Conference 2024

Presentations

Keynote Address: Catalyzing Innovation Improvement in Pursuit of Student Well-being

Student well-being is essential for student success. Despite increased investments in student mental health and well-being, colleges and universities continue to grapple with worsening outcomes and widening equity gaps--underscoring the imperative for a profound shift in approach. Achieving improved student well-being will require institutions to fundamentally change not only the programs, services, and policies we implement but also in how we innovate, improve, and adapt to the ever-evolving needs, strengths, priorities, and values of our students and institutions. This session will highlight key insights and learning about catalyzing innovation and improvement in pursuit of student well-being.

Allison, J. Smith, MPA
Director, Health Strategy & Outcomes
New York University

Mental Health Strategies to Cope, Prevent, and Recover from RUST

S. Akeya Harrold, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Counseling & Psychological Services
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Clinical Instructor, PARTNER Program, College of Nursing
Medical University of South Carolina

Donna Lee Williams, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Counseling & Psychological Services
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Medical University of South Carolina

Student Panel: Identifying Student Needs and How to best Meet These Needs

Caroline Moore MSW, LISW-CP
Program Manager, The Guide To Thrive Program
Counseling & Psychological Services
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Medical University of South Carolina

Additional Breakout Sessions

Guide to Thrive
BIT Team Round Table
Mental Health Board
EAB and Generation P
Legal Conversations
Drivers of Poor Mental Health

Questions?

Should you have any questions, please contact one of the following consortium members.

College of Charleston: Ann Almasi-Bush and Alicia Caudill
Medical University of South Carolina: Gigi Smith
The Citadel: John Robinson and Stephanie Fye

Keynote Speaker

Allison, J. Smith, MPA
Director, Health Strategy & Outcomes
New York University

Ms. Smith is the director of Health Strategy & Outcomes at NYU. She specializes in designing and leading networks, driving innovation, and implementing systemic improvements. Allison has led national improvement collaboratives involving over 100 higher education institutions, achieving measurable success. She developed the Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings (WISHES) and has driven broad institutional change at NYU, earning national recognition for innovation. Her recent work focuses on closing gaps in student support and developing strategies to enhance student engagement in their own wellbeing and community wellness. Through her leadership, she continues to shape transformative initiatives that improve institutional outcomes and student experiences.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Harrold is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at MUSC’s Counseling and Psychological Services, supporting students' mental health. She is also a College of Nursing faculty member and mentors nurse practitioner residents through the PARTNER Grant, expanding mental health access via telehealth in rural areas. Dr. Harrold earned her BSN from USC Upstate and her MSN and DNP from MUSC. She has served South Carolina’s underserved populations and veterans at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. A leader in mental health nursing, she directed the VA’s PMHNP Residency Program and received the SAMHSA/ANA Minority Fellowship Award. Active in professional organizations, her passions include reducing mental health stigma and mentoring future clinicians. She also volunteers with her therapy dog, Atlas, at MUSC.

Caroline Moore MSW, LISW-CP
Program Manager, The Guide To Thrive Program
Counseling & Psychological Services
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Medical University of South Carolina

Ms. Moore, LISW-CP, is a counselor and program manager at MUSC Counseling and Psychological Services with a background in victim advocacy and anti-human trafficking (AHT). She previously worked with the Central Ohio HT Task Force, helping survivors reintegrate into the community. After earning her master’s in social work from Ohio State, she became the clinician for CATCH Court, managing client and partner relations. As CATCH Court Coordinator, she assessed candidates in correctional facilities and worked with court staff to support rehabilitation. Excited to bring her expertise to Charleston, Caroline now serves at MUSC and volunteers at Shawn Jenkins NICU, where she cuddles babies weekly. Her extensive experience in advocacy and rehabilitation continues to make an impact in her new role.

Dr. Williams blends science and art in her practice, drawing from her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Fine Arts training. Known for her candor, compassion, and authenticity, she engages audiences through storytelling and interactive demonstrations. For four years, she has supported MUSC students, managing cases and coordinating Mental Health First Aid training. She has introduced innovative programs like therapeutic improv and plant therapy. A nominee for the 2024 MUSC MLK Humanitarian Award, she also serves as President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association’s South Carolina Chapter and founded Remnant Cares, a nonprofit aiding marginalized communities. When not enjoying the South Carolina Lowcountry, she participates in short-term global mission trips, furthering her dedication to service and mental health advocacy.