Oyinkansola Awolowo, the 2025-26 vice president of the Ivy Tech Indianapolis Student Government Association (SGA), is on a mission to enhance student engagement and amplify voices across campus. An international student from Nigeria, Awolowo brings a unique perspective to her leadership role while pursuing a biology degree on the pre-med track.
Awolowo chose Ivy Tech for its affordability and flexibility, transferring from another Indianapolis university.
"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 journey from Nigeria to Indianapolis has 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 said. "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."
As SGA vice president, Awolowo aims to bridge gaps between students and campus leadership.
"I’m quite introverted, so I felt like the president role might have been too much," she admitted. "But the vice president is still a crucial role."
Drawing from her experience as a student prefect in Nigeria, she hopes to foster collaboration among student organizations and prioritize mental health initiatives.
One of her key goals is boosting engagement among reserved students.
"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,” Awolowo said. “I barely engaged in school activities last year because of my reservedness, so I really want to help bring [introverted students] out.”
She also plans to organize a year-end celebration, distinct from the traditional awards gala, to create a fun, inclusive space for the student body.
Awolowo is excited to work alongside her fellow SGA leaders, all of whom are also international students.
"We’re all different, but we all have something to bring to the table," she said.
Her message to peers?
"Keep being who you are. By God’s grace, we’ll all graduate with flying colors and become the best versions of ourselves."
Awolowo is set to graduate in May and is considering physician assistant school as her next step. For now, she’s focused on making an impact at Ivy Tech—one conversation at a time.
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About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
