Leadership Highlight: Mercer University ‘s Student Government President Alisha Mitchell 

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Mercer University and did an interview with Alisha Mitchell, 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. Alisha Mitchell , who is majoring in Political Science & Journalism, is from Austell, Georgia.

We interviewed Alisha Mitchell 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 being president requires both attention to detail and deep awareness of people. An SGA president has to understand senators as individuals, their schedules, learning styles, creative strengths, and personal circumstances in order to support them effectively. While I understood this in theory before, stepping into the role made it clear that this awareness has to stay at the forefront of everything you do, especially how you communicate, plan events, and manage expectations around time and bandwidth.

What made you decide to attend Mercer University for undergrad?

One of the main reasons I chose Mercer University was my experience with the admissions staff. Every interaction, whether by phone or email, felt personal and genuine. My admissions counselor for my region truly stood out. She knew I had a state Future Business Leaders of America competition and actually called me the morning of the competition to wish me luck. That moment meant everything to me. Throughout the college application process, no one else took the time to remember details like that or show up for me in that way. Mercer made me feel seen not just as an applicant, but as a person and a student, and that made all the difference.

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

Mercer has shaped me into someone who genuinely cares about community and thinks beyond themselves. I’ve developed a global mindset through opportunities to study abroad in Mongolia and the Republic of Georgia, which expanded how I see my own life and the world. Those experiences taught me that every decision I make affects not just me, but my broader community. Mercer has also allowed me to invest in goals larger than my own success. Through the guidance of staff, faculty, and supervisors, I’ve learned to believe in the power of collective purpose and community impact.

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?

Mercer places a strong emphasis on tradition and community engagement, and I’ve been proud to support that work. One highlight has been assisting the chair of our Heritage Life Committee in expanding participation in our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which brings together students and community members. I’ve also supported Founders Day, an event that honors alumni who have made meaningful contributions to Mercer and the broader world. Helping strengthen attendance and engagement at these events has been fulfilling because they showcase the growth, history, and spirit of our university while fostering a stronger sense of connection.

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

One of the most impactful initiatives at my university has been the creation of peer groups and group therapy options. These spaces allow students with similar experiences or mental health concerns to connect in a supportive, non-isolating environment. Hearing others’ stories and learning coping strategies together can be incredibly powerful. I think this approach is especially meaningful because it reminds students they are not alone and that healing and growth often happen through shared experience.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership is another way to pour into others. It’s about helping people navigate challenges you may have faced yourself or supporting them as they reach for something bigger. Leadership isn’t just about helping others; it’s also about personal growth and fulfillment. True leaders find purpose in service. For me, leadership means having the tools, resources, and access to help others achieve goals they may not believe are possible. I’ve had students come to me unsure of where to start, whether launching a club or pursuing an idea, and trusting me as their first point of contact. That trust is what keeps me committed to leadership.

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 prioritize authentic, student-led digital representation. Prospective students want real content, not overly curated marketing. Admissions pages and social media should reflect actual student experiences, including trends, humor, and everyday moments students relate to, especially on platforms like TikTok. When I was applying for college and now as I consider graduate school, I paid close attention to how institutions interacted with students online. I wanted to see whether they were truly living the values they advertised, not just selling a polished image.

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

Watch The Yard is important because it reflects authentic Black student experiences. It shows people who look like us, understand the realities of being Black in America, and celebrate our culture, joy, and excellence. It highlights the diversity within the Black diaspora students being successful, creative, and unapologetically themselves. Given the lack of platforms that center Black college life, Watch The Yard serves as a powerful staple that honors both our ancestors’ sacrifices and our present-day achievements.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school in a public policy program. I’ve always wanted to combine policy and documentary work, understanding how systems operate while also telling the stories of the people most affected by those decisions. I’m especially interested in advocating for lower-income and marginalized communities. Long-term, I hope to become a political correspondent, using journalism to highlight how policies impact Black communities firsthand. I believe there is real power in representation, especially when telling stories that are often overlooked.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Alisha Mitchell  for her work as the student government president of Mercer University .

Photo Credits: Jina Athankhanh @jina_athakhanh