Indianapolis, Indiana – At Ivy Tech Indianapolis, the 2025-26 academic year has begun with a focus on student involvement and leadership, highlighted by the election of Oyinkansola Awolowo as vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). Awolowo, an international student from Nigeria, is pursuing a biology degree on the pre-med track while working to bring a fresh perspective to campus leadership.
Awolowo’s journey to Ivy Tech reflects a thoughtful balance between ambition and practicality. She transferred from another Indianapolis university, drawn to Ivy Tech for its affordability and flexibility. “Being an international student is quite financially demanding,” she said. “Ivy Tech was the best option financially. I could go to school from home, things like that. It just fit better for my life.”
Her transition from Nigeria to the United States has also shaped her approach to education and leadership. “The education system in the U.S. is definitely very different from back home, but I love it,” Awolowo explained. “It’s helped me realize I’m not limited to one thing. I can always branch out. There are so many options, so many opportunities, and different things to learn here.” This perspective guides her SGA role as she works to create connections between students and campus administration.
While Awolowo admits that she is naturally introverted, she views her vice presidential position as an opportunity to challenge herself while making a meaningful impact. “I’m quite introverted, so I felt like the president role might have been too much,” she said. “But the vice president is still a crucial role.” Drawing on her previous experience as a student prefect in Nigeria, she aims to encourage collaboration among student organizations and support initiatives focused on mental health and student well-being.
A significant part of her mission is to engage students who may be more reserved or hesitant to participate in campus activities. “I’m a very reserved and shy person, so I find it hard to actually do stuff more socially … Which is why I wanted to join SGA; as a way to get out of my comfort zone and try to interact more with students, faculty, staff, and help the student body,” she said. “I barely engaged in school activities last year because of my reservedness, so I really want to help bring [introverted students] out.”
In addition to fostering student engagement, Awolowo plans to organize a year-end celebration that will break from the traditional awards gala, aiming to create an inclusive and enjoyable event for the entire student body. She emphasizes that her work will be collaborative, leaning on her fellow SGA leaders, many of whom are also international students. “We’re all different, but we all have something to bring to the table,” she said.
Her advice to peers underscores her commitment to personal growth and community support. “Keep being who you are. By God’s grace, we’ll all graduate with flying colors and become the best versions of ourselves,” Awolowo encouraged. With her eyes set on a potential future in physician assistant school after her May graduation, she remains focused on making a lasting difference at Ivy Tech—one conversation, one initiative, and one student at a time.
For those looking to get involved, Ivy Tech offers more than 30 student-run clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to browse the list, find groups that spark their interest, and engage with campus life through IvyLife, where events, activities, and opportunities for connection are regularly posted. Awolowo’s dedication to engagement serves as a reminder that leadership can be both a personal challenge and a community-building force.
