In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to North Carolina Central University and did an interview with Manuhe Abebe the 2022-2023 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Abebe, who is majoring in Mass Communication, is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

We interviewed Manuhe Abebe, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2022-2023.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

The biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is to have patience; not everything comes to you easily; there are things you’ll learn along the way. Sometimes we get caught up in trying to do everything and know everything, but all that takes time. As President, I’m not only laying the foundation for those who will come after me but also counting on building off the foundation that has been built by those before me.

What made you decide to attend North Carolina Central University for undergrad?

North Carolina Central University was the only college that accepted me; most may not believe it, but it’s true, and it’s the only HBCU I applied to. Looking back, I’m grateful that NCCU took a chance on me when no other colleges would.

As a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I’ve seen that the opportunities to strive and become successful are endless; the chance to receive an education here at NCCU is something I’m grateful for, and I’m PROUD to say that I attend the Illustrious North Carolina Central University.

How has North Carolina Central University molded you into the person you are today?

North Carolina Central University has molded me into the person I am today by allowing me to truly find a place where I can thrive academically and socially with the help of Aspiring Eagles Academy, Student Government Association, and the Honors College. NCCU has allowed me to become more confident and also supported me in being able to go after my dreams and aspirations.

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?

A specific initiative that I’m currently working on is the SOAR To Success 4-Year Plan, started by Derrick Stanfield. Last year, he served as the Student Body President, and the initiative focuses on promoting students’ development as they matriculate through their years at North Carolina Central University.

The plan will assist students in developing goals that will provide guidelines for collegiate and post-baccalaureate success. Students who complete the outlined goals throughout their tenure at NCCU will have the tools necessary to compete for a career in their field or pursue a graduate or professional degree. Each year of a student’s matriculation will have a different focus.

I’ll be incorporating different ways students can access campus resources and opportunities. I hope every first-year student attending NCCU will have this guide so they have a smooth transition into college and graduate on time with all the resources at their disposal.

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

At NCCU, our SGA has always focused on our students’ well-being, including mental health.

Brandon Hedgebeth, who served as the 77th Student Body President, developed the Eagle Fit Initiative initiative. This initiative aims to create an NCCU community that values and promotes positivity in every aspect of the lives of our students. Through this project, SGA and campus officials will have a vested interest in the provision of support for students and the maintenance of a healthy Eagle Community.

The goal is to promote optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support and improve the quality of life for students by compassionately serving their emotional, mental/physical health, and more. We’ve continued this initiative, and as had a tremendous impact on the student body here at NCCU.

What does leadership mean to you?

Brandon Hedgebeth, who served as Student Body President here at NCCU, is a great mentor of mine. One of the things he told me is that “Leadership is not a position, but a process.” From that, I took that although you are in a leadership position, that doesn’t make it a position; you have to go through the process of becoming a leader, which takes time and patience. Everyone wants to become a leader, but most don’t realize that you don’t need a position or a title to become a leader within your institution or organization. Anyone with or without a title is a leader, and being a leader takes time but also requires self-awareness, and discipline.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2022/2023?

Schools need to continue highlighting student life on campus, utilizing social media such as Tik Tok, which has become popular for engaging content and first-year students. It’s all about how you market yourself to attract potential students and keep current students engaged.

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

Watch The Yard highlights black excellence in leadership but also encourages the uplifting of our HBCU culture and institution. HBCUs create influential leaders who can successfully create change and create opportunity. Everybody brings their unique values and culture HBCU students come from all walks of life, each with a different perspective on the experience of being a minority in America. Watch The Yard continues highlighting the rich culture of HBCUs and student success and is important to black students and college culture.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on going into corporate as a Brand Manager at a Fortune 500 Company after graduation.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Manuhe Abebe for his work as the SGA president of North Carolina Central University.

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