Influencing the Longhorn Life Staff Newsletter
Published: March 4, 2025
Brittany Boyer (Counseling and Mental Health Center, Longhorn Wellness Center, University Health Services) published "Examining Social Support and Belonging as Mental Health Protective Factors for Undergraduates with Adverse Childhood Experiences” with colleagues from UT Dallas in the Journal of American College Health. The report explores the impact of social support and a sense of belonging as protective factors against depression and anxiety among undergraduates with traumatic events during childhood. Read the full article.
Erin Garcia (Counseling and Mental Health Center, Longhorn Wellness Center, University Health Services) partnered with the Sanger Learning Center to present Healthyhorns’ health and well-being offerings to a group of 35 student tutors and peer mentors. This presentation aimed to equip these students with knowledge of available resources, enabling them to share valuable information with their peers.
Kian Greely (Office of the Dean of Students) facilitated the Owning Your Mental Health workshop in the Horns Against Hazing: Leading the Charge series. The Office of the Dean of Students launched this new workshop series to provide students with valuable tools to strengthen connections through mental health activities.
CieCie Leonard (Recreational Sports) presented on the Eight Pilates Principles at the 28th Annual TexFit Conference at Southern Methodist University.
Kate Lower (SHIFT) presented about SHIFT funding opportunities to Texas Development gift officers from across campus at their February meeting. SHIFT is partnering with the Division’s Development team and Texas Development to help secure additional funding support for the program.
Kelly Salomon and Joe Wise (Recreational Sports) supported the 2025 NIRSA Region IV Basketball Tournament. Wise served as co-director of the competition and Salomon served as a member of the officials committee. They also proudly witnessed two of their student staff be awarded All-Tournament Officials.
Diane Stonecipher (University Health Services) wrote this article about her experience with travel health nursing that was recently published in The American Journal of Nursing.
Thea Woodruff (Longhorn Wellness Center) hosted "Enhancing Student Motivation, Engagement and Self-Regulation” for faculty and staff. The workshop addressed common misconceptions, and offered research-based strategies to help students engage more deeply and consistently with course content, rather than placing blame on a lack of motivation or engagement.
Christi Skrovan (University Health Services) took home the top prize at the Healthyhorns Chili Cook-Off. This team-building event now in its second year gives staff the opportunity to cook and share their chili creations for a fun taste test.