(From Left) Jaylon Baker, SGA Chaplain, from Milwaukee, Wisc.; Kristina Williams, Miss MVSU, from Memphis, Tenn.; Jon-Michael Frazier, Mister MVSU, from Memphis, Tenn.; JaMya Peoples, SGA President, from Prattville, Ala.; and Henry Espy, Mister Sophomore, from Clarksdale, MS.; and (not pictured) Destyni Gipson, Miss Sophomore, from Raymond, MS.
Mississippi Valley State University’s (MVSU) student leaders recently visited Claflin University for an extraordinary convergence of talent, ambition, and leadership as student representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide gathered for the annual National Association of Student Leadership Professionals (NASAP) Student Leadership Institute.
The event brought together future leaders to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The MVSU Student Government Association, Inc. (SGA) delegates, including Mister and Miss MVSU. These representatives embodied the pride and purpose of their institution, showcasing their dedication to leadership and community.
MVSU representatives included: Jon-Michael Frazier, Mister Mississippi Valley State University, from Memphis, Tenn.; Kristina Williams, Miss Mississippi Valley State University, from Memphis, Tenn.; Henry Espy, Mister Sophomore, from Clarksdale, MS.; Destyni Gipson, Miss Sophomore, from Raymond, MS.; JaMya Peoples, SGA President, from Prattville, Ala.; and Jaylon Baker, SGA Chaplain, from Milwaukee, Wisc.
One of the highlights was the election of MVSU’s own Student Government Association President, JaMya Peoples, as the Executive Treasurer for the National Consortium of HBCU SGA Presidents. Her election is a testament to her leadership and the respect she commands among her peers.
“My experience at NASAP was wonderful. I enjoyed the sessions and the friends I made, and I found myself truly inspired. There are many ideas I want to bring back to my school. The position I received was Executive Treasurer for the National Consortium of HBCU SGA Presidents. Regarding the position, we were nominated and voted on, and when I won, it was very exciting. I expressed my gratitude to everyone who voted for me and entrusted me with the role,” said Peoples.
The conference was an exciting mix of diverse perspectives and experiences, including student leaders nationwide.
Participants engaged in enriching activities, from inspiring keynote addresses by seasoned leaders to hands-on sessions led by industry experts. Topics ranged from effective communication and conflict resolution to strategic planning and community engagement in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The MVSU delegates were not mere spectators but active contributors throughout the event. They shared their successes in campus projects, participated in panels on critical issues facing HBCUs, and engaged in discussions. Their active involvement demonstrated their competence and commitment to driving positive change within their communities.
As the conference progressed, participants had ample opportunity to interact with peers from varied backgrounds, each bringing unique insights and experiences. These interactions fostered a sense of solidarity and collective purpose, forming bonds that transcended individual campuses.
Having experienced the NASAP Student Leadership Institute, MVSU’s SGA members have returned to campus with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future. They are now more inspired and equipped to use their voices for positive change, shaping a brighter future for themselves, their institutions, and the broader world.
This gathering at Claflin University was a meeting of minds and a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation, empowering the next generation of HBCU leaders to make a lasting impact.