Supporting Student Wellness at Fisk University
In today’s world, where social media, academic pressures, and global uncertainty often weigh on young people, Fisk University remains deeply committed to nurturing the emotional well-being of its students. The Fisk Center for Student Mental Health and Wellness plays a key role in that mission, creating spaces for students to slow down, seek support, and grow through every season of their Fisk University journey
Located in the James Weldon Johnson house, the Center provides individual and group counseling services that contribute to the personal development of all students. Below, Dr. Sheila Peters, co-director of student wellness and mental health, shares insight into the emotional realities students face today and how Fisk University continues to care for the whole student – mind, body, and spirit.
In a world that feels heavier than ever, from social media pressure to global uncertainty, what emotional realities are you seeing most among students today?
Some of our students are struggling with anxiety and depression. Social anxiety is a significant problem across many campuses. This was heightened by COVID and is persisting as a mental health challenge. Our goal at Fisk is to help students navigate those emotions with resilience and hope, providing a foundation for calm and confidence amid and often overwhelming world.
Many young people say they feel overstimulated but under-supported. How does Fisk create space for students to slow down and feel seen?
Fisk University recognizes that true success begins with emotional balance. Through the Fisk Center for Student Mental Health and Wellness, students have access to individual and group counseling services. The Center also collaborates with student-led organizations focused on mental wellness, ensuring a campus environment where care, compassion, and connection thrive.
Gen Z is highly self-aware, but that doesn’t always translate into asking for help. How does the Counseling Center bridge that gap?
The Center is expanding its visibility across campus and online to make mental health resources more approachable and accessible.
With so much emphasis on independence, how do you remind students that leaning on community is a strength?
The Fisk University community is so tight-knit, and we are all connected. We emphasize that every student is part of something larger, and we encourage leaning on your network of support built on shared experiences, friendship, and encouragement.
Students often feel pressure to have it all together. How do you help them redefine what success and stability really mean?
Defining your own success is a personal journey. We aim to create a safe, nonjudgemental environment for students to explore and maintain and/or create healthy coping strategies that help students prioritize well-being, balance, and self-compassion on their individual paths to success.
Fisk is known for being close-knit. How does that sense of connection shape the way care happens here?
Because Fisk University is a smaller institution, care is deeply personal and confidential. Counseling sessions are offered by appointment to maintain confidentiality and comfort, and telehealth options are available for added flexibility. This individualized approach reflects Fisk University’s culture of belonging, where each student is valued and supported.
The idea of self-care can feel surface-level. What does real, sustainable care look like for this generation?
Sustainable care means caring for the whole self – mentally, physically, and spiritually. We encourage students to prioritize therapy, rest, healthy movement, and mindfulness practices as a part of a balanced lifestyle.
If you could leave every Fisk student with one message about protecting their peace, what would it be?
Invest in yourself. Give yourself spaces to breathe so you can walk into the fullness of all your possibilities. The Center hopes to help in this process.
Get in contact with the Center of Student Mental Health and Wellness by calling during their office hours, M-F 9AM to 5PM, at 615-810-1739 or by email and counselingandwellness@fisk.edu.