Leadership Highlight: LeMoyne-Owen College’s Student Government President Charmere Suggs

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to LeMoyne-Owen College and did an interview with Charmere Suggs, 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. Charmere Suggs, who is majoring in Biology, is from Memphis .

We interviewed Charmere Suggs 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?

I have learned that so many people look up to you, watch you, and you don’t even know it. People are always watching, whether it’s students, faculty, or staff. It isn’t about anymore; it’s about leading and being the voice for others. Every day, it’s something new, or a decision being made, and it starts with setting the tone. The way you carry yourself can also inspire others and make them want to get active in leadership roles or just get involved around campus. As a person who is used to doing things on their own, very independent, learned how to lean on others. As Student Government Association President, there are going to be times when you don’t know the answer to a situation. It’s okay to ask for help and expect others to have the answers because you can’t be a superhero. There are going to be times you aren’t even you anymore; you are now attached to the title. Walking across campus, you are now Madam President, being stopped and emailed by students daily, expecting you fix their concerns, wanting you to know the answers. It can be a little overwhelming when you don’t know how to help or have the answer.

But overall, I learned that being in this role can be fun and exciting to see the impact that you make on others. Being called into this role has taught many things like being dependable and

What made you decide to attend LeMoyne-Owen College for undergrad?

To be honest, my story isn’t a regular story like I have always wanted to attend here. But one thing for certain is that I knew: I always wanted to attend an HBCU, out of state, where my people have fought and built with their blood, sweat, and tears for me to go to college. I first went to Benedict College in South Carolina.  A place where I thrive, and people around people just like me. I am actually a transfer student to LeMoyne-Owen College. Quite frankly, I wanted a change in scenery, and I received an email one day that said you have been accepted to LeMoyne-Owen College ( thinking to myself, how am I accepted to a school I didn’t even apply to), so I did some research. After doing some thinking I was like, why not go to the only HBCU in my very own city and the 5th oldest HBCU at that. I came up in the Fall 2023 to see what I needed to transfer and get into the school, after getting things over from my old school. I officially started at LeMoyne-Owen College in the fall of 2024 and have fallen in love ever since. This is a place where you are loved, and people make you feel like family

How has LeMoyne-Owen College molded you into the person you are today?

LeMoyne-Owen College has shaped me into who I am today by challenging me both academically and personally. As a biology major and a student leader, my college experience has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The demanding biology curriculum taught me discipline, critical thinking, and perseverance, as I learned to manage challenging coursework, labs, and exams. Successfully passing my courses required strong time management and a commitment to continuous learning. At the same time, serving as a student leader helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. Balancing academics with leadership roles pushed me to stay organized, work collaboratively, and lead with empathy. Together, these experiences helped mold me into a well-rounded individual who is resilient, motivated, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to my future profession and community. Overall, my college experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, strengthened my sense of purpose, and prepared me to navigate the complexities of the world with responsibility and self-belief. As a student 

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?

I have taken an active role in initiatives focused on student engagement, academic support, and community involvement. I helped organize student forums and feedback sessions to ensure student concerns were heard and communicated to the administration, which improved transparency and responsiveness within the college. 

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

Here at LeMoyne-Owen College, we have a counseling center with 2 women who are there and willing to help students with anything. Also have a partnership with Appleseeds if further counseling and therapy are needed. Our Counseling Center offers countless opportunities for students who need one-on-one time and sessions. Our counselors also hold several events where they have outside people who are certified to come out and speak to students on campus. A mental health day when we have a dog named Otis that comes out and you can rub on and release everything. Our school nurse is responsible for student health and well-being. We even have a wellness fair in the fall and spring for all students. Over in our magic radio station, we have several different podcasts going on about mental health and different things students deal with daily. Mental health is valued and cared for just as much as academic success

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me is serving first and commanding the room. It isn’t about the title or having the authority; it’s about showing up when you are not called on. Being there, listening, and helping others succeed even when no one is watching. To be an active leader role model that holds integrity and isn’t afraid to be consistent and take accountability. Its how you set the tone beyond positions. A legacy that can impact those who come after you. Being able to guide others to achieve a goal. As a leader, I don’t go looking for validation and a trophy for anything that I do. Leadership is about making an impact on the people that you touch along the way, helping them plant their seeds as you sow your very own.

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 need to meet students where they are, and it’s on the internet. A strong online presence shows that a school understands the students’ voices and can connect to them at any time. Showing students the real stuff in real time. We want to see what it’s like on campus—clubs, events, classrooms, dorms, and everyday moments, not just highlight reels. Representation matters. Students want to see different backgrounds, organizations, and communities being celebrated consistently, not just during certain months. Ultimately, a school’s online presence in 2025–2026 should reflect who they truly are—their values, culture, and commitment to students—because in the digital age, credibility is built through consistency, transparency, and connection. 

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

I believe Watch The Yard is important to African American students because it not only shows the past but also focuses on the present and the future. It is important because it keeps up with the news across all HBCUs in the land. Keeps and holds history near and easily accessible. It’s a place where we can come, see, and vent freely, be ourselves. Where all black young and older students, future students can be unapologetically black. The Yard documents and educates students about BGLO history, step culture, campus movements, and legacy stories that are often ignored or misrepresented in mainstream media. Seeing Black excellence, unity, and achievement reflected helps students feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are and where they come from. It tells Black stories by Black people, reducing stereotypes and preventing misinformation about fraternities, sororities, and Black student life. Watch The Yard connects students nationally, helping them learn from other schools, traditions, and leaders beyond their own campus. It showcases not just stepping and probate culture, but also scholarship, service, and professional success within Black student organizations. By establishing standards for respect and accountability, Watch The Yard helps maintain against the exploitation of Black culture for entertainment or clout.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation in December 2026, I will be getting my second Bachelor’s degree.  I plan on attending nursing school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center of Nursing to get a BSN in RN. By doing the accelerated program and taking the RN registration license test for both TN and MS certification. Apply and get a job at Baptist Hospital in CVICU, work in that department for about 2 years, then eventually go back to school for my CRNA license. Deepening on how life is might get my Master’s in Nursing. 

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Charmere Suggs for her work as the student government president of LeMoyne-Owen College.

Photo Credits: @itsafricanthunder, @gregmoore