New Center for Student Wellbeing Offers Critical Access to Wellness Resources

By Jazmyn Burton

Graduate students face unique pressures—from the demands of rigorous academic programs to the challenges of balancing personal and professional development—making access to wellness resources critical for their success.   

Emory University’s newly launched Center for Student Wellbeing steps in to meet these needs, offering tailored support that helps graduate students navigate stress, build resilience, and prioritize mental and emotional health. These services will now be led by Megan G. Brown, a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in student counseling and wellbeing in higher education.  

The new center represents a significant step forward in how Emory supports the mental health of its students, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives, said Brown.  

“Emory is doing something exceptional. There aren't many universities in the country that have made this kind of bold commitment to students—to see them flourish,” she said. “Emory is becoming a leader in this work. I am excited to see the university’s vision evolve, and I am also looking forward to partnering across the campus community to make that vision a reality.” 

Under Brown’s leadership, the center will focus on “eight intersecting dimensions or ‘elements’” that include emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, professional, relational, and spiritual wellbeing. It offers a holistic approach encompassing wellness coaching, mindfulness, mental health literacy, and prevention programs tailored to the diverse needs of the Emory community, from first-year students to doctoral candidates. 

Additionally, the center is charged with working with the campus community, not only to provide students with wellbeing resources, but also to make the campus ecosystem healthier.   

“Resources are important and necessary, but they are not enough,” said Brown. “The Center for Student Wellbeing was started to help us as a campus-wide look at our policies and systems from a wellbeing lens to so that wellbeing is a part of our culture at Emory.” 

“The graduate student experience is unique, many face challenges that are difficult to manage or sometimes understand,” said Jennifer M. Cason, EdD, assistant dean of student affairs and deputy Title IX coordinator at the Laney Graduate School. “It’s important to remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We want our students to be proactive and seek support early and know that they have a community behind them, ready to provide support when they need it most.”