Leadership Highlight: University of the District of Columbia’s Student Government President Kayleah Shelton 

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to University of the District of Columbia and did an interview with Kayleah Shelton, 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. Kayleah Shelton, who is majoring in Accounting & Finance with a concentration in logistics and international trade , is from Portland, Jamaica.

We interviewed Kayleah Shelton  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 have learned as SGA president so far is that no two leadership roles are ever the same, and true leadership is rooted in service. It requires being humble enough to listen, courageous enough to move first, and confident enough to stand firm when the vision is not yet clear to everyone.

Transitioning from SGA Secretary to President taught me that even though we work collectively toward shared goals, each role brings a unique responsibility that completes the larger puzzle. As president, you are often the anchor responsible for ensuring that people, priorities, and purpose remain aligned. That alignment does not always look the same. Sometimes it means stepping back to allow others to grow, sometimes it means taking the blame for tough decisions, and other times it means standing tall and believing in your team’s vision before anyone else does.

I knew this role would challenge me, but I did not fully understand how transformative it would be until I experienced it myself. Watching past presidents grow is one thing; living that growth in real time is another. One of the most valuable lessons has been the importance of cultivating a positive and intentional team environment. That is where people do their best work and where leadership truly multiplies.

I have learned that one of the greatest responsibilities of an SGA president is vision being intentional about what your team sees, hears, and feels, while also creating space to listen to and uplift their ideas. When passion meets productivity, and every team member feels empowered to show up as their best self, that is where meaningful impact happens and where your tenure can truly make a difference.

What made you decide to attend University of the District of Columbia  for undergrad?

I decided to attend the University of the District of Columbia because it felt like home before I ever stepped on campus. My decision was influenced in part by my twin sister Kayleigh Shelton, who was recruited by UDC’s track and field team, and by the strong presence of a supportive Jamaican community at the university. Knowing that other students from my high school had already chosen UDC gave me a sense of familiarity and belonging, something that mattered deeply to me as I prepared to leave home for college.

My sister and I also wanted to attend the same university and build that sense of community together. UDC offered an environment where I knew I would not feel like just another number, but instead like someone who truly belonged.

That feeling was reinforced as I learned more about UDC’s close-knit, community-oriented culture. The small class sizes and accessibility of professors stood out to me, offering a level of personal connection that I didn’t see at many of the other schools I applied to. It felt like a place where students are genuinely supported and encouraged to grow.

Additionally, I was highly interested in majoring in accounting, and I quickly realized that UDC offered strong opportunities to thrive in that field. The fact that the accounting program is AACSB-accredited gave me confidence that I would receive a high-quality education while being part of a university that truly invests in its students. Choosing UDC meant choosing both academic excellence and a community that would support me every step of the way.

How has University of the District of Columbia  molded you into the person you are today?

The University of the District of Columbia has molded me into who I am today by helping me discover my purpose and my passion for serving others. Through my time at UDC, I’ve been able to grow into the best version of myself someone who is constantly evolving, learning, and striving to lead with intention.

When I first arrived at UDC, I was a very introverted individual. Not because I lacked interest, but because stepping outside of my comfort zone felt intimidating. Very quickly, I learned that growth does not happen where you are comfortable. To truly make the most of my college experience, I had to lean into discomfort and every step of the way, there was always someone encouraging me, whether it was faculty, staff, fellow students, or close friends. UDC has consistently been an environment where I feel supported and seen.
Through this journey, I’ve also learned that God often uses people and sometimes even ourselves to fulfill His plans for our lives. At UDC, I discovered that I have a deep desire to help others and advocate for those around me. My college experience became about more than just my own dreams; it became about uplifting others, including people I may never personally meet.

By stepping outside of my comfort zone, I have learned the importance of perseverance and faith understanding that on the other side of fear is often a blessing waiting to unfold. God led me to UDC so I could discover my passion for advocacy and service, while also learning the value of taking risks and seeing difficult things through to the end. These lessons have shaped my character and prepared me for the professional and personal journey ahead.

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?

My administration has been intentional about creating initiatives that will outlast our term and continue to serve students long after we leave. This year, we launched the Legacy Pitch Competition, which highlights student entrepreneurship while giving students the opportunity to propose solutions to challenges on campus. The winning idea will be presented to university leadership next semester to ensure student voices are meaningfully included in decision-making.

We are also working toward implementing a snack bar for student athletes to support their well-being during demanding academic and athletic schedules. In addition, we have met with university leadership and conducted student surveys to assess interest in expanding academic offerings through new minors’ conversations we plan to continue and leave as a foundation for future administrations. To ensure continuity, we are documenting our initiatives, challenges, and lessons learned, and launching a women’s leadership podcast to spotlight women leaders on campus and inspire students by showing them what is possible.

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

At the University of the District of Columbia, our SGA administration is intentional about supporting student mental health in meaningful and accessible ways. When planning events, we prioritize creating spaces where students can truly rest and reset through creative, low-pressure activities such as painting, candle-making, and coloring sessions that offer a break from academic stress. These moments are designed to give students time to slow down, recharge, and feel supported.

In addition, we actively share information about available mental health resources through tabling efforts and engaging social media outreach, while also ensuring that mental health stays an ongoing conversation across campus.

Importantly, this focus extends to student leaders as well. As individuals who are constantly in service to others, it can be easy to neglect our own well-being. That is why in every leadership training and meeting, conversations around prioritizing mental and physical health, checking in with one another, and setting healthy boundaries are always present. By fostering a culture where wellness is normalized and supported, we are working to ensure that students and student leaders feel seen, supported, and empowered to take care of themselves.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, is rooted in service. It is about drawing out the greatness in the people you lead and creating space for them to grow into their fullest potential. True leadership means fostering an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to show up as their best selves.

It goes beyond giving direction or holding a title it is about making people feel seen and heard. Leadership is both a mindset and a daily choice: the choice to listen, to learn, to serve, and to lead by example. Leadership is about how you affect others and the standard you set. It is using your gifts with excellence and integrity to uplift those around you and move the collective forward.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?

How an institution represents itself online is more important than ever. It shapes everything from donor interest to application and retention rates, and it influences how students, brands, and companies engage with the university. In 2025–2026, schools need to represent themselves in ways that are authentic, engaging, and reflective of their values.

For HBCUs like mine, online representation should honor our deep history and the foundation of the institution while highlighting the opportunities and impact it provides today. Schools also need to stay current with social media trends to engage audiences, while always staying true to their brand and mission. Student leaders play a critical role in this effort, sharing firsthand stories of how the university transforms lives and inspires others to see the unique difference it makes.

By combining tradition, authenticity, and modern engagement, universities can create an online presence that is meaningful, influential, and reflective of the community they serve.

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

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it intentionally centers, celebrates, and preserves Black excellence. It provides visibility, validation, and community by creating a platform where Black students’ achievements, leadership, traditions, and everyday experiences are seen and valued.

In a society where Black student success is often overlooked or underrepresented, Watch The Yard documents our stories and archives our culture in real time. It not only highlights accomplishments across academics, Greek life, and campus leadership, but also connects students across institutions and amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. Beyond celebration, it serves as a space for pride, activism, and collective storytelling, helping to preserve our legacy while shaping the future of Black college culture.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to focus on obtaining my CPA license while working full-time as a tax consultant. I believe the skills I have gained through my leadership experience as SGA president at the University of the District of Columbia have prepared me not only for the technical aspects of accounting but also for the importance of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Accounting is not just about numbers, it is about working effectively with others, thinking critically, and leading with integrity all skills I have cultivated in my role as SGA president. I am excited to carry these lessons into my professional career and make a meaningful impact in the field.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kayleah Shelton  for her work as the student government president of University of the District of Columbia .

Photo Credits: Omo – Omolade Ejiko