Sian Leah Beilock, a distinguished cognitive scientist and the newly appointed president of Dartmouth College, is poised to tackle the formidable challenge of youth mental health in the United States, a crisis exacerbated by technology but one that can also find solutions within it.
Among her notable initiatives:
Surgeon General Symposium: Scheduled for September 28, Beilock is hosting Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and his six living predecessors at Dartmouth College. The gathering aims to foster a comprehensive discussion on the youth mental health crisis and explore potential remedies.
Creation of Chief Health and Wellness Officer Role: Beilock has established a pivotal role at Dartmouth – that of the institution’s first Chief Health and Wellness Officer. This appointee will directly report to her, overseeing matters impacting all students, faculty, and staff. Their mandate includes executing and evaluating Beilock’s novel mental health strategic plan, which encompasses expanding mental health support, training more faculty and staff in mental health aid and suicide prevention, and investing in mentorship programs for students.
Reforming Policies on Mental Health Absences: Beilock recognizes the importance of allowing students to address mental health issues without facing academic penalties. Consequently, Dartmouth College is in the process of revising its policies to ensure students can seek help without negative consequences.
As an esteemed author of books such as “Choke: What the Secrets of the Brain Reveal About Getting It Right When You Have To” and “How the Body Knows Its Mind,” Beilock has continually contributed to the discourse on mental health and well-being. Her writings have found a platform in renowned publications and news outlets, including The Washington Post, the New York Times, NBC News, and the Associated Press.
Beilock’s leadership at Dartmouth College signifies a commitment to not only acknowledge the challenges presented by technology in youth mental health but also to harness its potential as a tool for transformative solutions.
