Jackson State University’s first female SGA president in more than 10 years has an ambitious agenda that includes improving the culture of the state’s only urban HBCU.
Alexis Moore, 21, a senior biology major from Ridgeland, Mississippi, said she decided to run for office because she wanted to be the voice for students when it comes to making their collegiate experience memorable.
“After people are elected to these positions they may lose their connection with students when working in the Administration Tower and in the SGA office. I’d like to believe I’m very connected with students. I hang out with different people. I want to serve as a bridge between us and the administration,” Moore said.
In addition to working with new President William B. Bynum Jr., another goal is bringing back to JSU “The Experience” of campus pride. “Some students think the culture has fallen,” Moore said. So, she aims to make sure her peers enjoy their time on campus. Amid concerns about the university’s financial standing, she’s pushing for continued transparency.
Inspired by Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning music video “Formation,” the SGA president developed the “Formation Moore Tour.” She credits the megastar with the ability to connect with people on issues such as police brutality, Black Lives Matter and social injustices in New Orleans.
Moore believes she and Beyoncé have much in common when it comes to resonating with people. “There are a lot of issues at JSU that needs to be tackled, and you don’t have to address them head-on. You can subliminally get your message across.”
As JSU’s top student ambassador, Moore said she would continue focusing on student retention and campuswide relations among all constituents, including Public Safety. Her peers have expressed concerns about the university’s cash reserves, campus safety, cost of printing services that once were free and poor WiFi connection at University Pointe that affects the ability to submit classroom assignments.
Moore wants JSU’s campus to become more secure. “I would like to donate money toward getting us additional lighting to make ladies feel more comfortable.”
Overall, she’d like to see JSU modernize its operations and improve its culture. “We want students to fall in love with this school again so that their morale increases. JSU is a beautiful campus. But is it for students or other people? JSU’s branding must include students.”
Finally, Moore wants to leave a legacy as a leader who put her peers first. “I am working for them. I’m approaching this not as someone who has been in SGA for years but as a student who has experienced a plethora of issues. I especially want other ladies to feel just as confident as I am by stepping into leadership roles.”