In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Virginia Union University and did an interview with Davon Harris 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. Harris, who is majoring in Mass Communications, is from Washington DC.

We interviewed Davon Harris, 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?

I have learned the importance of team work and depending on your team to get things done! I learned that the job of the president isn’t a lonely road.

What made you decide to attend Virginia Union University for undergrad?

I decided to attend Virginia Union University because of how family oriented the school was. We have a small campus but a lot of love.

How has Virginia Union University molded you into the person you are today?

Virginia Union University has molded me into the man I am today by helping me become a true and selfless leader. I now know how to handle different types of situations in a work space because of the guidance of faculty, staff, and my university President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas.

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?

One initiative that I am working on is called #igniteTakeover. This campaign will be focused on mental health and understanding that it takes a village to raise a child but it also takes community, family, and love to heal trauma and to build leaders. My administration will be having events once a month that focus on mental health and community healing such as a bonfire, inspirational movie night, social hours, a carnival that have mental health related games and many more. Another initiative is educating students on the importance of voting and what is politics. A national poll by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School indicates that 42% of 18-to-29-year-olds believe that their vote doesn’t matter. I want students to understand that your vote matters and that our ancestors died for the right to vote.

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

Currently we are advocating for mental health counselors and therapist to be on campus. We are also creating an environment of love, healing, and community by hosting events that brings people together.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means servitude. I believe that if you can’t serve, you can’t lead.

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

To be represent your school online, school need to work on brand prestige. All content pushed on social media, websites and more should be professional and eye catching. Make content that supports that times like TikToks or Reels. Get professional photos done as well.

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 gives us a platform to be showcased in a positive light. We see on the news and other media platforms of black people dying but Watch The Yard shows off every HBCU and all of D9. I would honestly like to thank Watch The Yard for their platform because it shows the world a positive image of HBCUs.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on working at Virginia Union University to help reach its Best in Class status. I am also going to be launching my production company so I can produce films, photography and more.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Davon Harris for his work as the SGA president of Virginia Union University.

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