The Whitman School received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight into Academia magazine, a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs, events and other campus activities.
“The Whitman School is delighted to receive this recognition for our outstanding programming in support of all of our students and their overall well-being,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “Not only do we teach business here, but we also prepare students with other skills not found in a textbook that ensure they are ready to face the challenges they are likely to encounter in the workforce. Our programming helps to ensure they have the tools, knowledge and support to understand how important attention to mental health and well-being are to their professional and personal success.”
Bauer Wimer, the Whitman School’s pet therapy dog, sits with a group of students
While Syracuse University provides an amazing network of support and resources for all students, Whitman’s three-prong initiatives—financial, curricular and co-curricular programming—demonstrate how mental wellness has been successfully embedded into the Whitman School as a whole.
This recognition, which will be featured along with other recipients in the September 2025 issue of Insight into Academia, is the result of a comprehensive and proactive approach that is multi-faceted. It includes, for example, financial relief from the Whitman Opportunity Fund for unexpected expenses key to student education or to supplement those students unable to participate in experiential activities not covered by tuition, like the annual Whitman on Wall Street visit to major global partners in New York City. According to Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Lindsay Quilty, the award also recognizes Whitman Wellness Week, held twice each academic year to applaud healthy habits, open dialogue and mindful activities during peak periods of stress, such as mid-term exams. In addition, the Whitman School welcomes guest speakers and holds seminars that utilize real-life examples of managing, overcoming and destigmatizing mental health challenges, both in the academic and professional world. And, Whitman also offers its Entrepreneurial Well-Being course to specifically equip future leaders with vital stress management aids.
“This award is a credit to everyone at the Whitman School—faculty, staff, students, alumni—who have worked to ensure that Whitman students not simply survive but, in fact, thrive by preparing them for the rigors of today’s demanding work environment,” adds McKelvie. “We are proud to receive this recognition and are especially grateful to those who have helped to make prioritizing mental health possible through financial support, such as the Nass Family Mental Health gift that continues to help fund our growing emphasis on healthy well-being at the Whitman School.
“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.
Story by Caroline Reff
