A University-Wide Approach to Changing Campus Cultures of Mental Illness Stigma

This interdisciplinary volume addresses the progress made regarding mental illness stigma in the realm of higher education while acknowledging how stigma has transformed to present more subtle challenges in this context and how it may be addressed to promote positive campus outcomes. Written by researchers and practitioners who represent

different fields within higher education, it highlights the existence of stigma by focusing on its presence in the curriculum, in policies, and in processes within the university. It discusses both the presence and impact of stigma in undergraduate and graduate studies, athletics, and faculty and staff. The book emphasizes a collaborative approach to involve stakeholder groups across campus by providing practical, preemptive solutions to reduce stigma. This volume can be used as a practical guide for any institution of higher education

wishing to address mental illness stigma on their campus in a strategic, systemic manner. Additionally, it will be helpful for individuals working in higher education as a guide for reflecting on and changing their individual practice.

This book greatly appeals to those who are interested in addressing mental illness stigma systemically.

Kathleen M. Brennan, Ph.D. is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Sociology Program at Western Carolina University, USA. For more than a decade, she has used quantitative methodologies to collaboratively examine mental illness stigma in the context of higher education. She has co-presented these research findings to professional audiences and co-authored papers in higher education, health, and other disciplinary publications. Additionally, she regularly teaches about and provides consultation on the sociology of mental health and illness on campus and in the regional community.

Kimberly Gorman, Ph.D. is Associate Vice Chancellor for Health & Wellness in the Student Affairs Division at Western Carolina University, USA. Dr. Gorman’s primary research interests are related to collegiate mental health and mental illness stigma in the college population. She has co-authored several papers about the impacts of mental illness and its related stigma in college students. She is a licensed psychologist who has worked in the higher education setting for more than two decades. She has served on the governing board of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors and on the advisory board for the Center for Collegiate Mental Health.