GRINNELL, IA—Grinnell College students will soon benefit from combined health and counseling services, led by newly appointed director and lead psychologist Stephanie Brown of the University of Texas, Arlington.
Brown’s appointment reflects a holistic student health and counseling services approach at Grinnell. Previously the college had a traditional health service staffed by registered nurses, with mental health services contracted from a local agency. In the new model, Grinnell students will have the advantage of on-campus services with three full-time psychologists, registered nurses, and additional support from local agencies.
Vice President for Student Affairs Houston Dougharty said that “the time is right to bring health and counseling services together. Karen Cochran, current director of student health services, will retire at the end of the academic year, and the addition of counseling will expand the excellent services already provided.”
Brown, who will join the Grinnell staff in June, holds a Ph.D. in adult clinical psychology from the University of Georgia, and B.S. and M.S. degrees in general psychology from the University of Illinois and California State University, Los Angeles. She is currently director of The Leadership Center on the Arlington, Texas campus, where she is responsible for the implementation of leadership programs, retreats, and experiential activities. Her previous experience includes 15 years in college mental health counseling and administration at San Diego State and Wichita State Universities, with emphasis on student leadership and community building.
“I am very excited to be a part of these newly combined health and counseling services at Grinnell,” Brown said. “Growing the program will allow us to tailor the services we provide to meet the specific needs of Grinnell students and dovetails nicely with the college’s commitment to the intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being of all students.”
Brown will report to Dean of Student Academic Support and Advising Joyce Stern, a 1991 graduate of Grinnell. “Stephanie has the expertise to deliver the full-range of services—education, consultation, and therapy. This proactive move will support the overall wellness of our students and their expectations for high academic performance,” Stern said.
Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four-year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 26 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs.
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