Leadership Highlight: Clark Atlanta University’s Student Government President Javari Carlton

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Clark Atlanta University and did an interview with Javari Carlton, 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. Carlton, who is majoring in Finance, is from Jacksonville, Florida.

We interviewed Javari Carlton and talked to him about his 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 most important lesson I’ve learned as Undergraduate SGA President so far is the value of strategic planning, co-creation, and being data-informed. At the start of my term, I had the honor of co-authoring a measurable strategic plan, which served as the driving force for our administration. We recognized that we had a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, so to stay on track, we organized our key action items into five pillars: Governance and Structure, Visibility and Communication, Engagement and Inclusion, Fiscal Transparency, and Institutional Legacy and Impact.

We initially expected to reach 40% completion of our strategic plan by the end of our first semester, but with hard work from our branches and strong support from the University, we achieved 63% by the end of the Fall term — 23% above our goal. These same skills are not only applicable in my role as Undergraduate President, but also in my non-profit, The First in Our Generation Foundation, as we serve current and aspiring HBCU students, and in my future career in Analytics and Law.

What made you decide to attend Clark Atlanta University for undergrad?

As cliché as it sounds, I truly believe that Clark Atlanta University chose me at a time when I was ready to give up on pursuing higher education after finishing high school. I had dreams of attending Florida A&M University; however, when I was rejected, I felt no desire to continue with college. The night before I received my acceptance letter from Clark Atlanta University, I had decided to stay in Orlando, Florida—where my family and I were living at the time—and work.

Several months later, during NSO (New Student Orientation), I fell in love with everything about CAU: the creativity, the art, the warmth, the environment, and the City of Atlanta itself. How could I ever resist? Clark Atlanta University said yes, so how could I not say yes? Like so many of my peers, I carry the dreams of all the Black folks who endured so much, fighting for respect and even an inkling of opportunity. Clark Atlanta University gave me that opportunity.

How has Clark Atlanta University molded you into the person you are today?

Clark Atlanta University has taught me that the greatest quality in a man is not how much wealth he amasses, but his integrity and his ability to positively influence those around him. I have achieved a great deal during my time at CAU; however, what CAU has truly shown me is that achievement is meaningless if it has no impact on the lives of others.

I am a man of faith, and one of my favorite verses is 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful servants of God’s grace in its various forms.” Had it not been for God’s word and Clark Atlanta, I would not be the servant leader I am today.

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?

Our administration has spearheaded record-breaking initiatives in our first term in office. After years of research, advocacy, and data collection, we are proud to announce that enrolled students at Clark Atlanta University will no longer pay any additional costs for student events during Homecoming. In addition, we successfully advocated for an increased budget for the Student Government Association, which has supported the expansion of a graduate council, the establishment of a judicial branch, new initiatives for the co-scholars we serve, and the advancement of key action items within our strategic plan — all with the support of the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life.

Returning to the idea of co-creation, our administration is launching the inaugural CAU Day of Service, a day that honors our institution’s motto, Culture for Service, and demonstrates appreciation for our surrounding community through give-back efforts, reconstruction, and cultural engagement. This initiative is being developed in partnership with multiple campus departments, community leaders and activists, local organizations, and legislators.

We have accomplished so much during our first semester, and we still have even more in store.

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

We are proud to co-chair Clark Atlanta University’s annual “You Good” Mental Health Summit alongside our Assistant Vice President of Wellness, Ernita Hemmit, as well as our supporting donors, partners, and community collaborators. This three-day immersive summit features workshops addressing critical and timely issues impacting our community, from generational trauma to grief counseling. The summit concludes on the third day with a 5K fundraising run that supports year-round mental health initiatives, along with engaging stations that provide tools and resources to promote wellness for both faculty, staff, and students.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, in my own words, is the mastery of the art of following and cultivating an environment for others to do the same. I strongly believe that for good leaders to lead, they must first be led, and once they have gathered the necessary skills and abilities to lead — or, in other words, once their cup is full — they can begin guiding others down that same path toward something greater than themselves.

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

I urge institutions, especially our exceptional HBCUs, not to underestimate the power of partnerships. It truly warms my heart to see schools such as Clark Atlanta University embracing technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence, to cultivate partnerships with corporations, community organizations, and other institutions of higher learning. These collaborations are creating more opportunities to reach Black and Brown students and provide the resources necessary for them to thrive in today’s world — from initiatives like our investment fund to groundbreaking cancer research.

While Howard University currently stands as the only HBCU to hold the prestigious R1 designation, I firmly believe that by leveraging this approach, more HBCUs can and will achieve the same distinction.

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

Watch The Yard has become a central hub for all things HBCU, from opportunities and news to culture and community. The platform holds a unique distinction in consistently highlighting the achievements of our community — in academia, in our careers, and in the work we do within our communities. I am especially grateful to Watch The Yard for providing me with the opportunity to share my story and contribute my perspective on important issues.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Ultimately, my goal is to become a successful corporate attorney with a strong foundation in finance, analytics, and strategy. After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master’s in Analytics while building my career in analytics, and later attend law school. I will continue providing financial literacy, mentorship, and career development resources to current and aspiring HBCU students through my nonprofit, The First in Our Generation Foundation, Inc. 

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Javari Carlton for his work as the student government president of Clark Atlanta University.

Photo Credits:

Headshots: Curtis McDowell
Image in front of CAU: Jayden Evans, @jayshotu
Pink tie: Tashawn Rhodes, @igotcapturedbyshawn