The University’s Counseling and Testing Center has announced that Robin Holmes will succeed the current director, Weston Morrill, on Jan. 1, 2001.
“I look forward to this new position because college students have a lot of energy and passion, but they struggle too, and I want to help them,” Holmes said.
Holmes is currently the associate and clinical director for the center, and is also training for the director position.
“I have been attending several student affairs meetings and going over the budget with Morrill,” she said. “My transition has been smooth so far.”
As director, Holmes will oversee the center and be responsible for helping students overcome any psychological issues they may have. She said the center provides a vital service because it is the only mental health agency on campus.
One goal Holmes has for the counseling center is to destigmatize mental health care.
“Our culture sees getting help as a sign of weakness,” she said. “I don’t think we can change the world’s views, but we can definitely work on the campus perception.”
To make her goal a reality, Holmes is planning a future campaign to advocate mental health through relationship building and time management skills to make life less stressful for students.
“Most students do not realize the center exists and how affordable it is,” she said, adding that students pay $13 per term for the counseling center to exist, but private consultation can cost $90-100 per session.
Dr. Gerald Fleischli, medical director of the Student Health Center, chaired the search committee that hired Holmes. He said she has a clear vision about the role of the counseling center.
“She’s an outstanding leader and professional,” he said. “There’s absolutely no question in her ability.”
Fleischli said he hopes to see an increase in collaboration between the health center and the counseling center.
Donna Leavy, office manager for Student Affairs, a committee that addresses student issues, said the counseling center is an important service for students.
“It’s a wonderful resource because everyone gets stressed out with life from time to time and could use some help,” she said.
Leavy, who sat in on meetings of the search committee that hired Holmes, said she is impressed by Holmes’ experience and energy.
The University Counseling and Testing Center, located on the second floor of the Student Health Center, provides services such as emergency counseling, therapy groups and workshops. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.