Oakland Community College (OCC) has been nationally recognized by Insight Into Academia magazine for its exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of mental health, wellness and a sense of belonging.  

The 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award honors colleges and universities whose individual programs and initiatives advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through campus-wide efforts. 

OCC will be featured in the September 2025 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine, alongside 70 other universities and colleges nationwide. 

According to the publication’s owner and publisher, Lenore Pearlstein, institutions are often overlooked for their dedication to mental health and well-being services that support both students and employees.  

“Through collaboration, education and advocacy, we strive to create a culture of care where mental and emotional well-being are recognized as essential to overall wellness and student success,” said Jahquan Hawkins, OCC Dean of Students.  

Hawkins co-chairs the OCC’s Mental Health Task Force with colleague Mary Smolenski, Faculty Counselor. The college-wide committee is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive and stigma-free campus environment that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being of both students and employees.  

“One of the programs we are especially proud of is our college-wide Empathy Training. This program equips our employees with tools and strategies to make us better colleagues and more effective in serving students,” added Hawkins 

Facilitated by Dr. Andrea Calabresel, the Empathy Training series helps employees better understand the concept of empathy, recognize others’ perspectives, feelings and needs and values and strengthens their ability to connect better with those around them. 

OCC also provides an Employee Assistance Program  (EAP), providing confidential emotional support from trained clinicians who help employees and their family members manage anxiety, depression, stress and other challenges. 

“We are proud to honor OCC among these top colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education,” Pearlstein said.  

About OCC      

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at  oaklandcc.edu.       

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu