SGA Presidents Are Essential to HBCU Progress & TheCulture

Above the Pages – CRUSH MAGAZINE

Student Spotlight: Victoria Smiley

Leadership is not always loud—it is focused, fearless, and deeply intentional. Victoria Smiley, the 2025–2026 Student Government Association (SGA) President at Clark Atlanta University, embodies that definition of leadership. Her presidency stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation, reinforcing the enduring value of student-led governance at one of the nation’s most iconic HBCUs.

Commanding with Purpose

Victoria approaches her role with the clarity of a seasoned strategist and the heart of a community builder. From campus policy to peer empowerment, her presidency is anchored in advocacy, access, and accountability. She leads with a sharp awareness of student needs and a grounded sense of responsibility to her peers and the university’s legacy.

Building Her Legacy at Clark Atlanta

Clark Atlanta University has long been a beacon of Black intellectual power and social change. As SGA President, Victoria sees herself not just as a representative, but as a steward of that legacy. She is committed to amplifying student voices, reinforcing academic equity, and sustaining the cultural pride that CAU students wear proudly.

SGA Presidents Are Essential to HBCU Progress

Victoria Smiley exemplifies why SGA Presidents at HBCUs are more than ceremonial figures. They are culture shapers, movement builders, and institutional influencers. Their work reflects the unique political and cultural context of Black colleges—where education and liberation are deeply connected.

A Role Model in the CRUSH Leadership Network

Victoria’s presence in the CRUSH Ecosystem solidifies her as a rising voice in student-centered leadership. Her thoughtful governance and bold vision make her a role model for students across the country who are stepping into leadership in spaces that demand both purpose and power.

With leaders like Victoria Smiley, the future of HBCUs remains both protected and propelled. She is proof that Black student leadership continues to be one of the most transformative forces in higher education.