Leadership Highlight: Prairie View A&M University ‘s Student Government President Jaquavous Doucette

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Prairie View A&M University  and did an interview with Jaquavous Doucette, 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. Doucette, who is majoring in Mass Communications, is from Orlando, Florida .

We interviewed Jaquavous Doucette 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 biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is that true leadership means serving everyone, regardless of classification, background, or demographic. This role has taught me that every student’s voice carries weight, and it’s my responsibility to show up for all of them. I’ve also learned the importance of understanding my own limits and recognizing when it’s time to pause, breathe, and reset. Leadership requires energy, and you can’t pour into others if you’re running on empty. Finally, I’ve realized that a ‘no’ from administration doesn’t define the final outcome. Sometimes ‘no’ simply means ‘not yet.’ When you keep working, collaborating, and advocating, that ‘yes’ eventually comes. And when it does, it makes the work worth it.

What made you decide to attend Prairie View A&M University  for undergrad?

I chose Prairie View A&M University for my undergraduate journey because it represents opportunity, purpose, and alignment with who I am becoming. I moved from Orlando to Texas in the middle of my junior year of high school, and at that time, I didn’t know anything about PVAMU. What I did know was that I wanted to attend an HBCU, a place that would challenge me, support me, and give me a sense of community.

It was actually my high school college readiness advisor who first told me about Prairie View. She didn’t look like me, and she attended Texas Christian University, but she still saw something in PVAMU that she knew would be good for me. And she was right.

My path wasn’t straightforward. I was denied admission at first, but PVAMU’s appeal process allowed me to submit an essay explaining my story, and that essay opened the door for me. As a first-generation college student who didn’t have the financial resources many students rely on, I just needed someone to give me a chance. Prairie View did that.
Today, I’m proud to attend the #1  public HBCU in the State of Texas, a  place that believed in me before I fully believed in myself and helped shape the leader I am today.

How has Prairie View A&M University  molded you into the person you are today?

Prairie View A&M University has molded me into a confident, grounded, and purpose-driven young man. When I arrived at PVAMU, I immediately found a family-like environment that embraced me. I met some of my closest friends here—people who have supported me, challenged me, and grown with me throughout my journey.

Back in high school, I won almost every election I ran for. But when I got to Prairie View, the story changed. I lost every single election, until I became SGA President. That experience humbled me and taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: failure isn’t the end; it’s preparation. Every “no,” every setback, every moment of doubt was shaping me for the moment I was truly ready to lead.

PVAMU also shaped me far beyond campus elections. As a college student, I ran for Prairie View City Council and lost by just one vote. That experience taught me resilience on an entirely new level. It showed me the power of civic engagement, the importance of showing up, and the reality that leadership sometimes requires courage long before it produces results.

This same university that once denied my admission became the place where I later made history, becoming only the second PVAMU student in history appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Serving as Student Regent has given me the privilege of advocating for over 165,000 students across the system of 12 Universities, and 8 state agencies, t’s a responsibility that has sharpened my voice, expanded my perspective, and elevated my commitment to public service.

Because of the foundation PVAMU built in me, I was also nationally recognized  as an 2024 AT&T Rising Future Maker, an honor that affirmed my work, my leadership, and the story I continue to write. None of these opportunities would have happened without the university that believed in me and taught me to believe in myself.

I am deeply grateful for the faculty and staff who pour into me the same way family does. They hold me accountable, push me to grow, and remind me that excellence isn’t optional, it’s our standard. PVAMU also gave me the opportunity to serve as a peer mentor to incoming freshmen, an experience that shaped my leadership style and taught me the importance of pouring into others the way so many have poured into me.
Because of Prairie View, I can walk boldly into the real world with confidence and preparation. This university didn’t just educate me, it developed me, grounded me, stretched me, and molded me into the 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?

This year, I’ve led several initiatives as SGA President that focus on improving the student experience, strengthening campus resources, and uplifting the Prairie View community. One initiative I’m most proud of is ‘A Day in the Life of the SGA President.’ This project increases transparency by giving students a real look at the work, advocacy, and decision-making that happens behind the scenes. It has helped rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and make SGA more accessible to the entire student body.

Another major initiative is our partnership with Meals on Wheels. Through this service effort, we’ve been able to support senior citizens and vulnerable residents in the Prairie View area. It not only strengthens our relationship with the local community but also reinforces the value of servant leadership among our students.

A third priority has been transforming the internal culture of SGA. Historically, SGA was often viewed as a “popular” organization rather than a governance body. My administration is changing that by holding members to a higher standard of professionalism, accountability, and service. This shift ensures students receive better representation and that SGA operates with integrity and purpose.

Beyond that, my presidential platform outlines large-scale initiatives that will directly improve campus life: expanding scholarship opportunities, improving academic advising and registration, pushing for better communication from key university offices, and launching a Student Leadership Academy to train the next generation of PVAMU leaders.

Each of these initiatives,  whether already launched or in progress,  strengthens the university in a tangible way. They promote transparency, equip students with resources, encourage community engagement, and create long-term structures that will continue improving PVAMU even after my administration ends.

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

Our SGA administration, alongside Prairie View A&M University and the Texas A&M University System, has made mental health one of our highest priorities. We understand that students cannot thrive academically or personally if their well-being isn’t supported.
One of our strongest resources is the TELUS Health Student Support app, which gives PVAMU students 24/7 access to licensed therapists through live chat, phone, video sessions, or referrals for in-person care. This tool breaks down barriers, whether it’s cost, transportation, or wait times—and ensures every student has access to support when they need it most.

Additionally, I recently had the privilege of leading a campus tour with the JED Foundation, a national leader in mental health and suicide prevention. Their assessment helps us evaluate our current systems, identify areas for improvement, and implement stronger, research-based strategies to better serve students. Working with JED ensures that PVAMU aligns with national best practices and continues to build an environment where students feel safe, supported, and heard.

Through these efforts, our administration is committed to creating a campus culture where mental health is openly discussed, resources are accessible, and students know they are cared for. Mental health isn’t just a checkbox for us, it’s a responsibility, and it’s personal.

If you’re reading this and dealing with mental health challenges, I want you to know this: you are not alone. You are not a burden. Your feelings are real, and your life matters. Asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do.

PVAMU and multiple Universities across the nation has resources in place to support you, but more importantly, it has people, faculty, staff, student leaders, and peers, who genuinely care about your well-being.

Take things one day at a time.
Give yourself grace.

And remember that reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

There are brighter days ahead, even if you can’t see them yet—and you deserve to be here to experience every one of them.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership is about what you do when no one is watching. It’s the quiet decisions, the unseen sacrifices, and the moments of integrity that determine who you really are as a leader. Leadership means showing up for others consistently, not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters.

It also means knowing when to step forward and when to step back. A true leader doesn’t stand in the spotlight alone; they create space for others to grow, shine, and succeed. Sometimes leadership is guiding the way, and other times it’s empowering someone else to take the lead and discover their own voice.

Leadership is being present, being dependable, and being willing to serve. It’s understanding that people follow authenticity, not titles. It’s listening just as much as you speak, and caring just as deeply as you direct.

Above all, leadership is about impact. It’s about leaving people better than you found them, building environments where others feel valued, and using your position not for power, but for purpose.

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

In today’s digital world, schools must be intentional and strategic in how they represent themselves online, especially going into 2026. Institutions aren’t just competing locally anymore; they’re competing globally for students’ attention, trust, and investment. That means schools must take ownership of their digital storytelling and recruitment messaging.

As a former student worker in Prairie View A&M University’s Marketing and Communications team, I learned firsthand how important it is to understand your target audience. What resonates with high school seniors may not resonate with transfer students, graduate students, or alumni. Schools need to create tailored, data-driven messaging that speaks to each audience’s motivations, concerns, and aspirations.

It’s also essential to follow digital trends—whether that’s short-form video, micro-influencer partnerships, interactive content, or timely social media campaigns. Students are drawn to authenticity, relatability, and real-life stories. Boosting engagement isn’t about posting more; it’s about posting smarter, with intentionality and creativity.

Most importantly, schools must use digital platforms to tell their story: who they are, what they stand for, and how they transform lives. Prospective students want to see campus culture, academic excellence, student leadership, and the real student experience, not staged perfection. Schools that communicate these elements effectively online will not only recruit stronger but build a deeper sense of community and belonging.

In 2026 and beyond, the institutions that win digitally are the ones that stay authentic, strategic, student-centered, and adaptive.

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 understands its brand and its purpose. The team at Watch The Yard knows exactly who it is speaking to and what stories need to be elevated. In a digital world where representation often gets diluted or overlooked, Watch The Yard creates a space where Black excellence is centered, celebrated, and preserved.

What makes it especially impactful is the way it sheds light on the diversity within our community, highlighting universities, fraternities, sororities, student leaders, alumni, and the traditions that define the HBCU experience. Whether it’s showcasing yard culture, probates, campus life, or excellence in leadership, they capture moments that matter to us and amplify them on a national stage.

Watch The Yard also meets students, alumni, and HBCU supporters exactly where they are—online, on social media, and in cultural spaces that feel authentic. It creates connection, builds pride, and strengthens the bond between generations of Black college students.

Ultimately, Watch The Yard documents our stories in real time. It validates our experiences,
celebrates our wins, and ensures that the legacy of Black college culture continues to live on.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in political communications. My goal is to serve as a senior-level staffer, managing the brand, messaging, and overall communications strategy for an elected official or governmental agency. I’m passionate about shaping narratives, informing communities, and ensuring that public-facing messages reflect transparency, clarity, and purpose.

I’m also looking into earning my master’s in Public Service & Administration to strengthen my policy knowledge and leadership skills. Long term, my ultimate goal is to become a United States Congressman. I want to continue serving communities, advocating for issues that matter, and using my voice to create meaningful change on a national level.

Everything I’m working toward now is preparing me for a future in public service, and I’m excited to build a career centered on communication, advocacy, and impact.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jaquavous Doucette for his work as the student government president of Prairie View A&M University .

Photo Credits:

PVAMU Shirt- @PVAMU
Graduation Speech-@PVAMU
Prof Headshot- @altierproductions