The 2025 Behavioral Health Convening was held at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU Initiatives, Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of Students and Charlotte Williams, director of health promotion, presented at the 2025 Behavioral Health Convening in May.
The eighth annual North Carolina Behavioral Health Convening brought together representatives from the UNC System, NC Community Colleges, and NC Independent Colleges & Universities. Hosted by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, with the theme of “Adapting, Thriving, and Emerging Stronger.”
In a breakout session, Räisänen, Patterson and Williams presented on “Innovative Well-being Initiatives: Empowering Students through Programs and Resources.” This presentation highlighted resources and programming funded by the Andrew Bennett ’08 Endowment, including the Serenity Suite in Counseling Services, the Mind-Body Connection Suite in the Koury Center, and the Student Wellness Innovation Grants.
The Serenity Suite and the Mind-Body Connection Suite were established to meet students’ need for relaxation and stillness. The Serenity Suite offers amenities such as a rocking chair, aromatherapy, light therapy, sand tray, coloring books, virtual reality guided meditation and a sound machine. The Mind-Body Connection Suite features a massage chair with aromatherapy that serves as a complementary health practice.
Keynote speaker David Jackson, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, shared a story of resilience, collaboration and service demonstrated by App State and Boone area community organizations during recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Jackson emphasized Boone’s readiness to welcome tourists back to enjoy the area.
The Andrew G. Bennett Student Wellness Innovation Grants support student-led initiatives that positively impact student well-being and success. In 2025, four projects were funded: a Puppy Yoga event, an arts and crafts service initiative, a peer support program for nursing students, and the renovation of the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion. The call for the next grant applications will be announced in fall 2025.