MCC receives excellence in mental health and well-being honor
Meridian Community College received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being
Award from Insight Into Academia magazine.
The College was one of two Mississippi-based higher education institutions that were saluted for their commitment to fostering a culture of mental wellness and well-being for their students, faculty, and staff.
MCC will be featured, along with 70 other recipients, in the September 2025 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine. Mississippi State University College for Veterinary Medicine was also named for the honor.
“We are honored and excited to be chosen for this award, as it reflects our ongoing commitment to the overall well-being and mental health of our students. Supporting the whole student is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition affirms the impact of our efforts to create a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive campus environment, said Nedra Bradley, executive director of family services and student support.
Insight Into Academia magazine selected MCC because of its proactive and reactive approach to supporting mental health, academic success, and the overall well-being of MCC students.
Bradley explained that the College initiatives, such as the Wellness Wednesday programs, for example, offer students the chance to de-stress during the semester and gain practical insight on managing personal and mental health challenges.
“Our strong partnerships with local mental health agencies - Weems Community Mental Health and Psychology Associates - as well as our virtual counseling partner, TimelyCare, have been instrumental in extending accessible and consistent support to our student body,” she said.
Bradley added, “This recognition affirms our commitment to fostering a campus environment where students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.”
“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner said MCCers believe academic success is closely tied to emotional and mental well-being. “This award demonstrates our ongoing efforts to create a campus where students and employees feel seen, supported, and valued. I’m incredibly proud of our team for this important work where wellness is not just encouraged—it’s expected.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in March 2025.
For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.