Leadership Highlight: Valdosta State University’s Student Government President Kai Kemp

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Valdosta State University and did an interview with Kai Kemp, 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. Kai Kemp, who is majoring in Organizational Leadership , is from Thomasville, Georgia .

He is a proud Spring 2025 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi.

We interviewed Kai Kemp 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 the real meaning of being a servant leader. It’s easy to focus on the title, but this role quickly reminded me that true leadership lives in the quiet work, showing up for students, advocating when no one’s watching, and making decisions that center the community before yourself. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being in front; it’s about lifting others up, creating space for their voices, and carrying the responsibility with humility and purpose.

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

I chose Valdosta State because VSU is woven into my family’s legacy. My mom earned multiple degrees here ultimately completing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and my sister earned both her bachelor’s and her Master of Public Administration at VSU. Growing up, I watched them build their futures here, and that shaped how I viewed education, leadership, and possibility. So, choosing VSU wasn’t just a college decision, it felt like coming home. I’ve been a Blazer my whole life, and attending VSU gave me the chance to honor that legacy while creating my own path.

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

Valdosta State has molded me by surrounding me with opportunities to learn, grow, and get involved early on. I graduated high school in May 2024 and started at VSU that August, and even in that short amount of time, I’ve been able to find my place and contribute in ways I didn’t expect so soon. The support from faculty, staff, and fellow students has pushed me to step into leadership with confidence while staying grounded. VSU has helped me discover what I care about, how I want to serve, and the kind of leader I’m becoming.

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, my administration has focused on transparency, communication, and elevating student voices. One of our key projects is Resource Wednesday, a weekly initiative that highlights academic, professional, and wellness resources students may not know about. I also serve on the Presidential Search Committee, ensuring student perspectives help shape VSU’s next chapter. Looking ahead, we’re planning to implement a Student Input Committee for Student Life to create a structured way for students to share feedback and influence campus decisions. We also have several additional initiatives in development that I’m not yet at liberty to announce, but they are aimed at further improving the student experience.

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

This year, my administration has focused on transparency, communication, and elevating student voices. One of our key projects is Resource Wednesday, a weekly initiative that highlights academic, professional, and wellness resources students may not know about. I also serve on the Presidential Search Committee, ensuring student perspectives help shape VSU’s next chapter. Looking ahead, we’re planning to implement a Student Input Committee for Student Life to create a structured way for students to share feedback and influence campus decisions. We also have several additional initiatives in development that I’m not yet at liberty to announce, but they are aimed at further improving the student experience.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means being a servant leader. It’s about putting people first, listening before speaking, and making decisions that uplift the entire community, not just myself. Servant leadership requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to do the work behind the scenes just as much as you do it in front of a microphone. It means using my platform to open doors for others, to advocate for those who feel unheard, and to leave every space better than I found it.

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, schools must treat their digital presence as an extension of their campus. Which consists of being transparent and timely in communication, showcasing authentic student experiences, using digital tools for community-building, highlighting diversity, student success, and everyday life, not just polished marketing.

Students decide if a school is worth their time long before they step foot on campus. Institutions must create a digital environment that reflects inclusion, opportunity, and real student voices.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it tells our stories through our lens. It amplifies Black excellence, Black leadership, and Black culture across campuses nationwide. For many students, it’s the first time they see themselves represented in a positive, powerful way. It gives us community beyond our university and preserves the legacy of Black collegiate life, from student leadership to Greek life to activism. It reminds us that our voices matter and our impact is national.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master of Public Administration at Valdosta State University under the undergrad-to-graduate accelerated track and work toward becoming a city manager. My goal is to improve local government operations, strengthen community relationships, and help create cities where every resident has access to opportunity. My time in SGA showed me how much impact local leadership can have, and that’s the level where real change begins.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kai Kemp for his work as the student government president of Valdosta State University.

Photo Credits:

@RLYR1CH – Christmas photo

PAUL LEAVY, VSU PHOTOGRAPHER