Expert Panel: A Strategy Session Among Scholars Committed to Well-Being and Racial Equity Efforts

• In Event: Forging a Research Agenda on the Role of Mental Health in Advancing Racial Equity

Abstract

The expert panel is a group of scholars whose research agendas have been explicitly focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. The purpose of this expert panel is to build on the findings and recommendations provided earlier, to discuss how their respective expert insights can help advance a conversation about mental health as a systemic issue that must be considered in college student success, particularly for Students of Color. For example, Dr. Sandy Grande addresses how logics of settler colonialism have directly shaped higher education discourses, policies, and practices that are harmful to the well-being of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Dr. Josephine Kim explores mental health, cross-cultural diversity and inclusion efforts, and anti-racist practices in education. Dr. Steven Quaye addresses privilege, power, and oppression in higher education. Dr. Laurie Schreiner offers the concept of student “thriving” as a unique way to understand student success inclusive of intellectual, interpersonal, and psychological well-being. Dr. William Smith has developed the concept of “racial battle fatigue,” the psychological toll of systemic inequities on Black and Latinx students and how higher education institutions can address it. This group of scholars will respond to the following question for this expert panel:
• What must higher education institutions do to reimagine a more holistic understanding of college student success that considers mental health and well-being as intricately tied to racial equity efforts?

Authors

• Sandy M. Grande, University of Connecticut

• Laurie A. Schreiner, Azusa Pacific University

• William A. Smith, University of Utah

• Theresa J. Stewart-Ambo, University of California - Los Angeles

• Kenjus T. Watson, American University

• Tiffani Marie, San Jose State University