should host live Q&A sessions, virtual tours, and regular updates that allow the community to engage in real time. Digital platforms can also be used to promote wellness, civic engagement, and community involvement, showing that the school is more than an educational institution it is a vibrant, supportive community that empowers students to lead and serve. A strong online presence in 2025–2026 is about being accessible, interactive, student-driven, and genuinely reflective of the school’s mission and culture.

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

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it celebrates and uplifts the Black college experience in a way that is visible, authentic, and empowering. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are rich with traditions, achievements, and stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream media. Watch The Yard provides a platform to highlight those moments, from student leadership and campus events to Greek life and community service, ensuring that the culture and accomplishments of Black students are seen and celebrated.

It also fosters a sense of community and pride. By sharing achievements and experiences across campuses, it connects students to a larger network, inspiring them to lead, serve, and engage in ways that strengthen both their institutions and communities. For many students, it validates their hard work, creativity, and dedication, and encourages them to continue building a legacy of excellence.

Ultimately, Watch The Yard plays a crucial role in documenting history, amplifying voices, and promoting Black excellence on college campuses, making it an invaluable part of Black student life and culture.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to continue building on the foundation of leadership, service, and community engagement that I have developed at Dillard University. My time at Dillard has taught me the value of patience, collaboration, and purposeful leadership, and I intend to carry these lessons forward as I continue growing my nonprofit organization, The Lou Lu Foundation. Through the foundation, I aim to serve the community in meaningful ways, create opportunities for youth, and address needs in education, wellness, and empowerment. It is my goal to not only provide resources and programs but also to inspire others to lead, give back, and positively impact the communities around them.

At the same time, I plan to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Political Administration, or a related field. Continuing my education will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of public policy, social systems, and leadership in practice, equipping me with the knowledge and tools to create systemic change. I see this as an opportunity to combine theory with action—using the lessons learned in the classroom to enhance the work I do through my nonprofit and in the communities I serve.

Ultimately, my post-graduation vision is to merge professional development, advanced education, and community service. Whether through advocacy, program development, or mentorship, I want to create lasting, meaningful impact. I aspire to lead with purpose, serve with intention, and empower others to reach their potential, just as I have been inspired and supported throughout my journey at Dillard University. By continuing to grow both personally and professionally, I hope to leave a legacy of service, leadership, and positive change that extends far beyond the campus and into the broader community.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Lucine Flores for her work as the student government president of Dillard University.

Photo Credits: @mannyfilmedit