Leadership Highlight: Central State University’s Student Government President Aleigha Williams

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Central State University  and did an interview with Aleigha Williams, 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. Aleigha Williams, who is majoring in Psychology with a Sociology Minor, is from Fort Wayne.

We interviewed Aleigha Williams 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 biggest things I’ve learned as SGA President is that you don’t have to have all the answers to be a strong leader. Leadership is about learning in real time, asking the right questions, and bringing the right people into the conversation. That mindset directly ties into my platform, The Bridge: Connecting Students and Administration for a Better Tomorrow, because real change happens when communication is open and every voice is valued.

I’ve also learned how important it is to trust my SGA and trust myself. Trusting my SGA allows us to function as a true bridge between students and administration — each member brings unique perspectives and insights, helping us advocate effectively for our peers. At the same time, trusting myself has been essential when navigating tough decisions and balancing student needs with administrative realities. Being President has taught me that building The Bridge isn’t about perfection; it’s about collaboration, consistency, and showing up every day committed to creating a better tomorrow for all students.

What made you decide to attend Central State University for undergrad?

I’ve always known since middle school that I wanted to attend an HBCU, but at the time, I didn’t really know much about Central State. When I first visited the campus, everything just clicked. I fell in love with the energy, the sense of community, and the way students, faculty, and staff interact so genuinely with one another. There’s a feeling here that’s hard to describe — it’s welcoming, inspiring, and motivating all at once. I could see myself not just going to class, but growing, learning, and building meaningful connections.

Another big factor was that Central State is close to home, which made the transition to college feel more comfortable while still giving me the independence I wanted. The campus, the opportunities, and the atmosphere all came together to make me feel like this was the perfect place for me academically, socially, and personally. Visiting here confirmed that Central State wasn’t just a school I would attend — it was a community I wanted to be a part of, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far.

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

Central State University has truly shaped me into the person I am today. When I first arrived, I knew I wanted to grow, but I didn’t realize just how much this place would push me to step into my confidence. Being here has helped me embrace who I am and the skin I’m in, giving me hope and motivation to keep moving forward even when challenges arise.

Through my experiences, I’ve grown tremendously as a leader. Central State University has taught me how to command a room, introduce myself with pride, and carry myself with confidence in spaces that might have once felt intimidating. I’ve become more comfortable with public speaking, networking, and advocating not just for myself, but for others — lessons that have been invaluable in SGA and beyond.

Beyond professional growth, Central State has helped me fully embrace my identity as a Black woman from a small town. I’ve learned to stand firm in my beliefs, trust myself, and value my voice in every space I enter. It’s given me the tools and the mindset to pursue my goals with determination while staying true to who I am.

My time here has reinforced that leadership, confidence, and self-belief are not innate — they are cultivated through experiences, challenges, and opportunities to grow. Central State hasn’t just prepared me for the future; it has shown me that I have what it takes to make a difference, lead with purpose, and continue building the person I aspire to be.

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, I’ve focused on several initiatives designed to improve both our campus and the surrounding community. One of my projects has been beginning the process of restructuring the student senate under SGA, which will continue to grow in Spring 2026. This change is aimed at creating a more connected environment for student organizations, improving communication, and fostering collaboration across campus. In addition, we organized a campus clean-up following homecoming that brought together students from multiple organizations to work collaboratively to care for and improve our shared campus space.

Another key initiative is bringing back the yearbook, which is still a work in progress. The goal is to create a lasting way to celebrate student achievements, honor milestones, and capture the spirit of our campus community.

I’ve also focused on strengthening relationships with staff and faculty. Through weekly and monthly meetings, I’ve worked to check in, communicate student needs, and foster open dialogue. These consistent touchpoints ensure that concerns are addressed quickly, updates are shared efficiently, and both students and staff feel connected and supported.

In addition, I’ve been working to create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere within SGA. I want every member to feel valued, heard, and encouraged to share ideas without judgment. By fostering collaboration, respect, and openness, SGA is becoming a stronger, more united team that can better serve the student body.

I believe these initiatives will have a meaningful impact on our campus and community. By continuing the student senate restructuring, working toward the return of the yearbook, strengthening connections with staff and faculty, and building a more inclusive SGA, we’re improving communication, enhancing student engagement, and creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. These efforts help foster a campus environment that encourages collaboration, supports student growth, and prepares students to engage with the broader community with confidence, pride, and leadership.

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

At Central State, supporting student mental health isn’t just about providing resources — it’s about creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to care for themselves. Our campus organizations play a big role in this. For example, NAMI provides peer support for students navigating mental health challenges, while 5th Quarter Dance Co.’s dance therapy programs offer a creative outlet for stress relief and self-expression. These organizations show that mental health support can take many forms and that students can find what works best for them.

SGA is also actively working to listen to students’ needs and advocate for programs that promote mental wellness. We along with other student leaders host discussions, workshops, and events designed to reduce stigma, normalize asking for help, and connect students with the right resources. By prioritizing mental health in both structured programs and creative outlets, we’re helping to foster a campus environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

What’s unique about Central State is that mental health initiatives aren’t one-size-fits-all — they can be  student-led, student-centered, and constantly evolving. This approach ensures that every student has the support they need while also encouraging the community to engage in conversations about mental health openly and without judgment.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, is about showing up and taking responsibility, but also about knowing when to step back and let others shine. It’s about guiding, supporting, and inspiring people while creating an environment where everyone feels confident to contribute their ideas. Being a leader isn’t just about making things happen yourself , it’s about helping others realize their potential and working together to reach a common goal.

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- 2026 schools need to go beyond just sharing information online ,they need to create experiences. That means using social media, websites, and digital platforms to showcase what life is really like on campus: the energy, the achievements, the events, and the stories of students and staff. Schools should focus on being interactive, responding to questions, celebrating accomplishments, and highlighting opportunities for involvement so that anyone visiting online feels connected before they even step on campus.

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

Watch The Yard is a place for inspiration and engagement that goes beyond amusement. Black student are inspired to demonstrate their abilities, embrace their culture, and pursue academic and social greatness. It serves as a reminder to students like me that our experiences at HBCUs are worthy of celebration and that our voices, skills, and accomplishments matter. Additionally, by showcasing the leadership, inventiveness, and customs that make Black college culture so powerful it fosters a stronger feeling of connection among schools. In the end, Watch The Yard is about empowering Black youth, honoring their cultural roots, and encouraging the next generation to take on leadership roles, achieve success, and support one another.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I intend to pursue a degree in clinical social work at graduate school after graduation, with an emphasis on helping children, especially those from minority groups. I want to help young people overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and realize their full potential by offering support, tools, and advocacy. My objective is to continue developing both personally and professionally in an area that I am very passionate about while having a significant impact on the lives of kids who might encounter particular challenges.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Aleigha Williams for her work as the student government president of Central State University .

Photo Credits: @visualsbykris @nailah.cr2