‘We are called to love’: SGA members challenged to lead compassionately at inauguration

By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager
Posted Oct 17 2024
the reverend john c. jones stands at a podium looking toward the student government association executive board

The 2024-25 Central State University (CSU) Student Government Association (SGA) members were sworn in on Oct. 8 during a beautiful ceremony in the University Student Center Ballroom. 

Image
the student government association poses with central state university president kuti

The Rev. John C. Jones, a proud alumnus from the class of '96, delivered an inspiring keynote address, where he emphasized the importance of voting and civic engagement in today’s critical times. 

Jones framed his speech around a powerful quote from Dr. Benjamin E. Mays’ poem, “I've only just a minute.” The words of the poem echoed throughout the room, setting the tone for a message of urgency and purpose: 

“I've only just a minute,   
Only sixty seconds in it.   
Forced upon me, can't refuse it,   
Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,   
But it's up to me to use it.   
I must suffer if I lose it,   
Give an account if I abuse it,   
Just a tiny little minute,   
But eternity is in it.” 

Using this as a foundation, Jones challenged the new SGA members to “maximize their minute.” He reminded them that their election by their peers marks a significant responsibility. "You were elected at one of the most critical times in our country’s history and in the existence of this University," he said, underscoring the pivotal role they will play in shaping the future of Central State. 

Jones continued by reflecting on the broader landscape of challenges the nation currently faces, and how the actions of this SGA administration will lay the groundwork for future generations of Marauders. “Look across the country right now. We are in the middle of one of the most challenging landscapes of our time,” he said. His pride in standing on the campus of an HBCU was palpable, but he did not shy away from the fact that there are many who oppose the existence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

the reverend john c. jones headshot

You were elected at one of the most critical times in our country’s history and in the existence of this University.

The Rev. John C. Jones, '96

Transitioning to the local community, Jones invoked the struggles of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, illustrating how misinformation and lies have created division. “What do you do in the middle of such challenges?” he asked. “What will you say in the face of all of these things?” His words resonated deeply as he urged the SGA to remain steadfast, even in the face of adversity. 

Shifting the focus back to campus, Jones discussed the challenges Central State students face, particularly in student persistence and the value of higher education. “Across the state of Ohio, we’re trying to find more students to pursue post-secondary education. But many are asking, ‘Why? Why do I need to do that?’” While acknowledging the merits of going directly into the workforce, Jones emphasized the critical importance of academic excellence as a tool for personal and communal betterment. 

In a seamless transition, he highlighted the importance of leadership, particularly in such tumultuous times. 

“It takes critical leaders at critical moments to create change. Ya’ll are that leadership,” Jones affirmed.

He called on the SGA to work collaboratively with University leadership, faculty, staff, and the entire Marauder family to achieve their goals. "It’s going to take all of us working together," he said, emphasizing the need for a united front. 

Jones did not just speak about leadership in terms of decision-making; he also emphasized the necessity of compassion. "It’s not only critical leadership, but it’s compassionate leadership," he remarked, introducing one of his favorite hashtags, “#LeadershipMatters.” Compassion, he said, must be at the core of everything the SGA does, reminding them that their responsibility goes beyond just representing students — they must genuinely care for and listen to their classmates. 

In his closing remarks, Jones drove home a final point that was perhaps the most significant: love. “We are called to love,” he stated emphatically, connecting it to the SGA’s theme, “Out of the Ordinary.” The challenges ahead, he warned, are anything but ordinary. Jones spoke of his father’s experience with racism and how the current atmosphere, in some ways, feels even more charged than the past. "They may not hang you on a tree anymore," Jones said, "but they’re trying to assassinate everything about us. They’re trying to wipe us from the books." 

This, he insisted, is where extraordinary love becomes crucial. “Your leadership has to be out of the ordinary, but most importantly, your love has to be out of the ordinary.” He called on the SGA to love their classmates, their campus, and the communities beyond, encouraging them to spread the message of Marauder love wherever they go. “When you travel to Xenia, love them. Love them in Xenia. Love them everywhere you go because people need to know that Marauders love.” 

Jones’ words left a lasting impact, setting the stage for the newly inaugurated SGA to embrace their roles with purpose, compassion, and love. 

The Laney People’s Administration   

"Out of the Ordinary” 

Image
nyshawnti laney president of the student government association
Nyshawnti Laney (right), SGA President for the 2024-25 academic year
  • Nyshawnti Laney, President   

  • Mer’Kyah Warren, Executive Chief Justice   

  • Oluwatoyin Oderinde, Executive Administrative Assistant   

  • Michael Griffin II, Chief Financial Officer   

  • Precious McKnight, Public Relations Chair   

  • Denzel McCoy, Senior Class President   

  • Alexa Kendall, Senior Class Vice President   

  • Adarie Thomas, Senior Class Rep at Large   

  • Kristopher King, Junior Class President   

  • Kaieisha McKinnie, Junior Class Vice President   

  • TaJai Burns-Gable, Junior Class Chief Justice   

  • Justine Holiday, Junior Class Rep at Large   

  • Nevaeh Alexis, Sophomore Class President   

  • Christopher Harden, Sophomore Class Chief Justice   

  • George Bain, Sophomore Class Rep at Large   

  • Kamiya Ferrell, Freshman Class President   

  • Taliya Gregory, Freshman Class Vice President   

  • Naveah Head, Freshman Class Chief Justice   

  • Jada Williams, Freshman Class Rep at Large   

  • Mikayla Allen, Senator of Academic Affairs   

  • Ravera Roberts, Senator of International Affairs