In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Bethune-Cookman University and did an interview with Sagal Buchanan , 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. Sagal Buchanan , who is majoring in Political Science, is from East Orange, New Jersey.
We interviewed Sagal Buchanan 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 lesson I’ve learned as SGA President is that effective leadership is rooted in service, not authority. While the title may grant visibility, true leadership is demonstrated through consistency, integrity, and a willingness to listen especially to voices that are often overlooked. I’ve learned that meaningful progress requires balancing student advocacy with institutional responsibility, navigating competing perspectives with transparency, and making difficult decisions even when they may not be popular.
This role has also taught me the importance of collaboration and trust-building. Real change does not happen in isolation; it happens through strong relationships, clear communication, and empowering others to lead alongside you. Above all, I’ve learned that leadership is about showing up every day with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to serve the collective good, even when the work is challenging or goes unseen.
What made you decide to attend Bethune-Cookman University for undergrad?
I decided to attend Bethune-Cookman University because of the enduring legacy and mission of its founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, whose life exemplifies leadership, service, and a profound commitment to educational equity. Founded in 1904 with limited resources but a clear and purposeful vision, the institution stands as a testament to Dr. Bethune’s belief in the transformative power of education for historically marginalized communities. Her influence extended beyond the university, as she was a nationally recognized educator, civil rights leader, and advisor to U.S. presidents, advocating for access, opportunity, and justice.
What ultimately drew me to Bethune-Cookman is the way Dr. Bethune’s values continue to be embedded in the university’s culture today. The emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, service, and community engagement creates an environment that prepares students to lead with integrity and purpose. Attending Bethune-Cookman represents not only an academic choice, but a commitment to carrying forward a legacy of impact, responsibility, and excellence.
How has Bethune-Cookman University molded you into the person you are today?
Bethune-Cookman University has shaped me into the person I am today by surrounding me with a community that believes in my potential, often before I fully saw it in myself. The faculty and staff have served as mentors, guiding me with wisdom, encouragement, and high expectations, pushing me to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The students here have inspired and challenged me, fostering a culture of collaboration, resilience, and excellence that motivates me to rise to every opportunity.
Because of this support, doors I once only dreamed of have opened, placing me in positions of responsibility and leadership where I can truly make an impact. The university has entrusted me to represent and serve my peers, a responsibility I carry with confidence, purpose, and gratitude. Living out Bethune-Cookman University’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” has reinforced in me that education is not just about personal achievement but about using knowledge, skills, and leadership to uplift others and positively impact the community. Bethune-Cookman University has not only prepared me to excel academically and professionally, but it has also molded me into a leader who understands the power of community, the importance of service, and the weight of carrying forward Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s enduring legacy.
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, one of the key initiatives I have headed up as SGA President is the Next GEN Wildcats SGA Shadowing Program, designed to give students a first-hand look at student government operations while developing leadership skills, civic engagement, and professional confidence. Through this program, students are paired with executive board members to observe meetings, participate in decision-making processes, and contribute to real campus projects. The goal is to empower the next generation of Wildcats by providing mentorship, practical experience, and a platform to have their voices heard.
I believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on both the university and the surrounding community. On campus, it fosters a stronger connection between student government and the student body, encouraging transparency, accountability, and engagement. For the broader community, the program equips students with leadership, organizational, and advocacy skills that extend beyond the university, preparing them to make meaningful contributions wherever they go. By investing in future leaders today, the Next GEN Wildcats SGA Shadowing Program strengthens the culture of service, excellence, and community impact that defines Bethune-Cookman University.
How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Our SGA administration is deeply committed to addressing the mental health and overall well-being of students. We understand that college life can be stressful, with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal responsibilities all converging at once. To support students, we have developed initiatives that focus on both stress relief and holistic wellness.
A central component of our approach is the work of our chaplain, who also serves on the executive cabinet. The chaplain emphasizes the importance of spiritual wellness as a foundation for mental health. Through workshops, weekly reflections, prayer sessions, and one-on-one guidance, students are encouraged to build a closer relationship with God. This spiritual connection helps students navigate challenges with resilience, find inner peace, and develop a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
In addition to spiritual guidance, we incorporate practices such as affirmations, mindfulness exercises, and positive reinforcement activities. These tools help students reframe negative thoughts, reduce stress, and cultivate a healthy mindset. By combining spiritual support with practical mental health strategies, our administration creates a nurturing environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that every student has access to resources and guidance that promote emotional stability, personal growth, and academic success.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership is about purpose, not power. I often say this because true leadership is not defined by a title, position, or the ability to direct others, but by the intention behind your actions and the impact you create. It’s about having a clear vision, aligning your decisions with your values, and using your influence to inspire and uplift others rather than to assert control or gain personal recognition.
Leadership requires a deep commitment to service. It means showing up consistently, even when the work is challenging or unseen, and making decisions that reflect integrity, fairness, and accountability. It is about listening actively, understanding the needs of those you serve, and empowering others to grow into their own potential. True leaders recognize that their success is intertwined with the success of their team and the community around them.
For me, leadership also means resilience and courage the willingness to face difficult conversations, navigate conflicts, and advocate for what is right, even in the face of opposition. It’s about creating spaces where others feel valued, heard, and supported, and ensuring that every action taken contributes to a greater purpose. Ultimately, leadership is a responsibility to make a meaningful difference, to cultivate positive change, and to leave a lasting legacy that reflects both character and conviction.
We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?
Schools need a strategic and authentic digital presence that reflects their values, achievements, and community impact. Beyond websites and social media, they should engage audiences with high-quality content, virtual tours, and interactive opportunities that showcase academics, student life, and community initiatives. A professional yet approachable online presence builds trust, fosters connection, and inspires pride among students, families, and alumni, ensuring the school remains visible and relevant in a digital world.
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 highlights and celebrates the achievements, leadership, and traditions of HBCUs in a way that is often underrepresented in mainstream media. Personally, when I was a freshman at Bethune-Cookman University, I came across Watch The Yard on Instagram, and it profoundly shaped my understanding of the HBCU experience. Seeing students recognized for their accomplishments, leadership, and contributions instilled in me a strong sense of pride and belonging even before I fully established my place on campus.
The platform showcases the vibrancy, legacy, and culture of HBCU life, from step shows and homecoming events to student-led initiatives and community engagement, and inspired me to become actively involved, embrace leadership opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to my university community. For Black students, Watch The Yard serves as a vital platform that uplifts, connects, and motivates, reinforcing the importance of legacy, excellence, and impact within HBCU culture.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, the plan is to attend law school with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. This path will provide the knowledge, skills, and platform needed to challenge systemic inequalities, advocate for underrepresented communities, and fight for justice and equity at both local and national levels. A career in civil rights law offers the opportunity to influence policy, hold institutions accountable, and empower communities by ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Pursuing this path builds on the values of service, leadership, and advocacy emphasized by an HBCU education, preparing future leaders to approach the law with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to meaningful change. It is a way to combine legal expertise with a dedication to social justice, creating a career that not only advances professional goals but also leaves a lasting impact on society.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Sagal Buchanan for her work as the student government president of Bethune-Cookman University .
Photo Credits: @ajrphotography21