we commit to,” he said. “That message stuck with me. I want to bring that same energy back to SC State.”
Across sessions and conversations, students explored what it means to lead with purpose — not just presence. Olivia Ratliff, the reigning Miss SC State University, came in seeking strategy and left with a plan.
“I attended sessions on platform implementation because I’d seen student leaders campaign with amazing ideas but struggle to execute,” Ratliff said. “The advice was simple but powerful — make your goals measurable, be intentional about your outcomes, and have a clear plan.”
For Rejoice Anaele, vice president of the SC State Student Government Association (SGA), the idea of a “sustainable legacy” struck a nerve.
“Coach Byron Larrymore said, ‘People will not remember what you did but how you did,’” Anaele said. “That really shaped how I see my role for the coming year. I want to better evaluate my personal brand and make sure my actions align with who I say I am.”
Intentional, collaborative and sustainable
In her final year of undergraduate leadership, SC State SGA President Zaria Tucker said the institute felt like a full-circle moment.
“This year’s theme was about leadership that is intentional, collaborative and sustainable,” Tucker said. “It reminded me that great leaders don’t operate in isolation. You have to lead where you stand — even when it’s uncomfortable.”
One of the most meaningful moments for Tucker came during the SGA Presidents’ Consortium, where student body presidents from across the country shared ideas and elected new regional leadership.
“We weren’t just talking about change,” she said. “We were building the blueprint for it.”
The lessons weren’t limited to boardrooms or breakout sessions. Sometimes, they happened in unexpected places — like the tight-knit tribe groups formed early in the week.
Bryce McIntosh, Mister SC State University, found his strength in the energy of the yellow Kuumba Tribe.
“From the start, it was laughter, togetherness and purpose,” he said. “I learned that true leadership doesn’t always mean being in charge. Sometimes, it means showing up, playing your role and supporting others.”
SC State CAB President Anthony Miles discovered a similar truth in the spirit of collaboration.
“We conducted a live survey with responses from multiple universities,” he said. “That effort won us first place for tribe work — and I plan to bring the survey model back to SC State so we can better hear directly from our students.”
