College Seniors Manage the Transition in Leadership in Student Organizations
As seniors across campus count down the days to graduation and the symbolic turn of their tassels, student organization leaders prepare to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership.
“Throughout the transition, I felt a lot of excitement for the next president,” said Edmund Rhynes II., president of Towson University’s Student Government Association (SGA) 104th Administration. “I think the goal for all outgoing organization members is to prepare the next-in- line to be better than they were.”
Leadership transitions in student organizations are opportunities to build on legacy, offer mentorship and ensure the continued success of campus initiatives.
“I just want to be able to leave the negatives behind and create a space for community and organization to take place,” said former president of Towson University’s National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Amber Simpson.
The transition process is a time to reflect on challenges, wins and personal growth. For Simpson, creating a better experience for the women following in her footsteps was her top priority.
“I wanted to make sure the incoming board had the tools I didn’t,” Simpson said. “That meant creating an entire Google Doc with all needed information on each role.”
Towson’s student organizations range from cultural groups to professional and interest- based clubs. With nearly 300 student-led groups on campus, smooth transitions can have lasting impacts on students’ professional and personal development.
“Once I transferred to Towson, I just wanted to find a community for myself so I could make the most out of my experience,” Rhynes II said. “Three years later and it’s turned out to be a life changing decision.”
His involved in in SGA not only helped shape his Towson experience, but also clarified his career goals.
“I am going on to apply for law school to become a lawyer,” Rhynes II said. “This would not have been possibly had I not discovered my love for justice through SGA.”
According to the Division of Student Affairs, students who engage in leadership roles often develop crucial skills in communication, project management and team building. Additionally, involvement is strongly linked to higher retention and greater post-graduation success.
Some organizations host formal leadership retreats or shadowing programs in the Spring semester to help incoming leaders prepare. Towson’s Involved@TU platform also provides access to officer budgeting tools and event planning templates.
“Having to learn everything from scratch was quite challenging, especially with me balancing two leadership roles,” Simpson said. “It’s good to know that the next board won’t experience the same difficulties.”
The transition isn’t only administrative. Many outgoing leaders grapple with the emotional weight of letting go, especially after investing so much time into their organizations.
“Honestly, at first I was just so ready to go,” Simpson said. “But on the day of the induction ceremony, I couldn’t stop crying.”
Mentorship plays a crucial role in bridging the emotional and tedious transition. Rhynes II worked closely to mentor his successor, Allyyah Aali, ensuring she felt supported and free to create her own path.
“I’ll always be available if she ever has questions or concerns,” Rhynes II said. “But I know for a fact that she will exceed expectations and do a lot of great things for this great university.”
According to the National Association for Campus Activities, leadership continuity in student organizations is one of the most effective ways to maintain the quality of programming, preserving institutional support and member engagement.
Simpson is excited to pass down the strong foundation created, but understands that things will be different from how she left them.
“I know that the Instagram post, and other tiny details will be different from how I left them,” Simpson said. “But I look forward to seeing what they’re going to change!”
As spring turns to summer and the class of 2025 prepares to take the stage at SECU Arena, campus leaders say goodbye to more than just their titles – they say goodbye to their legacies, their routine and the familiar rhythm of student leadership.
“I hope years from now, people can look back and say, ‘Eddie was able to do this, Eddie was able to do that’,” Rhynes II said. “Even if they don’t remember the name specifically, if the work is remembered, that will be as much recognition as I could ask for.”
“Throughout the transition, I felt a lot of excitement for the next president,” said Edmund Rhynes II., president of Towson University’s Student Government Association (SGA) 104th Administration. “I think the goal for all outgoing organization members is to prepare the next-in- line to be better than they were.”
Leadership transitions in student organizations are opportunities to build on legacy, offer mentorship and ensure the continued success of campus initiatives.
“I just want to be able to leave the negatives behind and create a space for community and organization to take place,” said former president of Towson University’s National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Amber Simpson.
The transition process is a time to reflect on challenges, wins and personal growth. For Simpson, creating a better experience for the women following in her footsteps was her top priority.
“I wanted to make sure the incoming board had the tools I didn’t,” Simpson said. “That meant creating an entire Google Doc with all needed information on each role.”
Towson’s student organizations range from cultural groups to professional and interest- based clubs. With nearly 300 student-led groups on campus, smooth transitions can have lasting impacts on students’ professional and personal development.
“Once I transferred to Towson, I just wanted to find a community for myself so I could make the most out of my experience,” Rhynes II said. “Three years later and it’s turned out to be a life changing decision.”
His involved in in SGA not only helped shape his Towson experience, but also clarified his career goals.
“I am going on to apply for law school to become a lawyer,” Rhynes II said. “This would not have been possibly had I not discovered my love for justice through SGA.”
According to the Division of Student Affairs, students who engage in leadership roles often develop crucial skills in communication, project management and team building. Additionally, involvement is strongly linked to higher retention and greater post-graduation success.
Some organizations host formal leadership retreats or shadowing programs in the Spring semester to help incoming leaders prepare. Towson’s Involved@TU platform also provides access to officer budgeting tools and event planning templates.
“Having to learn everything from scratch was quite challenging, especially with me balancing two leadership roles,” Simpson said. “It’s good to know that the next board won’t experience the same difficulties.”
The transition isn’t only administrative. Many outgoing leaders grapple with the emotional weight of letting go, especially after investing so much time into their organizations.
“Honestly, at first I was just so ready to go,” Simpson said. “But on the day of the induction ceremony, I couldn’t stop crying.”
Mentorship plays a crucial role in bridging the emotional and tedious transition. Rhynes II worked closely to mentor his successor, Allyyah Aali, ensuring she felt supported and free to create her own path.
“I’ll always be available if she ever has questions or concerns,” Rhynes II said. “But I know for a fact that she will exceed expectations and do a lot of great things for this great university.”
According to the National Association for Campus Activities, leadership continuity in student organizations is one of the most effective ways to maintain the quality of programming, preserving institutional support and member engagement.
Simpson is excited to pass down the strong foundation created, but understands that things will be different from how she left them.
“I know that the Instagram post, and other tiny details will be different from how I left them,” Simpson said. “But I look forward to seeing what they’re going to change!”
As spring turns to summer and the class of 2025 prepares to take the stage at SECU Arena, campus leaders say goodbye to more than just their titles – they say goodbye to their legacies, their routine and the familiar rhythm of student leadership.
“I hope years from now, people can look back and say, ‘Eddie was able to do this, Eddie was able to do that’,” Rhynes II said. “Even if they don’t remember the name specifically, if the work is remembered, that will be as much recognition as I could ask for.”
