Leadership Highlight: Rust College’s Student Government President Ta’ Nyja Streater

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Rust College and did an interview with Ta’ Nyja Streater, 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. Streater, who is majoring in Social Work, is from East St Louis, IL.

We interviewed Ta’ Nyja Streater 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 is that leadership is rooted in service and patience. Being SGA president has shown me that progress takes listening, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to advocating for students, even when challenges arise.

What made you decide to attend Rust College for undergrad?

I chose Rust College because it offered a strong sense of community and opportunity. I felt that this was a place where I could grow academically while also developing as a leader and making a meaningful impact on campus. I also receive a full ride academic scholarship 

How has Rust College  molded you into the person you are today?

Rust College has shaped me by pushing me to be accountable, confident, and resilient. Through leadership opportunities and campus involvement, I’ve learned how to stand up for myself and others while staying grounded in my values.

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 initiatives centered on reconnecting students with faculty and administrators to strengthen trust and communication across campus. I’ve also worked to improve student engagement by creating opportunities for students to feel more involved and invested in campus life. In addition, because health and wellness are important to me, I helped initiate plans for a mobile clinic to regularly visit campus to provide checkups and health testing, making care more accessible for students. These efforts aim to support the whole student and create a healthier, more connected campus community.

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

Our SGA administration has made mental health a priority by promoting awareness, encouraging the use of campus resources, and advocating for increased access to counseling and wellness programs.We also regularly host mental health activities. We aim to create a campus culture where students feel supported and comfortable seeking help.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means leading with integrity, compassion, and accountability. It’s about serving others, amplifying voices that may go unheard, and setting an example through action, not just words.

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

Schools need to present themselves online in a way that is authentic, engaging, and transparent. This means highlighting real student experiences, communicating clearly, and using digital platforms to build trust and community.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it centers and uplifts Black students, traditions, and organizations. It preserves culture, celebrates excellence, and ensures that Black voices and experiences remain visible and respected within college culture.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan to attend grad school and receive my masters in Social Work. 

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Ta’ Nyja Streater for her work as the student government president of Rust College.