As a result of Georgia Southern’s commitment to increasing student awareness and access to mental health resources, the University has recently been named a full (JED) Member university. Georgia Southern recently completed a four-year partnership with JED, a national collegiate mental health program that guides colleges through a collaborative process of building comprehensive systems, programs and policy development with customized support to build upon existing student mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.

Along with the JED efforts, Georgia Southern has significantly increased student awareness and access to mental health resources. A recent report shows that 83% of ĚÇĐÄVlog students agree that the administration is listening to the concerns of students around health and wellness. This is a 15% increase since 2020.

In 2020, the University System of Georgia and resources to increase the mental health awareness and resources for all of its institutions.

One of these initiatives was to fund the enrollment of all institutions in the JED Campus program. This included the creation of a JED campus team, an initial campus mental health climate study conducted by the Healthy Minds Institute on behalf of JED, the completion of a Georgia Southern self-study, a campus site visit by JED and the development and completion of a four-year strategic plan.

“Engaging in the four-year JED Campus process has enabled Georgia Southern to strengthen and expand its university-wide commitment to the mental health of our students, faculty and staff,” said Jodi K. Caldwell, Ph.D., executive director & JED Campus team lead. “The JED team remains committed to growing Georgia Southern’s efforts in providing awareness, education, resources and support for the well-being of our community. We are grateful to the University System of Georgia, whose support funded this opportunity for all USG institutions and to the support of our Georgia Southern administration.”

Recently, the University has increased awareness and resources through programs like the . Students aware of mental health outreach efforts grew from 40% to 60%, and those knowing where to seek professional help increased from 78% to 84%, according to the JED feedback report. Additional findings can be found in the full report at the bottom of this article.

Georgia Southern will now be considered an alumni of the program, and will continue several of the programs and initiatives launched with JED.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two members of the Georgia Southern community, Angela Landers and Ty White, are sharing their stories and the essential lessons they’ve learned from their breast cancer diagnosis. Their journeys, while unique, highlight the importance of early detection, support systems and resilience in the face of adversity.

Georgia Southern’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Student Government Association and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority will host a on Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. By participating, individuals will walk a path around Sweetheart Circle and the athletic facilities to both raise awareness and funds for The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer. 

“I immediately knew that it was not supposed to be there,” she said. “The first person that I saw actually really brushed me off and said that it was probably nothing and I just needed to not worry about it. I asked to speak to another doctor… my oncologist told me I would have been dead within a year if I had not advocated for myself.”

She quickly began treatment, and has been in remission for 10 years now.

White, who is a case manager for the Counseling Center, also shares a story that illustrates the significance of early detection. A routine mammogram, prompted by an email from her health care provider, led to the discovery of early-stage cancer. Her quick response to the recommendations made a substantial difference in her treatment.

“I don’t really hide stuff from my kids,” White said. “My two-year-old would say, ‘Mommy has a boo-boo.’ I like to talk to them.”

The two also offered advice for those who know and love someone experiencing a cancer diagnosis. One of the biggest takeaways was being emotionally interested in what they’re experiencing.

“You may not even have the words to say, but go with her to doctor’s appointments, ask questions and be interested,” White said. “Just show up.”

ĚÇĐÄVlog licensed professional counselor Nikita Robinson and staff psychologist Mark Taracuk, Ph.D., took top spots at the 2021 Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) awards in January. Robinson was named the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year while Taracuk won awards for Clinical Program of the Year and Outstanding Professional Contribution to Knowledge.

Georgia Southern Counseling Center Executive Director Jodi Caldwell, Ph.D., said Robinson is one of the most recognizable staff members at the Counseling Center, working within numerous areas of the University.

“Nikita is always willing to help even if it means sitting outside at a table offering resources to students,” Caldwell said. “She deserves this award for her dedication, hard work and collaborations. Nikita truly personifies the diversity of skills, experiences and roles that come with being a counselor.”

The award reminds Robinson of the importance of her mental health work.

“Winning this award alleviates my fear that the efforts we put forward are not recognized,” she said. “Winning this award is a testament to the work the Counseling Center as a whole contributes daily to our community as we step into a variety of roles to meet community needs. It is a pleasure to receive this award and further my commitment to personal and professional goals as a mental health counselor.”

Taracuk’s work on increasing college students’ positive attitudes toward transgender and gender diverse individuals, along with increasing participants’ willingness to engage in social action on behalf of marginalized individuals, led to his recognition. His research included having participants watch a specific episode of “Star Trek” that relates to gender diversity in the plot without explicitly discussing transgender and gender diverse rights.

Taracuk won the Clinical Program of the Year award for “Creating Champions,” a three-hour interactive program for male-identified individuals designed to confront harmful gender norms through intentional evaluation and increasing mindful masculinity. The workshop helps individuals deepen their understanding of harmful masculine norms in society, gain new perspectives, and provide tips, tools and inspiration to empower everyone to make a difference.

“It’s an incredible privilege to win both of these awards,” Taracuk said. “While the awards honor two very different projects, both are strongly rooted in the values of social justice, inclusiveness and the push to create physical and psychological safety for all people. I am incredibly proud of both of these projects and am so thankful for my fantastic colleagues and collaborative partners who seek to make a difference every day.”

Taracuk said these awards serve as a symbol for the hard work of the entire Counseling Center staff.

“Part of our multifaceted mission is to find unique, innovative ways to engage, support and impact the mental health and well-being of Georgia Southern,” he said. “We firmly believe this will happen through programs, projects and opportunities that maintain a global perspective and sense of community are both essential conditions of life.”

GCCA is a professional membership organization composed of professional practitioners employed in the counseling facilities of Georgia’s public and private institutions, colleges and universities, and is a state branch of the American College Counseling Association. For more information about the Counseling Center, visit .