Addressing Student Mental Health in Higher Education: Expert Insights and Strategies

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of Academic Programs at The Jed Foundation, and James Kohl, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, to discuss student mental health in higher education. They share insights on current challenges, effective strategies, and the evolving crisis of mental health on college campuses.

Key Discussion Points

The State of Student Mental Health:

• Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-34, according to the CDC.
• Recent data shows a significant increase in mental health issues among young adults, with 36.2% experiencing a mental, behavioral, or emotional health issue in the past year.
• Marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, face even greater challenges.

The Jed Foundation's Approach:

• Overview of the JED Campus Programs initiative, which spans seven key domains to support student mental health.
• Discussion of the implementation process, including needs assessment, strategic planning, and evaluation.
• Insights into the impact of comprehensive mental health programs, including reduced suicide attempts and improved crisis response.

UMass Lowell Case Study:

• Implementation of the JED Campus program at UMass Lowell, including the process and challenges faced.
• Positive outcomes despite the COVID-19 pandemic, including better-than-national-average scores in student flourishing.
• Key lessons learned, emphasizing collaboration, stakeholder buy-in, and adaptability.

Evolution of Mental Health Discussions in Higher Education:

• Shift from stigmatization to open dialogue about mental health on campuses.
• Growing recognition of mental health's importance in student success.
• Movement towards more holistic approaches that include both prevention and crisis response.

Strategic Recommendations for Higher Education Leaders:

• Prioritize mental health at the institutional level.
• Foster collaboration and break down departmental silos.
• Implement comprehensive screening and early intervention programs.
• Enhance access to mental health services and destigmatize mental health through education.
• Develop robust crisis management protocols.

Read the transcript of this podcast on our website: https://changinghighered.com/implementing-comprehensive-student-mental-health-programs/

#HigherEducation #StudentMentalHealth #HigherEdPodcasts

About Our Podcast Guests

Dr. Tony Walker joined The Jed Foundation in November 2022 as Senior Vice President of Academic Programs. In his role, he structures, expands, and leads JED's K-12 and higher education programs to meet the organization's strategic plan objectives. To fulfill this work, he connects strategy, people management, operations, fiscal responsibility, partnerships, and school recruitment functions. Prior to joining JED, Tony served as Vice President of Education Strategy and Innovation at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. He previously worked in multiple roles in public education, including as a teacher, school counselor, and, most recently, as an executive district leader over Student Support Services at a large public school district in Texas. Tony is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor and holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Missouri, a Master's degree in Counseling, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas Tech University.

James Kohl, Ph.D., is the Dean of Student Affairs and Experiential Learning at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has been at UMass Lowell for over 16 years and previously worked at George Washington University as the director of housing programs. He received a B.S. in Psychology from Lafayette College, an M.A. in College Student Personnel Services from University of Maryland, College Park, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from University of Maryland, College Park.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm's website: https://changinghighered.com/.

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