January 2023

 

TWU increases mental health awareness through grant, partnership

Dear Friends,

We began this spring semester much the same way we ended last fall: establishing a stronger college-going experience for our students, faculty and staff.

Many of you are aware of the escalating mental health crisis in the United States. Even though the worst of the pandemic is behind us, there are increasing signs that many people, particularly young individuals, are struggling with mental health issues. Texas Woman’s is positioned to have a significant impact in the mental health arena in two ways. This month, the university announced a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at serving mental health needs at the K-12 level. The grant, secured by Texas Woman’s professors Lisa Grubbs and Bonnie King, will fund training and field experience in school-based mental health services for TWU counseling students. In turn, the TWU students would apply their training to serve K-12 students at local charter schools. Also this month, Texas Woman’s has partnered with Kognito, an interactive, online training outfit that will help faculty and staff develop awareness, knowledge, skills and confidence needed to talk effectively with students about emotional and mental health issues. Texas Woman’s is committed to efforts that address the mental wellbeing of our students and community, and we are thrilled to be meaningfully engaged in these activities.

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Initiative emphasizes fitness for staff, faculty

Since we are on the topic of wellbeing, I was thrilled to help kick off Texas Woman’s latest health initiative, TWU Moves, with an outdoor walk on Jan. 23. The six-week physical fitness program is designed to help Texas Woman’s faculty and staff stay active during the winter months. The program, a partnership between the university's Fitness & Recreation division and Health and Wellbeing Initiative, helps participants track their fitness activities and awards points through the period, after which top performers are rewarded with prizes. It is one in a series of projects that aims to keep our university community moving and adding to a culture of wellbeing.

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Nursing program has global impact

Earlier this month, the Global Nursing Program hosted 15 nursing students from South Korea at our Dallas campus for an intensive program that focuses on cardiovascular disorders, women’s health care and evidenced-practiced interventions. Students learned from TWU’s nursing faculty while also making rounds in three acute care hospitals, attending leadership forums, visiting local destinations, and participating in a multicultural exchange day. It is a program coveted by the South Korean students for the wealth of knowledge they gain, but Texas Woman’s faculty also benefit through more cultural awareness, personal development and care delivery. It is a model program that demonstrates TWU goes beyond its local communities to have a global impact.

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Lastly, I ask you to join me in thanking Dr. Sandy Sook and the Sook Family Foundation. The Foundation recently made a $500,000 gift to christen the Dr. Phyllis J. Bridges Auditorium in the Student Union. The gift will support scholarships in the College of Arts and Sciences to benefit students in Dance, Drama, English, History, Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies, Music, Political Science, Social Work or Visual Arts. Phyllis was such a pillar of our university, and I cannot help but believe she is smiling at this support of our students from the great beyond.

I look forward to keeping you apprised of Texas Woman’s brightest moments in 2023. As always, email me with your comments or questions. I am delighted that you have spent a few minutes with me today.

Warm Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.

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Page last updated 4:32 PM, March 31, 2023