FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The University Honors College is set to host a thought-provoking panel discussion as part of the National Society for Minorities in Honors Conference, shedding light on the vital issue of mental health in underrepresented communities. The event, titled “Destigmatizing Mental Health in My Community,” is geared towards raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds.
All members of the university community are invited to attend the panel discussion, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 25th, from 5-6 p.m. The event will be held at Gearhart Hall Auditorium (GEAR 26).
The panel will delve into critical topics surrounding mental health, particularly focusing on dismantling the stigma attached to mental health struggles. Moreover, the pressures faced by high-achieving students from minority communities will be discussed. The panelists will also explore strategies to support students in their quest for mental health resources, emphasizing the role of colleges and universities in addressing these needs.
Lia Childress, a panelist who holds a Master of Science in clinical psychology and works as a mental health therapist, shared her perspective: “I want to validate and acknowledge the person labeled as ‘too sensitive’ for setting boundaries or speaking up in their environments. My goal for this event is to highlight how to have these conversations and with whom about mental health because both are so important to finding the right type of support.”
“I’m looking forward to a robust discussion on a topic that too often is overlooked — and we have a fantastic panel who will speak with authority and authenticity,” Wright expressed. She anticipates “FARE-WELL,” an acronym symbolizing Focus, Awareness, Recognition, Engagement, and the provision of Essential well-being, with Love and Legitimacy.
This panel event serves as the inaugural session of the National Society for Minorities in Honors Conference, taking place on the University of Arkansas campus from October 25th to October 27th. The conference will center on evaluating the value of an honors education, establishing success metrics, and creating a more inclusive honors experience for all participants.
Several other events during the conference, such as panel discussions, workshops, and roundtable conversations, will further explore how institutions are working toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in honors education. The National Society for Minorities in Honors was founded in 2015 to promote and advance discussions and actions relating to diversity and inclusion within the context of honors education.
Additional information about the conference and registration can be found here. For inquiries about the conference, please contact Xochitl Delgado Solorzano, assistant dean at the Honors College.
About the Honors College:
Established in 2002, the University of Arkansas Honors College brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and top professors to share transformative learning experiences. The Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships annually, providing students with $80,000 over four years, in addition to more than $1 million in grants for undergraduate research and study abroad programs. Renowned for its commitment to admitting and graduating high-caliber students, the Honors College offers small, in-depth classes across a wide range of disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, all Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.
About the University of Arkansas:
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas serves as Arkansas’ flagship institution, offering over 200 academic programs of international caliber. The University’s economic contribution to Arkansas exceeds $2.2 billion, encompassing knowledge and skill dissemination, entrepreneurship, job creation, research, and creative activities, while also providing training in professional fields. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the University among the top public universities in the nation.
