Spartan News
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Connecting Students, Advocating Change: Meet the 2023-2024 Student Government Association and Royal Court
In April 2023, Norfolk State University witnessed the rise of new student leaders who entered their roles with immense enthusiasm.
The Mister and Miss NSU Pageant saw the crowning of Za’Chary Jackson and Sierra Leone Sanders as Mister and Miss Norfolk State University.
Simultaneously, Zay’Kori Jones and Nina Collymore were elected as the new President and Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA).
As the academic year unfolded, Jones, Collymore, Sanders, and Jackson embarked on a journey to create change and unity through their roles in the Student Government Association and the Emerald Green and Citrine Royal Court.
Zay’Kori Jones, a junior psychology major from Virginia Beach, leads the SGA as President.
Jones expresses that the essence of the SGA lies in bridging the gap between students and faculty, serving as a powerful voice for students' concerns and opinions.
Under the banner of the "Revolution Administration," Jones envisions personalizing the SGA's presence, giving students a stronger voice, and revitalizing the SGA Constitution.
His goal is to revolutionize the Spartan experience by initiating impactful changes that resonate throughout the campus.
“I want people to know that we are real students,” Jones said, “We’re out there having fun with them, socializing with them, and being personal.”
Nina Collymore, the Vice President of SGA and a junior business major hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, views her role as a representative of both students and the university's core values.
"We represent Norfolk State students, we represent Spartan pride, we represent professionalism," Collymore says.
The Revolution Administration commits to elevating political awareness within and beyond the university. By orchestrating forums and engaging with candidates, they aspire to empower students and instigate positive transformation.
For Collymore, a pivotal aspect of their administration is opening doors to leadership opportunities for those who haven't had such prospects before.
This inclusivity is set to create a profound impact within the Norfolk State community.
Sade Blake, Senior Class President, and nursing major from Brooklyn, New York, sees SGA as a vital channel bridging students and university administration.
"The Student Government Association is a way for the students to allow their problems to be heard by faculty and the higher-ups" she stated.
This inclusivity is set to create a profound impact within the Norfolk State community.
Sade Blake, Senior Class President, and nursing major from Brooklyn, New York, sees SGA as a vital channel bridging students and university administration.
"The Student Government Association is a way for the students to allow their problems to be heard by faculty and the higher-ups" she stated.
Under Blake and Senior Class Vice President Jakeria Johnson’s H.E.A.L.T.H Administration, they are focused on equipping seniors with financial literacy workshops, preparing them for post-graduation challenges.
Mikayla Baugh, the Junior Class Vice President, hails from Prince George's County, Maryland and is majoring in psychology. She regards SGA as a nurturing organization that fosters advocacy and unity among students.
NIna Collymore. left, and Zay'Kori Jones, right were elected as SGA President and Vice President for
2023-2024.
By Nyah Ward