Leadership Highlight: Lane College’s Student Government President Erin Isabell

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Lane College and did an interview with Erin Isabell, 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. Erin Isabell, who is majoring in Business with a minor in pharmacy tech, is from Milwaukee .

She is a proud Fall’ 23 initiate of Sigma Gamma Rho.

We interviewed Erin Isabell 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 most important lesson I’ve learned as Student Government Associate President is the value of active listening. In this role, I serve as an advocate for approximately 750 students. Therefore, when I am present at a conference, meeting, or delivering a speech/presentation, I am entrusted with the responsibility to represent the student body. Being knowledgeable about whom I represent has strengthened how I communicate, lead, and present myself. I’ve also learned that leadership requires accepting that you cannot please everyone. Every decision will be met with differing perspectives, and that is part of the role. This reality makes it even more important to actively listen to student concerns, both positive and negative, to ensure their experiences are acknowledged and addressed. And when challenges arise, I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to rethink strategies, collaborate, and innovate. Leadership has taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and continuously refining ideas until meaningful change becomes reality. 

What made you decide to attend Lane College for undergrad?

I decided to attend Lane College because it is legendary. Both of my parents, godparents, and several extended family members are proud Lane College Alumni. Therefore, at an early age I was introduced to the values, culture, and impacts of Lane College. To me, Lane College was more than an institution it represents legacy, resilience, and community. My desire to contribute to my family’s tradition has influenced my decision to attend Lane.

In addition to contributing to my family’s legacy, I believe Lane College could offer an environment that would genuinely support me academically, athletically, and spiritually. The opportunities to receive academic and athletic scholarships made it possible for me to pursue a higher education while graduating debt free. Attending Lane College has allowed me to honor my family’s legacy while creating my own, and it continues to shape me into a leader prepared to make a meaningful impact beyond campus.

How has Lane College molded you into the person you are today?

Prior to attending Lane, I attended a predominantly Caucasian Catholic institution where individuals who looked like me where rarely reflected in positions of excellence or leadership. However, while at Lane College, I was immersed in an environment that exemplifies Black excellence, resilience, and empowerment. Lane College has enhanced my work ethic and equipped me with the integrity necessary to lead with purpose and create meaningful impact in my community. Lane College has also molded me into a confident, purpose-driven leader by challenging me to grow both personally and professionally.  Personally, I have navigated adversity and built lifelong relationships. Professionally, I have been entrusted with leadership opportunities that strengthened my communication, decision making, and advocacy skills. With each level of growth, I have learned that success reinforces the understanding that growth is not accidental; it is cultivated through experience, accountability, and perseverance.

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?

Throughout this year, I have intentionally focused on initiatives that strengthen student engagement, institutional pride, and community impact. One of the key programs I helped lead was Lane College Dragon Discovery Week, a student led transitioning experience designed for newly enrolled Freshmen. This initiative allows incoming students to acclimate themselves to campus life prior to the start of the academic year and build relationships with student leaders. Dragon Discovery week also fosters trust, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. The program ends in a formal induction ceremony where freshman is welcomed in the Lane College Family though meaningful traditions, including receiving their official Lane College pin, learning the Alma Mater, and signing the generational book reinforcing legacy and pride. 

Another initiative I spearheaded was the Lane College SGA Day of Service, launched during Homecoming Week. My administration believed that Homecoming should extend beyond celebration and serve as an opportunity to give back to the community that consistently supports our institution. This initiative encouraged students, alumni, faculty, and staff to engage in service projects locally and globally, unified through the hashtag #LCDayofService. The overwhelming participation and positive response led us to formalize this initiative as an annual tradition, now held on the first day of Homecoming each year.

In the near future, I am planning to host a student-administration town hall meeting to address the communication gap between leadership and the student body. This forum will create a transparent space for dialogue, allowing students to voice concerns while enabling administrations to share context, decision making processes, and future plans. I firmly believe this will promote mutual understanding, accountability, and trust ensuring student voices are not only heard but will be considered in shaping the future of Lane College.

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

Our SGA administration approached student mental health as a shared responsibility, not a secondary concern. We recognize that mental health impacts every student differently and that sustainable success requires a strong supportive environment. Lane College currently employs three dedicated mental health counselors who work consistently and compassionately to support students, provide resources, and improve overall well-being. When student needs extend beyond on campus capacity, the institution has established partnerships with external clinics and licensed therapists to ensure continuity of care and appropriate intervention(s). Our campus culture also emphasizes community-based support, student organizations, campus clubs, and wellness-focused events to check in with our Lane College Family. I strongly believe that peer-to-peer support is a critical component of mental health advocacy. Sometimes students feel more comfortable opening up to one another before seeking formal services. Seeing students take initiative to create safe, inclusive space for healing reflects the strength of our campus leadership and reinforces our commitment to prioritizing mental health as a cornerstone of student success.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me means taking the responsibility to use influence ethically, to challenge inequities, promote transparency, and protect the interests of the community. True leadership is not defined by position, but by consistency in values and the ability to create meaningful and positive change(s).  

I believe the most effective leaders are those who earn and sustain the trust of the people they serve, by navigating challenges with integrity and purpose. Strong leadership opens doors to possibilities that may not initially seem attainable and empowers communities to strive for excellence.

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

Schools must fully embrace the reality that digital engagement is not optional; it is essential to institutional growth and visibility. Lane College understands that social media is a permanent and powerful communication tool, which is why the institution has expanded its marketing efforts and strengthened collaboration between faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Together, we are intentionally using digital platforms to highlight student achievements, campus initiatives, and institutional success. 

By developing and maintaining active Instagram and Facebook pages, Lane College has increased its ability to reach broader audiences, keeping our campus community and alumni connected. A strong digital presence allows institutions to authentically showcase their culture, values, and impact beyond campus borders. As schools continue to leverage the digital landscape strategically, they not only enhance representation but also elevate institutional value by clearly communicating what makes their community unique and exceptional.

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 in a society where Black excellence is often overlooked or mischaracterized, Watch The Yard strategically amplifies our achievements, narratives, and collective progress. It highlights key milestones within our community and reinforces the idea that individual success is shared success. By spotlighting future doctors, educators, attorneys, politicians, and innovators Watch The Yard creates visibility that inspires and empowers Black students across campuses worldwide. It allows us to see ourselves represented in positions of excellence and/or leadership which affirms that our growth is both meaningful and measurable. Ultimately, Watch The Yard celebrates the beauty and brilliance of Black culture, strengthens community pride, reinforces purpose, and continues to push us collectively towards the next level of excellence.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduating, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in Biomedical Informatics or Business Administration. My goal is to contribute to the innovations of healthcare delivery, research, and data analysis. I am particularly interested in using data driven solutions to improve patient outcomes, streamline clinical processes, and support evidence-based decision making. My long-term vision is to contribute meaningful patient centered research that will help advance efforts focused on finding cures for complex diseases affecting pediatric patients. I aspire to work for an organization or company that will provide opportunities for me to play a pivotal role in developing impactful solutions that improve lives and promote equity in healthcare systems.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Erin Isabell for her work as the student government president of Lane College.

Photo Credits: Jean Cirosil, JoNiya Mays