Leadership Highlight: Wilberforce University’s Student Government President LyDel Madden

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Wilberforce University  and did an interview with LyDel Madden, 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. LyDel Madden, who is majoring in Computer Science , is from Detroit.

He is a proud Fall 24 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi.

We interviewed LyDel Madden 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 significant lesson I have learned so far as SGA President is that the role is fast-paced and filled with constant challenges. Once elected, there is no adjustment period, you are expected to lead immediately.

This experience has taught me the importance of truly understanding the individuals I work alongside, as the ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and lead a team directly influences both personal success and the overall effectiveness of the cabinet.

Additionally, I have learned that strong leadership is not solely defined by constant presence, but by recognizing when to step back, recharge, and return fully prepared to serve students and support the team at the highest level.

What made you decide to attend Wilberforce University for undergrad?

I chose to attend Wilberforce University because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, the opportunity to help build a new legacy. I arrived at Wilberforce during a pivotal moment, when the Hounds of Sound Marching Band was just beginning in 2022.

Being part of a new program taught me the value of patience, commitment, and collective vision, as we worked together to shape something meaningful from the ground up. I also knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, and Wilberforce’s close proximity to home provided a sense of balance between familiarity and independence.

More than anything, Wilberforce felt like a place where I could grow personally and professionally, step into leadership, and leave a lasting impact that extends beyond my time on campus.

How has Wilberforce University molded you into the person you are today?

Wilberforce University has truly shaped me into the person I am today by pushing me beyond what I ever thought I was capable of. When I first arrived, I was just a student in the band and choir. I loved being in the background and never saw myself as someone who needed to be in the spotlight. But the faculty and staff at Wilberforce saw something in me long before I saw it in myself.

They encouraged me to step into new spaces, joining organizations like the UNCF Ambassador Program, serving as a mentor to other students, becoming an ambassador for the university, and working with the Office of Student Success and Support. Each opportunity slowly pulled me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to be comfortable with growth, leadership, and responsibility.

By the end of my junior year, during campaign season, I received a call telling me that someone needed to run for SGA President,and that they believed I could be that person. At first, I didn’t want to run. I doubted myself. But the Wilberforce community reminded me that this is more than a campus,it’s a family. Even when you don’t feel confident, there are people who see your potential and are ready to walk with you as you lead. Wilberforce taught me to trust that vision, step forward, and lead with purpose.

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 that strengthen both the Wilberforce community and the students we serve, grounded in my F.A.M.I.L.Y. Leadership platform—Forging A Meaningful, Inclusive, and Leading Year. One of my key priorities has been creating spaces where students feel heard and supported. Through town halls and open conversations with administration, we’ve worked to improve transparency, address student concerns, and rebuild trust between students and leadership.

Another major focus has been uplifting student organizations by advocating for fair funding, clearer processes, and stronger collaboration between SGA and campus organizations. By streamlining event approvals and offering more guidance, we’ve helped organizations plan meaningful events that engage both campus and the surrounding community.

Looking ahead, we’re expanding alumni and community partnerships to bring more resources, mentorship, and opportunities back to campus. These initiatives are designed not just to improve Wilberforce today, but to create a lasting impact that empowers students, strengthens community ties, and builds a culture of leadership and service.

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

The Madden Administration has prioritized mental health by hosting wellness-focused events that actively engage students and create safe spaces for connection and conversation. We recognize that student success begins with student wellness, and these efforts have helped increase engagement, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek support both inside and outside the classroom.

By working with campus partners such as Student Success and Residence Life, we’ve improved awareness and access to mental health resources, including the university’s online mental health support platform. We also model balanced leadership, reinforcing that taking breaks and asking for help are essential to long-term success. Through continued student feedback and collaboration, our goal is to ensure mental health support remains visible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our campus community.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, is rooted in purpose and people. It goes beyond holding a title or position; it is about setting intentional goals, identifying direction, and using available resources to transform vision into meaningful action. True leadership begins with service; listening with intention, understanding the needs of others, and creating inclusive spaces where every voice feels valued. It is about guiding others toward collective success rather than individual recognition.

Leadership also requires accountability and balance. It takes courage to advocate for what is right, discipline to remain consistent, and humility to seek support when it is necessary. Above all, leadership is measured by impact: leaving people better than you found them and building something sustainable that continues to serve others long after your term or position has ended.

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 increasingly digital world, schools need to be intentional about how they represent themselves online in 2025–2026. Authentic storytelling is key, prospective students want to hear real experiences from current students, alumni, artists, and leaders who have lived the culture of the institution. Those voices build trust and give life to what a school truly represents beyond brochures and statistics.

Schools should also collaborate and uplift one another, rather than promoting themselves in isolation. Cross-university partnerships, shared platforms, and collective support help expand reach and strengthen higher education as a whole. Most importantly, institutions must invest in consistent, engaging digital promotion that highlights their impact, opportunities, and community so students can clearly see where they belong.

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

I believe Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it celebrates our wins and tells our stories in ways that are often overlooked or not shared elsewhere. It keeps our community informed while uplifting Black excellence, leadership, and achievement across campuses.

Watch The Yard highlights the importance of student success and shows how Black Greek Letter Organizations positively shape campus culture. Beyond undergrad, it also showcases how Greek life continues to impact communities through service, leadership, and lifelong commitment. In doing so, it reinforces pride, unity, and the power of representation within Black college culture.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate studies with a concentration in cybersecurity and advanced computing. My goal is to deepen my technical knowledge while developing the research, analytical, and leadership skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in modern information systems.

Professionally, I intend to work in the technology or cybersecurity sector, supporting organizations in protecting critical systems and data infrastructure, particularly those that serve underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. Over time, I hope to assume leadership roles that allow me to contribute to strategic decision-making, mentorship, and workforce development within the field.

Additionally, I aspire to return to higher education later in my career as an instructor or professor. Teaching would allow me to translate industry experience into academic instruction, support student development, and contribute to expanding access and representation in STEM disciplines. Ultimately, my post-graduate plans are centered on long-term impact through scholarship, professional practice, and service.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend LyDel Madden for his work as the student government president of Wilberforce University .

Photo Credits: Kristopher King @visualsbykris // Tayshawn Braden, @ tay_productionz.