Trinity Valley Community College: A Beacon of Mental Health Advocacy in TexasIn a significant acknowledgment of its unwavering commitment to student mental health and wellbeing, Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) has been honored as a statewide leader through its participation in the pioneering...
Trinity Valley Community College: A Beacon of Mental Health Advocacy in Texas
In a significant acknowledgment of its unwavering commitment to student mental health and wellbeing, Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) has been honored as a statewide leader through its participation in the pioneering Minding College Minds Learning Community. This initiative aims to address the mental health needs of over 225,000 community college students across Texas.
A Transformative Initiative Launch
On September 10, 2024, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, in collaboration with the Texas Success Center at the Texas Association of Community Colleges, launched this transformative statewide program. TVCC was selected as one of only 13 community colleges in Texas to join the inaugural cohort, a testament to its dedication to fostering mental health among students, faculty, and staff. As part of this initiative, TVCC proudly received the prestigious Champion Award, recognizing its steadfast commitment to cultivating a campus culture that prioritizes care and support.
Creating a Culture of Support
“These initiatives are more than checkboxes—they’re part of a long-term, student-centered vision,” stated Melinda Berry, Associate Vice President of Student Advocacy and the team leader for Minding College Minds at TVCC. “We want every student to know that help is available, that they belong here, and that their success matters.”
At the heart of TVCC’s initiative is the belief that academic success and personal wellbeing are intrinsically linked. Recognizing that emotional stress and mental health challenges are significant factors contributing to student attrition, the college is proactively implementing a range of inclusive support measures aimed at all learners.
Key Initiatives Underway
Among the key efforts currently underway at TVCC are:
Establishing a multidisciplinary steering team to guide the college’s mental health strategy.
Developing and launching a formal reentry policy to support students returning from mental health-related absences.
Clarifying the scope of practice for counseling services to streamline access to on-campus and off-campus resources.
Expanding targeted outreach campaigns focused on underserved populations, including parenting students, foster youth, and first-generation college students.
These initiatives are part of a broader framework guided by the Minding College Minds Framework for Postsecondary Mental Health, developed by the Meadows Institute to meet the increasing demand for mental health services on college campuses. This effort aligns with the Talent Strong Texas Pathways strategy led by the Texas Success Center, which supports student credential completion through systemic assistance and equity-driven strategies.
Building a Nurturing Environment
“By creating an institutional action plan, TVCC can foster a more nurturing environment that emphasizes mental health, leading to improved academic performance, higher retention rates, and overall student wellbeing,” Berry added. “Students who feel supported and understood are more likely to thrive, both academically and personally.”
TVCC is part of a broader community that includes Alamo Colleges, Central Texas College, Dallas College, Del Mar College, Grayson College, Kilgore College, Laredo College, North Central Texas College, Northeast Texas Community College, Paris Junior College, San Jacinto College, and Victoria College, representing a diverse group of rural, urban, and suburban campuses.
Comprehensive Support for Mental Health
“The Minding College Minds Learning Community helps community colleges address important gaps in their mental health services for students,” remarked Michelle Harper, Executive Director of the Center for Child and Family Wellness at the Meadows Institute. “By providing a comprehensive framework, technical assistance, and curated opportunities for peer learning, member colleges will be equipped to build robust systems supporting campuswide mental health and wellbeing.”
This initiative is generously supported by various foundations, including the Trellis Foundation, Greater Texas Foundation, Texas Pioneer Foundation, Ascendium, and ECMC Foundation. It marks the first step in a planned series of statewide efforts aimed at enhancing mental health support for students and staff across every Texas community college.
Looking Ahead
As TVCC advances into its next phase of implementation, future plans include launching a reentry task force, expanding “Thrive and Learn” sessions to raise awareness about available resources, providing faculty and staff training, and establishing a continuous improvement cycle driven by data.
By prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, Trinity Valley Community College exemplifies its commitment to being The Home of Champions—both in the classroom and in every student’s journey toward success.
