In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Sam Houston State University and did an interview with Lily Temple-Dozier, 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. Lily Temple-Dozier, who is majoring in Criminal Justice, is from Texas City.
She is a proud Fall 25 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
We interviewed Lily Temple-Dozier 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 thing I’ve learned as SGA President so far is the power of balancing identity, responsibility, and impact. Being a Criminal Justice major, a sorority woman, and someone deeply active on campus has taught me that leadership isn’t just about titles it’s about presence, patience, and purpose. I’ve learned how to advocate for students while still showing up as my authentic self, how to manage competing priorities without losing my voice, and how to build trust with people who come from different backgrounds and experiences. Most importantly, I’ve learned that real leadership requires listening, humility, and the courage to make decisions that serve the whole student body, not just the loudest room. This role has pushed me, stretched me, and ultimately made me a stronger, more grounded leader.
What made you decide to attend Sam Houston State University for undergrad?
I chose Sam Houston State University because it truly felt like home. When I visited, I felt the warmth, the community, and the chance to grow as a leader. And what really spoke to me was our motto ‘The measure of a Life is its Service.’ Service is at the core of everything I do, so choosing a university that celebrates that same value made SHSU the perfect fit for me.
How has Sam Houston State University molded you into the person you are today?
Sam Houston State University has truly molded me into the woman I am today by giving me space to grow, lead, and serve at every level. SHSU challenged me academically as a Criminal Justice major, but it also shaped my character through service, involvement, and community. The motto ‘The measure of a Life is its Service’ pushed me to lead with purpose whether through SGA, my sorority, or the many organizations I’m active in. This campus taught me how to use my voice, how to advocate for others, and how to balance leadership with humility. SHSU didn’t just educate me it refined me, strengthened me, and gave me the confidence to step into my identity as a leader, a scholar, and a woman committed to making an 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?
As SGA President, I’m focused on initiatives that make SHSU more accessible and sustainable. I’m working to improve campus parking through ideas like a real-time parking availability app, shuttle expansion, and parking solutions. I’m also pushing sustainability efforts like better recycling access and e-waste disposal. These changes will not only make daily life easier for students, but also create a cleaner, more efficient campus that positively impacts Huntsville and the surrounding community.
How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?
Our SGA administration is committed to supporting students’ mental health in real, tangible ways. One major initiative created by our past president that is already in progress is the implementation of a Fall Break for our student body. We’ve been advocating for this because we know how important it is for students to have a mid-semester pause the same kind of mental reset we get in the spring with Spring Break. Ensuring that Fall Break is fully implemented and carried out as promised is a priority for us, because it will give students the time they need to breathe, rest, and regroup. This break is a simple but powerful step toward improving overall well-being across campus.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means service, responsibility, and being willing to show up for people even when it’s not easy. It’s about listening before speaking, lifting others up, and using your position to create real change, not just hold a title. Leadership is knowing when to stand firm and when to step back, when to guide and when to empower. It’s leading with integrity, compassion, and consistency and making decisions that put the community first. Most of all, leadership is choosing every day to be someone others can trust, learn from, and feel supported by.
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 represent themselves online with authenticity and real student voices. Students want to see genuine campus life, not just polished marketing. Universities should use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to show their culture, highlight student leaders, and communicate quickly and clearly. It’s all about being transparent, engaging, and true to who the school really is.
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?
I think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it gives us a platform that truly celebrates our stories, our excellence, and our impact. On many campuses, Black student life can be overlooked, but Watch The Yard makes sure our leadership, our organizations, and our traditions are seen and valued. It connects Black students across the country, preserves the culture of the Yard, and highlights the work we’re doing in real time. It’s more than media it’s representation, affirmation, and community.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue my education and attend law school. My goal is to become an attorney and eventually open my own firm, focusing on advocacy, justice, and community-centered work. I also want to stay connected to public service and leadership, whether that’s through policy work, community initiatives, or even running for office one day. Everything I’m doing now from SGA to my Criminal Justice degree is preparing me to serve, lead, and make an impact beyond SHSU.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Lily Temple-Dozier for her work as the student government president of Sam Houston State University.
Photo Credits: @shotbygviz @tega_okperuvwe