As the start of the Fall term approaches, Florida Tech students are arriving on a campus strengthened by its award-winning support systems. The university was recognized by Insight Into Academia magazine this month for its comprehensive mental health resources, earning the publication’s 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award.
Florida Tech was among 71 schools in the country – and one of just five in the state – to receive the recognition.
The award recognizes institutions that commit to campus-wide integration of mental health initiatives, including accessible services, peer support, emotional resilience and proactive policy. Florida Tech offers dozens of mental health resources for students, faculty and staff, including a variety of wellness spaces and activities, counseling support and assistance programs.
“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,” Insight Into Academia’s owner and publisher, Lenore Pearlstein, said. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
In the university’s award application, Student Counseling Center Director Robyn Tapley highlighted two unique campus programs: the “You Matter” initiative, sponsored by the Parent Leadership Council, and the Psychology Science Minute, sponsored by WFIT. 89.5 FM and the School of Psychology.
“You Matter” is a campaign that aims to create conversation and share resources about mental health, suicide awareness and suicide prevention. In 2024, three benches, engraved with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, were placed across campus to raise awareness for the 24/7 resource. The Psychology Science Minute is a quick and engaging weekly radio segment that presents relevant, interesting and digestible research to the public, covering topics such as happiness, healthy relationships, the importance of sleep and burnout.
“This award recognizes the collective and important work we as a campus community do to help support the mental health and emotional needs of our students, faculty, staff and local community,” Tapley said. “I am proud to be part of a caring, compassionate and skilled team that makes a valuable difference in the lives of our campus community.”
Tapley also mentioned the university’s Panther Peer Mentor Program, the EdSights-driven “Panthera” support chatbot and the Employee Assistance Program, among other resources.
“It is important to create conversation about mental health and the available resources to show to the members of our campus community that they are not alone, that they matter and that support is available and encouraged,” Tapley said.
The award recipients will be featured in the magazine’s September 2025 issue.
