This article and interview is sponsored by ETS and the GRE General Test® and done in collaboration with Watch The Yard. Click here to learn more about the benefits of taking the GRE General Test®.

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard teamed up with the GRE^® General Test and reached out to Traelon Rodgers the Student Government Association president of Dillard University for an interview about campus leadership.

The position of SGA president of an HBCU is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Rodgers, who is majoring in Urban Studies and Public Policy, is a Fall 2019 initiate of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

We interviewed Rodgers, and talked to him about his tenure in his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2021.

Read the full interview below.

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

Over the last two years the biggest thing I learned was systematic change won’t happen by treating symptoms of the problems. The issues that students are having did not start when we got here.

What made you decide to attend Dillard University for undergrad?

I chose Dillard because of the size and the way that they interacted with their students. The environment was family oriented and progressive.

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

Dillard has helped me become the person I am by allowing me the opportunity to be a champion for people that need it the most.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

The initiative that I am most proud of this year was a campaign that called for improvements at our school, #DUDEMANDS. This allowed the students to be able to come together to fight for a common cause. We were able to solve issues that had been persisting for years.

How is your school currently responding to the coronavirus and what is your SGA administration doing to help students? 

Our school has made bold moves during the pandemic by addressing issues of health equity in the State of Louisiana and racial injustices in the black community. The university has also allocated funds for students that are struggling with making ends meet.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means having vision, empathy, compassion and gall.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2021?

I think schools must continue to highlight their signature programs and how successful they are in producing scholars in the workforce.

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

I think it is important because it introduces the culture to a generation of people that may not understand the importance of our culture and history.

Why do you think it is important to take the GRE^® General Test?

The GRE is a standardized test that allows admissions teams to assess skills of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. This test has the potential to aid students by creating an equitable playing field for candidates of different backgrounds, as well as compensating for shortcomings of the individual. Additionally, high scores on this test alongside a solid academic background validate the consistency and accuracy of the student’s scholarship.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Traelon Rodgers for his work as the SGA president of Dillard University.

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