GALVESTON, Texas (June 23, 2026) – Galveston College was recognized by the
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s Minding College Minds initiative with The
Architect Award, honoring institutions that have intentionally designed and implemented
a sustainable framework to support student mental health, well-being and success.
The award recognizes colleges and universities that have built cohesive systems
ensuring students can access support services regardless of where they enter the
institution. GC earned the distinction for its thoughtful planning, strong foundation-
building efforts and development of an actionable framework designed to support
students for years to come.
The recognition follows nine months of participation in the Minding College Minds
learning community, where GC collaborated with peer institutions across Texas to
strengthen campus mental health strategies and student support systems.
“Receiving The Architect Award affirms Galveston College’s commitment to creating a
culture of care where every student has access to the resources and support needed to
thrive academically and personally,” said Denysse Guzman, GC student success
advisor and mental health coordinator. “This recognition reflects the dedication of
faculty, staff and administrators who worked together to build a coordinated framework
that promotes student well-being, belonging and success.”
The Minding College Minds initiative recognized Galveston College for thoughtfully
building the infrastructure needed to support student mental health and student
achievement. The college’s approach emphasizes collaboration among academic and
student support areas to help students navigate challenges, remain engaged in their
educational journey and persist toward completion.
GC Faculty Coordinator for Psychology and Sociology Kavica Williams, Ph.D., said the
award highlights the value of cross-campus partnerships in supporting students
holistically.
“Student success extends beyond the classroom,” said Williams. “By bringing together
faculty, student services professionals and campus leadership, we have strengthened
our ability to identify student needs, connect them with resources and foster an
environment where they feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals.”
GC’s efforts included assessing existing support systems, identifying opportunities for
improvement and developing sustainable processes that connect students with services
that promote mental health, academic momentum and overall well-being.
The initiative aligns with the college’s student-centered mission and ongoing
commitment to removing barriers to success while creating pathways that encourage
persistence, engagement and completion.
“This recognition reflects Galveston College’s commitment to creating a culture of care
that supports student mental health, belonging and success,” said GC Vice President
for Student Affairs, Ron Crumedy. “This acknowledgment from the Meadows Mental
Health Policy Institute affirms the collaborative work taking place across our campus to
build sustainable systems that help students persist, succeed and complete their
educational goals.”
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute launched the Minding College Minds
initiative to support colleges in their efforts to serve their campuses effectively by
identifying and implementing programs that meet the unique needs of their campus
community. Using the Minding College Minds framework, the Meadows Institute guides
colleges nationwide in the development of mental health systems that are
comprehensive, implementation-focused and tailored to their communities.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college
providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic,
workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.
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CUTLINE:
Galveston College Student Success Advisor and Mental Health Coordinator, Denysse
Guzman, and GC Faculty Coordinator for Psychology and Sociology Kavica Williams,
Ph.D., pose in the college’s Atrium on the main campus in Galveston.
