South Carolina State University’s Counseling & Self-Development Center, which supports
student mental health and wellness initiatives on campus.
The university is one of seven institutions selected to advance mental health, crisis
response and campus wellbeing systems.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University has been selected as one of only seven institutions
nationwide to participate in the 2026 HBCU Policy Academy for Student and Campus Wellness,
a competitive initiative designed to strengthen campus systems related to mental health,
crisis response and student wellbeing.
Out of 35 applications submitted from historically Black colleges and universities
(HBCUs) across the country, SC State was chosen to join the national cohort focused
on advancing best practices in student support and crisis response.
The university’s participation is led by S. Christian Jackson, director of the SC
State Counseling & Self-Development Center, who is convening a multidisciplinary campus
task force to represent SC State throughout the academy.
The SC State team includes:
Andre Thompson, judicial affairs
Dr. Eric Williams, assistant band director and strategist
Capt. Jason Roberts, Department of Public Safety
Lauren Johnson, NAACP president and rising senior
Together, the interdisciplinary group will assess current campus systems and develop
a strategic action plan to improve the coordination, access, and effectiveness of
behavioral health and crisis response services for students.
The Policy Academy emphasizes:
Strengthening mental health and substance use support systems
Improving access to crisis response resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline
Building sustainable, trauma-informed campus response frameworks
Enhancing cross-campus collaboration and partnerships
As part of the program, the SC State team will participate in a national convening
April 27-28, 2026, at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, followed by several months
of technical assistance to support implementation of its action plan.
“This opportunity allows us to build on the work we are already doing while strengthening
how we respond to student needs across the entire campus,” Jackson said. “By bringing
together key partners from multiple areas, we are creating a more coordinated, proactive
approach to student well-being.”
The initiative reflects SC State’s continued commitment to supporting the mental health,
safety and success of its students while contributing to a broader national effort
to advance wellness across HBCU campuses.
