Exclusive Interview: Christopher Morgan Reflects on a Historic Tenure as International Students President!

Exclusive Interview: Christopher Morgan Reflects on a Historic Tenure as International Students President!

Sele Media Africa | 2025

Interviewer: Marian Fasesan Opeyemi, Editor-in-Chief, Sele Media Africa

Interviewee: Christopher Morgan, Sierra Leone, Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies, Africa International University, Nairobi

Q1: You were sworn in on 30th October 2024 and assumed office on 1st November 2025. Looking back, how would you summarize your time as International Students President?

Morgan:

“My tenure was, above all, about service and presence. I came into office knowing that students face challenges beyond academics — financial, cultural, emotional, and spiritual. I wanted to ensure that leadership was not only procedural but responsive. It was not about titles or recognition; it was about showing up consistently for those who depended on the office.”

Q2: What motivated you to focus so heavily on practical support — financial assistance, airport pickups, immigration processes — rather than symbolic or ceremonial leadership?

Morgan:

“The reality is that leadership without impact is meaningless. Many international students face emergencies that administration systems often overlook. I realized that stepping in personally, whether through guidance, financial help, or logistical support, could immediately relieve pressure. If you have capacity to serve, you serve — that became the guiding principle.”

Q3: Could you describe some of the initiatives you’re most proud of during your tenure?

Morgan:

“There are several, but a few stand out.
First, the International Students Fellowship, which brought together students from different countries, faiths, and backgrounds in a shared, structured space.
Second, the fundraising initiative for students facing crises such as childbirth or the loss of parents.
Third, the transition seminar for new students — many arrive with limited orientation, and we created a program to guide them academically, socially, and culturally.
These initiatives weren’t glamorous, but they addressed real gaps in the community.”

Q4: Using personal finances to support students is unusual for a student leader. Why did you make that choice?

Morgan:

“It was never about recognition. I had the means, and I could see immediate needs that institutional processes couldn’t always address in time. Leadership sometimes requires personal investment — not for applause, but because the office carries moral responsibility.”

Q5: How did you manage balancing your academic workload with the demands of leadership?

Morgan:

“It required discipline and prioritization. Being a Master of Divinity student demands rigorous study, research, and reflection. But leadership is also a responsibility, and I learned to integrate both. Early planning, delegation, and maintaining open lines of communication with my team were critical.”

Q6: What were some of the challenges you faced during your term?

Morgan:

“Challenges were both logistical and emotional. For instance, handling visa and immigration issues required persistence and, at times, personal financing. Supporting students facing serious crises emotionally and financially was taxing. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but the key was staying present and not letting the weight of responsibility deter me from responding.”

Q7: How would you describe your leadership style?

Morgan:

“I would describe it as servant leadership grounded in presence and practicality. I prioritized actions over words, consistency over flair, and empathy over formality. Leadership is measured by whether people feel supported, not by the size of a speech or the grandeur of ceremonies.”

Q8: In your view, what legacy does your tenure leave behind for international students at AIU?

Morgan:

“The legacy is not in any single initiative, but in systems, structures, and culture of responsiveness. Future leaders now have documented procedures, a fellowship structure, transition seminars, and welfare protocols that can be built upon. If students feel seen, supported, and heard, then the office has fulfilled its purpose.”

Q9: What lessons have you personally learned from this experience?

Morgan:

“Leadership is rarely about recognition; it’s about accountability and consistency. I’ve learned the importance of stepping into gaps where systems fail and of the humility to serve quietly. I’ve also learned that even small, consistent interventions can significantly impact the lives of many.”

Q10: What are your plans now that your tenure has ended?

Morgan:

“My immediate focus is academic completion — finishing my Master of Divinity with excellence. Beyond that, I intend to continue mentoring and supporting international students informally, without the need for a title. I also plan to engage in broader Pan-African ministry and initiatives, linking theology with development, leadership, and student empowerment.”

Q11: Any advice for the incoming president and future leaders?

Morgan:

“Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Show up, listen, and respond to the real needs of people. Systems matter, but presence matters more. Use the office to serve, not to impress, and maintain integrity in every decision.”

Q12: How has this experience shaped your understanding of leadership within an African and international student context?

Morgan:

“It reinforced that leadership in a diverse community requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding that small, practical acts can bridge gaps that policies alone cannot. Africa has immense potential, but leadership must be grounded in empathy, foresight, and courage — qualities that international communities demand when leaders are responsible for wellbeing across multiple cultures.”

Q13: Any final reflections?

Morgan:

“I leave office grateful. Grateful for the trust students placed in me, for the support of my team, and for the opportunity to demonstrate that leadership is ultimately about service. Titles come and go, but the impact of presence and responsibility lasts.”

Editor-in-Chief’s Conclusion

As Sele Media Africa, we recognize that leadership is most impactful when it is consistent, humble, and service-oriented. Christopher Morgan’s tenure as International Students President exemplifies these qualities. Through his actions, he has strengthened structures, supported his peers, and modeled the type of leadership that prioritizes people over position. His reflections offer not only insight into his own journey but also guidance and inspiration for future leaders across African universities and beyond.

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