“What I love about this new building and about the whole project of an integrated health and counseling center is that it has been developed from start to finish with students in mind.”

Dr. Jeff Rutter
Director of Counseling and Health Services

Empowering Students

The new Ard Building features up-to-date exam rooms, offices for counselors, a pharmacy, lab, health education/resource center and a space for classes and other group development

The new Ard Building opened in October 2016 to house Student Counseling and Health Services. The Division of Student Affairs contributed more than $1 million for renovations. President Alisa White announced the newly renovated building would be named for Wayne and Marianne Ard after Mr. Ard pledged a major financial gift to the University in honor of his late wife. The vacant building, the former Church of Christ Student Center, was purchased in 2014. The facility includes space and resources for enhanced services in support of the campus community.

» Counseling outreach events increased by 60%

» Counseling consultations with faculty and staff increased to 44  during the fall

» Facilitated nearly 10,000 phone calls assisting students and APSU community

» Health Services staff collaborated with School of Nursing to administer influenza vaccines to the APSU community

» Counseling Services initiated an embedded counselor approach within various departments, improving access to services

» Health Services increased collaboration with Information Technology, Housing and Residence Life, Registrar and Enrollment Management events to improve effectiveness of immunization compliance before and during Govs ROW events for new students

Mindful Yoga, a partnership between Counseling Services and University Recreation, featured free, 30-minute yoga/meditation classes held at the Ard Building for the APSU community. Mindful Yoga helps recharge and connect body and mind.

» “Govs Live Well Health Toolkits” were offered two to three times per week throughout the semester. The program featured four areas for support and education: “Want to Build Good Relationships,” “Are You Taking Care of Yourself,” “Feeling a Little Blue” and “Feeling Overwhelmed.” Each area included four to five events students could take part in.

» Developed “Govs Live Well” podcast team and posted on iTunes University

» Health Services launched “Ask the Nurse Practitioner” program in Castle Heights to support wellness in the freshman hall.

» Health Services partnered with the department of Health and Human Performance to provide a service-learning opportunity for undergraduate students and graduate-level grant writing course.

During Paws to Relax, students could decrease stress from finals week by interacting with playful therapy dogs. Counseling and Health Services sponsored the annual event.

» Counseling Services developed a mental health education module that was included in APSU 1000 curriculum for freshmen.

» Counseling Services  implemented the JED Campus program, a nationwide initiative of the JED Foundation, to support and build upon existing student mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention efforts. The JED Foundation is a nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults.

» Counseling and Health Services achieved the Healthier Tennessee Workplace Certification, signed by Gov. Bill Haslam, which distinguishes organizations that encourage and enable employees to live a healthy lifestyle both at work and home.

» Leslie Nelson, Health Services medical program facilitator, was recognized for 30 years of service.

 Counseling and Health Services Numbers

“I’m most proud of the fact that we will now be able to provide a state-of-the-art medical facility for our students, as well as an increased capacity to offer mental health services. We take very seriously our commitment to support student learning and success.”

Sherryl Byrd, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs