The Whitman School at Syracuse University has been recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award by Insight into Academia magazine. The award acknowledges programs and initiatives that promote inclusive excellence and a sense of belonging through campus activities.
Interim Dean Alex McKelvie stated, “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. 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.”
Syracuse University offers a range of support services for students, while Whitman’s approach focuses on financial, curricular, and co-curricular initiatives that address mental wellness throughout the school.
The recognition will be highlighted in the September 2025 issue of Insight into Academia. The award reflects Whitman’s broad strategy, including financial aid from the Whitman Opportunity Fund for unexpected educational expenses or for students unable to afford experiential activities such as visits with global partners in New York City. Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Lindsay Quilty noted that programs like Whitman Wellness Week—which takes place twice annually—encourage healthy habits and open discussions during high-stress periods like mid-term exams. The school also hosts guest speakers, seminars on real-life mental health management, and offers an Entrepreneurial Well-Being course aimed at teaching stress management skills.
McKelvie added, “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. 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.”
Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight into Academia magazine said: “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. We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
More information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award can be found at http://insightintoacademia.com./
