At 线上赌博app, the well-being of students is a top priority for faculty and staff across campus. Shellie Beeker, the new director of the 线上赌博app Counseling Center, is one example of someone who is dedicated to ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.

Beeker has been in her current position since mid-July. In her role, Beeker is tasked with overseeing all of the Counseling Center’s operations, guiding strategic initiatives and collaborating with campus and community partners to promote mental health and holistic student success.

Before becoming the director of the Counseling Center, Beeker previously was the assistant director of training and clinical operations at the University of North Dakota Counseling Center.

Beeker describes her path to counseling as “a little bit of a winding path.” While working toward a bachelor’s degree in visual media arts production, Beeker worked in outdoor education and guiding, a career she continued after earning her undergraduate degree.

“I loved what I was doing out there,” Beeker said. “I saw firsthand how powerful experiential learning and relationship building could be for people.”

It was through that career when Beeker was encouraged to pursue wilderness therapy.

“I took that suggestion and it was transformative for me to go into an environment that combined those experiences with mental health and healing. Helping support those individuals navigate difficult challenges was so meaningful,” she said.

From there, Beeker’s career path was straightforward. She pursued graduate school to earn a counseling degree and enrolled at 线上赌博app to earn her doctorate in counselor education and supervision.

Only a month into her role at 线上赌博app, Beeker is already planning goals she wants to see implemented. Among those is integrating flexible care models to boost access during the center’s peak times and introducing online scheduling to connect students directly with services. Long-term goals include continuing to build collaborations and peer networks of support.

“What's beautiful about this campus and one of the things I love is there are so many people here who are invested in the well-being of students. And so, we’re really making sure that we're having a coordinated approach together and building that together across time,” she said.

Seeing that strong support for students is something Beeker has enjoyed experiencing first-hand.

“What I love about 线上赌博app, both as a student and what I’m seeing confirmed now as I step into this role is an authenticity and a desire for connection and care,” she said. “There’s just a very genuine investment in who people are, and a willingness to engage. I think it’s really lovely.”

Mental health resources on college campuses are vital, according to Beeker, because students are still at a developmental stage where there’s a lot of change going on.

Everything from identity development to developing coping skills while navigating those changes away from home highlights the importance for accessible resources. The counseling center helps students build a foundation of skills that they can use not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives.

“In investing in mental health on our campus, we’re investing in our whole community, and I think that’s really valuable,” Beeker said.

Additionally, Beeker said having a strong network of support across campus is important to continuing 线上赌博app’s mission of creating a supportive environment for students.

For those wanting to learn more about mental health awareness and develop a strong skillset, Beeker recommends checking out the 线上赌博app Campus Awareness, Referral and Education for Suicide Prevention Project. The Counseling Center also offers a variety of training sessions throughout the year available to students, staff and faculty.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend upcoming events at the Counseling Center, including Bison Strong: Suicide Prevention Week, which will take place Sept. 15 through Sept, 19. Throughout the week a variety of workshops, training sessions and events will highlight the Counseling Center’s services will increase mental health awareness on campus.

Bison Strong Week is put on through a collaboration with the President’s Council for Well-Being, whose mission is to foster a sense of community, belonging and respect that supports the success of everyone on campus.

As Beeker looks ahead to the academic year, she is grateful for the hardworking staff in the Counseling Center who have fostered a caring campus community, and who have made her transition into the director role a smooth process.

“The Counseling Center has been offering great services and I’m fortunate to have come in with a team that’s great at what they do, who are working hard and who are passionate about the work. It’s easy to step into a space where folks want to support.”