Higher Ed Advisor: advocating student athletes to change their narrative on mental health

Welcome to Higher Ed Advisor, the Baker Tilly podcast series where we speak with higher education industry leaders about practical and proactive guidance to help colleges and universities protect and enhance their value.

Student mental health and wellness issues continue to be prevalent on college campuses. In light of recent and ongoing events, this podcast is extremely relevant for our listeners.

Rachel Baribeau, founder of the I’m Changing the Narrative movement, which promotes positive mental health for students, professionals and parents to create an individual legacy of purpose, passion and platform, joins Higher Ed Advisor for an important podcast on student athlete mental health. Listen as Rachel and hosts Dave Capitano and Adrienne Larmett discuss the challenges facing athletic directors and institutional leaders to support student athlete mental health needs and ways colleges and universities can help ensure students feel safe on campus.

Rachel shares her intimate insights on:

• Identity issues student athletes experience and how they can develop and expand their identities to have a fulfilling life off the field/court
• How she encourages student athletes to use their pain for purpose and ask for help
• Educating coaches and athletic department staff to support their athletes and improve team culture
• The impact name, image and likeness (NIL) will have on student athlete mental health
• Why institutions must have mental health resources for students available and accessible
• How the I’m Changing the Narrative game (and new chair!) empowers student athletes to take control of and talk about their mental health

Interested in more higher education podcasts on mental health and collegiate athletics?