Jessica Doty Champions Mental Health Support, Holistic Well-Being

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Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in mental health challenges among students, faculty, and staff, as well as an increase in the support colleges and universities can provide in response. Jessica Doty, associate vice chancellor for health and Wellness at the University of Colorado Boulder, has been at the forefront of this evolution, advocating for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to well-being.

The growing prevalence of mental health concerns on college campuses is the impacted by multiple factors, including heightened academic pressure, increased competition for internships and jobs, food insecurity, social isolation, financial stress, shifting societal expectations, the pressure to succeed, limited access to mental health services, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These combined pressures have led to overwhelming stress and anxiety among students. Doty, who has dedicated thirteen years to serving the University of Colorado Boulder community, is leveraging her leadership in Health and Wellness to drive meaningful changes and support individuals in their mental health journeys.

However, Doty recognizes that mental health is one component of well-being. A holistic approach is essential, one that acknowledges the interconnected nature of physical, emotional, social, and environmental health. Addressing student well-being in a comprehensive manner leads to improved academic performance, higher retention rates, and greater overall success. A well-rounded student—one whose well-being is nurtured in multiple dimensions—is far more likely to thrive and reach their full academic potential.

To truly cultivate a culture of well-being, Doty believes that champions must exist across campus.

Faculty play a pivotal role in fostering student mental health, as they have frequent and meaningful interactions with students. This puts them in a unique position to recognize early warning signs, encourage help-seeking behavior, provide information on available mental health services, and actively reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

To support faculty in these efforts, Doty’s team has developed training programs, toolkits, and webinars designed not to alter teaching methods but to equip faculty with essential resources. Simple measures, such as including mental health support contacts in syllabi, can make a significant difference in student access to resources.

While faculty play a crucial role, Doty emphasizes the necessity of a multipronged approach to student wellness. To this end, her team expanded peer wellness coaching program, creating a more approachable and relatable avenue for mental health support. Peer wellness coaches host events and engage with students informally, breaking down barriers to seeking help and fostering a sense of belonging and support.

These programs provide students with a trusted space where they can discuss their challenges openly, receive guidance from trained peers, and feel more empowered to navigate their college experience.

The importance of mental health support cannot be overstated. According to national studies, students who have access to comprehensive wellness resources are more likely to persist in their studies, maintain stronger academic performance, and develop lifelong coping skills.

By normalizing conversations around mental health and increasing accessibility to resources, Doty and her team are helping to create a university environment where students are not just surviving but thriving.

Yet the focus on well-being extends beyond students. Doty also acknowledges the mental and emotional toll on faculty and staff who support students in distress. Recognizing the need for comprehensive support systems, her team has developed tools, coping strategies, and services designed to assist those providing care.

Faculty and staff often juggle demanding workloads, personal responsibilities, and the emotional burden of supporting students. Without proper support, burnout and compassion fatigue can take a significant toll.

Through the WorkWell office, the Health and Wellness team has been building an extensive employee wellness program, an initiative that began eighteen months ago. As participation has grown, so too have the resources, opportunities, and support systems available to faculty and staff.

This program provides faculty and staff with access to workshops, counseling services, mindfulness programs, and other resources aimed at promoting self-care and resilience. When faculty and staff feel supported and valued, they are better equipped to create positive learning environments and meaningful connections with students.

Investing in the well-being of university employees ultimately enhances the entire campus ecosystem, fostering a culture where well-being is prioritized at every level.

Beyond institutional efforts, Doty envisions a future where wellness is seamlessly woven into the fabric of higher education. This means shifting perspectives from reactive approaches—where mental health services are only sought in times of crisis—to proactive, preventive strategies that nurture well-being from day one.

By integrating wellness initiatives into academic curricula, fostering peer support networks, and ensuring that students and staff alike have access to the resources they need, universities can take meaningful strides toward long-term cultural change.

Doty’s unwavering commitment to a holistic and inclusive approach to wellness continues to shape the University of Colorado Boulder’s culture, ensuring that mental health and well-being are at the forefront of campus life for students, faculty, and staff alike. Her work serves as a reminder that well-being is not a luxury—it is a fundamental necessity for success in higher education and beyond.

Through sustained advocacy, innovative programs, and a commitment to compassionate leadership, Doty is helping to redefine what it means to truly support a thriving academic community.

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