Southern University mourns the passing of trailblazer Roena I. Wilford, first female SGA president at university
Southern University and A&M College mourns the passing of Roena I. Wilford, a trailblazer in student leadership, education, and community service. In 1970, Wilford became the university’s first female Student Government Association (SGA) president, paving the way for future generations of student leaders. She died on Wednesday, April 2.
Wilford, who began her collegiate journey at Southern University in 1967, majored in physics and math education. Her election as SGA president marked a significant milestone in the university’s history, reflecting her unwavering dedication to leadership, advocacy, and academic excellence. She continued her education at Louisiana State University, earning a Master of Arts and an education specialist degree.
Wilford dedicated her life to education and community service. A retired physics professor at Southern University, she devoted years to shaping young minds and fostering leadership in youth. She also served as a Girl Scouts site organizer and troop leader, as well as a Sunday School teacher at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.
A devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Wilford was instrumental in organizing the Greater Baton Rouge Pan-Hellenic Council and celebrated 50 years of service to her sorority in 2019. Her tenure included international and regional leadership, earning her numerous accolades and the admiration of those she mentored.
“Ms. Wilford’s impact on Southern University, the Baton Rouge community, and beyond is immeasurable,” said John K. Pierre, Southern University chancellor. “Her leadership, service, and dedication to uplifting others have left an indelible mark on our institution and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Wilford shared her family’s historic ties in Baton Rouge — Roena was 6 years old when her father called all nine of his children into the living room one afternoon. Back then, she took for granted the daily walk past a nearby white school to a distant school for Black students.
"Do you want to go to the school with the other kids?" her father asked. To Roena Wilford, it was a question of "sticking our necks out" for a better education.
In 1956, the school desegregation case of Davis v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board was filed, initiating a long legal battle to desegregate the East Baton Rouge Parish school system following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Louis Wilford, Roena's father, joined the lawsuit.
Southern University extends its deepest condolences to Wilford’s family, friends, sorority sisters, Girl Scouts, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation and Family Hour
Friday, April 11
Hall’s Celebration Center
9348 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA
Visitation: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Family Hour: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitation and Funeral
Saturday, April 12
Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Baton Rouge
5262 Prescott Road
Baton Rouge, LA
Visitation: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Funeral: 11 a.m.
Entombment
Heavenly Gates Cemetery of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
Officiating: Pastor Andra Johnson
Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services