Over winter break, the 2nd Annual New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit brought together leaders, faculty, and practitioners from universities and colleges across the state for a day of collaboration and learning. Focused on sharing best practices and exploring innovative strategies, the summit emphasized the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by students. The 2023 Healthy Minds Survey showed that nearly half of college students reported symptoms of depression, over a third experienced anxiety, and 15% considered suicide, highlighting the demand for a collective response. The event served as a platform to connect mental health leaders with higher education communities, supplementing statewide efforts to better support student well-being.
Stevens hosted around 500 participants who represented 54 colleges and universities statewide. With representation from mental health organizations and thought leaders nationwide, the summit served as a collaborative platform to address the growing mental health challenges faced by college students.
The event began with opening remarks from Stevens’ Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Summit Co-Chair Dr. Takeem Dean, who emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling this critical issue. New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges reinforced this sentiment, noting that addressing the mental health crisis requires community-driven effort along with state-level support. In addition, New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Linda Carter M.S. ’00 attended to demonstrate their commitment to mental health in the state.
Dr. Nance Roy, chief clinical officer of the Jed Foundation, delivered a keynote address outlining two guiding principles for improving campus mental health: prioritizing mental health as an institutional value and adopting a public health approach where every member of the campus community plays a role. “Mental health must be embedded into the fabric of campus culture,” she said, urging attendees to integrate support into every level of campus life.
President Nariman Farvardin addressed the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment, stating, “We are deeply committed to improving resources and building an infrastructure of support for our students.” He spoke on initiatives that will continue to create a support system for students, such as expanded Counseling and Psychological Services, peer support programs, and dedicated wellness spaces on campus.
The summit also featured a variety of sessions addressing trending topics, including “The TikTok-ization of Mental Health: Leveraging Social Media for Student Support” and “Holistic Design: Sustainability and Mental Health as Partners in Space Creation.” These sessions showcased new strategies for enhancing student well-being, from using social platforms to foster community and raise awareness to creating green spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
“This highlights the link between physical environment and mental health,” remarked Stevens Sustainability and Transportation Coordinator Olivia Connor-Bennett, who presented during the Holistic Design session. “Students are increasingly aware of how their surroundings impact their well-being.”
Participants also visited a resource fair held in the University Center Complex, which featured booths from twenty mental health organizations, including UWill, the Jed Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These organizations shared tools and insights to help colleges improve their mental health offerings and support systems.
Dr. Jasmine A. Lee, founder of J. Lee Consulting Group, closed the day with an inspiring address on fostering “radical love and belonging” on campus. She emphasized the importance of equity and inclusion in creating spaces where every student feels valued. “A culture of belonging is built on daily intentions, equitable policies, and meaningful interactions,” she said, challenging attendees to bring these principles back to their institutions.
As the event concluded, participants left with a shared mission: to make mental health a priority across higher education. The summit proved to be a crucial step toward addressing the mental health crisis. With plans for future summits already in motion, New Jersey’s higher education institutions are set to continue leading the charge in creating campuses where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
