Hailey
Mental health is very important, especially for students who face pressure in school or college. That’s why many colleges in the U.S. are working hard to help students feel mentally strong and emotionally supported.
One such college, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), has been recognized for doing an amazing job in helping students, staff, and faculty stay mentally healthy.
In 2025, they received the Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine.
This award celebrates schools that make a big difference in how students feel at college. Let’s understand what Missouri S&T is doing to support mental health and why this award is a big deal.
What Is the Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award?
The Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award is given by a magazine called Insight Into Academia. It recognizes schools and universities that:
- Create strong mental health programs
- Make students feel included and safe
- Help both students and staff to be mentally and emotionally well
In 2025, 71 colleges and universities will be featured in the magazine’s September issue, and Missouri S&T is one of them.
About Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Missouri S&T is a famous research university in Rolla, Missouri, with over 7,000 students. The school is part of the University of Missouri System and focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. They offer more than 100 degrees in 40 different areas of study.
The Wall Street Journal ranked Missouri S&T as one of the top public universities in the U.S. for helping students get high-paying jobs after graduation.
What Did Missouri S&T Say About Winning?
Jessica Gargus, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Well-Being at Missouri S&T, said something very meaningful:
“We are trying to create a culture where everyone knows they are responsible for helping others feel mentally well. It helps with student success and is the right thing to do.”
This shows that Missouri S&T is not just focused on academics but also on mental strength and emotional health.
What Missouri S&T Is Doing for Mental Health
Missouri S&T is using many smart tools and programs to support student well-being. Here are some of their top programs:
| Program or Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| On-campus counseling | Gives students a safe space to talk and get support |
| Crisis response teams | Helps students immediately when they feel unsafe or need urgent help |
| Peer mentoring | Trained students help other students handle mental health challenges |
| Goal-setting mobile app | Encourages students to build healthy daily habits |
| 24/7 peer-to-peer support platform | Available day and night for emotional help from fellow students |
| Campus resource chatbot | Helps students find the right mental health services and answers |
| Mental health guide for staff | Teachers and employees are trained to support students better |
This holistic support system ensures students have help around the clock.
New in Fall 2025: Health and Well-Being Collective
This fall, Missouri S&T is launching a new group called the Health and Well-Being Collective. It will include students, faculty, and staff who work together to improve the campus’s health environment.
This initiative is based on a system called the “collective impact framework”, where everyone works toward the same goals in a united way.
Why This Award Matters
Mental health issues can impact:
- Focus and learning
- Relationships with friends and family
- Graduation and future success
By making mental health a top priority, Missouri S&T is showing that student happiness is just as important as academic performance.
A Word From the Award Publisher
Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia, said:
“Not all colleges get noticed for the mental health support they give to students and employees. We are proud to honor schools like Missouri S&T as role models.”
This means Missouri S&T is setting an example for other colleges across the U.S.
Winning this award is not just a trophy for Missouri S&T—it’s a sign that they care deeply about their students’ mental health. From 24/7 peer support to smart mobile tools and trained faculty, the university is doing all it can to make life on campus healthier, safer, and more positive.
With their new 2025 Health and Well-Being Collective, they are continuing to improve how everyone on campus feels—mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Colleges like Missouri S&T prove that academic success and mental well-being go hand in hand. This honor is not only well-deserved but also a sign for other universities to take student health seriously.