Leadership Highlight: Elizabeth City State University’s Student Government President Jasmine Jackson

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Elizabeth City State University and did an interview with Jasmine Jackson, 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. Jackson, who is majoring in Kinesiology, is from Richmond.

We interviewed Jasmine Jackson 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?

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned as an SGA President is that leadership is deeply connected to real-life experiences and personal growth. It’s not just about holding a title, but about being shaped through every challenge, success, and season that God takes me through. I’ve come to see that every situation, whether calm or chaotic, teaches me something valuable if I’m willing to learn from it.

There have been moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, and it would’ve been easier to step back or give up. But through those times, I’ve learned that strength and growth only come through continuous effort and struggle, just like there can’t be sunshine without a little rain or a storm.

Over time, I’ve also come to understand the true meaning of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) motto, “To Live is to Learn”. This role has reminded me that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms or during major moments; It occurs in the small, everyday interactions, conversations, observations, and even in the silence between them. Every space I step into on campus, every student I meet, and every experience I encounter teaches me something new about service, humility, and purpose.

Recognizing the value in those small lessons has shaped me just as much as the big ones. It’s helped me see that leadership is really a continuous loop of learning, applying, reflecting, and growing. Embracing that mindset has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my journey as SGA President.

What made you decide to attend Elizabeth City State University for undergrad?

My decision to attend ECSU began with a genuine connection. I developed a strong relationship with an associate professor of kinesiology.  That mentorship made ECSU feel like the right place for me to grow academically and personally. ECSU provided a supportive environment that allowed me to pursue kinesiology, compete as a student-athlete, and participate in meaningful leadership opportunities. My journey began with a genuine connection to an associate professor of kinesiology whose mentorship made ECSU feel like the right place for me to grow both academically and personally. Receiving a full academic scholarship confirmed that ECSU believed in my potential and would provide a space where I could thrive.

How has Elizabeth City State University  molded you into the person you are today?

Elizabeth City State University has played a central role in shaping who I am today. As a junior at ECSU, I’ve accomplished more than I ever imagined, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, competing as a three‑sport collegiate athlete, studying abroad in seven countries, and landing my first internship during my freshman year in a neuroscience lab, and now have the honor of serving as the 73rd Student Government Association President. Beyond academics and athletics, I’ve grown as a leader through programs like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Gilman Program, which have broadened my perspective and inspired me to lead boldly and be a catalyst for transformation. ECSU has given me the tools, confidence, and platform to lead boldly and represent my university with pride. It has amplified the values of courtesy, compassion, respect, and hard work instilled in me by my family and community, shaping me into the young woman I am today and preparing me to conquer every new season with faith, persistence, and grace.

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?

An upcoming initiative I have planned is, as part of my role as an Engaged Athlete Fellow with The TEAM, to launch the “Athletes Building Community” initiative in the spring semester. This program focuses on helping student‑athletes use their platforms to engage in service, civic involvement, and community impact.

The TEAM’s mission resonates deeply with me, as it focuses on leveraging athletics as a platform for service, mentorship, and positive change. In this role, I’ll connect ECSU student-athletes with local K-12 students through targeted school-based volunteering, collaborative joint service days involving multiple teams, and immersive high school game day experiences that include campus tours, Q&A sessions with athletes, civic engagement workshops, and hands-on activities like writing letters to their future selves.

I believe this initiative will transform our university by sparking widespread student involvement, drawing in athletes from men’s and women’s basketball, other sports teams, SGA members, and the broader campus community to collaborate on service efforts, which builds unity, leadership skills, and a shared sense of purpose among students who might otherwise stay siloed in their own groups.

For the surrounding Elizabeth City community, the impact will be even more profound: by mentoring dozens of local K-12 students from underserved and rural schools, providing them with role models who look like them, exposing them to college life, and instilling civic responsibility through voting discussions and service projects, we’ll empower youth to dream bigger, pursue higher education and athletics, and become future leaders themselves.

This creates lasting ripple effects, stronger family-campus bonds, sustained partnerships with local schools and nonprofits, boosted high school athletic programs through recognition and support, and a more engaged, resilient community where students and families feel seen, inspired, and equipped to drive change together

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

ECSU continues to take meaningful steps to prioritize the mental health and well‑being of its students, offering resources and initiatives that encourage balance, rest, and overall wellness. One example is the university’s Wellness Days, which give students intentional time away from academic responsibilities so they can recharge and focus on themselves
The Jackson Administration is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of students, and we’re working closely with the resources the university already provides while exploring additional ways to strengthen that support. We’re also exploring the possibility of connecting with an HBCU mental‑health‑focused tour for this spring semester. We’re still in the planning phases, and no official details have been finalized yet; however, we’re excited about the potential for ECSU to be part of broader mental‑health initiatives that could benefit our students and the community at large.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership isn’t something extraordinary; it’s actually quite ordinary. It’s found in the little things, because those small actions shape how you handle the big ones. Leadership doesn’t develop overnight; it’s something that’s instilled within you over time through courtesy, respect, and hard work. True leadership isn’t confined to your school, work, or the things that bring you joy; it’s also about doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. Leadership is not about titles or being in the spotlight, but about growing, adapting, and uplifting others along the way. It means learning from both the small moments and the big challenges, staying open to change, and using that growth to support and strengthen your community.

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

Schools must highlight authentic student stories and showcase the real impact of their programs. Whether it’s celebrating student achievements, sharing day‑to‑day campus life, or amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard, authenticity matters. Students want to see real people, real experiences, and real outcomes, not just polished marketing.
In 2025–2026, schools should use digital platforms to create transparency, build trust, and reflect the true culture of their campus. This means showcasing the full spectrum of student life, engaging directly with their communities, and utilizing technology to connect, inform, and inspire. When schools lead with authenticity and representation, they not only strengthen their brand they also strengthen their bond with the students they serve.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it preserves and amplifies the culture, excellence, and traditions of Black students and HBCUs. It gives us a national platform to tell our own stories, celebrate our achievements, and see ourselves represented with pride. For many students, it’s a space where our leadership, creativity, and community are seen, valued, and documented for the world to witness.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, the plan is to pursue a Master’s in Public Health. This path will allow me to continue my passion and advocacy for addressing and mitigating health disparities in underserved communities.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jasmine Jackson for her work as the student government president of Elizabeth City State University .

Photo Credits: @joelonaisphotography, @dsatt.flix