ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s commitment to student mental health and well-being earns national recognition
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award by Insight Into Academia magazine, a national honor recognizing institutions that demonstrate a campus-wide commitment to emotional wellness, inclusive culture, and mental health innovation.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s commitment to student mental health and well-being earns national recognition
At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, well-being isn't just a buzzword; it's a campus-wide commitment and it's gaining national attention.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award by Insight Into Academia magazine, a national honor recognizing institutions that demonstrate a campus-wide commitment to emotional wellness, inclusive culture, and mental health innovation.
"We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to mental health and well-being services for students and employees," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Academia. "We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models in higher education."
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is one of just 70 institutions featured in the magazine's upcoming September issue for its outstanding integration of accessible services, peer support, emotional resilience, and proactive policy into campus life.
"At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, our collective efforts to prioritize mental health and well-being are rooted in our belief that people come first," said Steve Large, assistant vice president for health and wellness for student life.
Through a growing number of collaborative initiatives in recent years, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has worked to improve mental health support for its entire campus community. A key effort involved the formation of a presidentially-sponsored Mental Health Task Force in 2022-23. Since then, a permanent ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Mental Health Committee has led implementation of 56 high-impact recommendations, fundamentally reshaping ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s mental health infrastructure.
These efforts included creating a comprehensive university-wide featuring a wellness navigator and a filterable database of more than 125 support services and resources.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has also expanded clinical staffing and resources, made possible through a student mental health fee and donor-funded initiatives, adding five full-time clinicians, enhanced crisis response services, and 24/7 resources such as the H.O.P.E. Line and .
The university has also introduced a range of innovative programs, including wellness studios, therapy dogs, horse therapy, and a sports psychologist dedicated to supporting student athletes. Peer-led education and outreach now play a central role in campus life, backed by staff devoted specifically to emotional well-being and mental health promotion.
Faculty members have participated in training programs such as QPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Mental Health Ally, strengthening their ability to support students in and out of the classroom. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's data-informed approach is reflected in its use of annual campuswide surveys and key performance indicators to guide strategy and improve access to care.
In addition, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú emphasizes parent and family involvement by offering expert-led videos that explore mental health topics from a caregiver's perspective.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s commitment to building a campus culture where mental health is a shared responsibility.
"This national recognition is not about any one program or department. It's about a community-wide culture that values care, connection, and proactive support," Large said. “We’re honored to be recognized for the work we’re doing together.”
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's approach balances cultural change, systemic improvements, and service expansion. It’s a model the university hopes will inspire similar efforts at institutions nationwide.
To learn more about mental health and wellness resources at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, visit.