Butler University, in partnership with Preventia, hosted the groundbreaking Student-Athlete Mental Wellness Summit on January 29, 2024, at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. This free event—part of a three-day series of intentional, sustainable, and relevant programming—marked a pivotal moment in enhancing the mental well-being of student-athletes.

The summit attracted more than 700 attendees, including students, coaches, administrators from Butler and surrounding institutions, and notable representatives from the NCAA, BIG EAST, Mountain West, and Horizon League. Participants engaged in holistic discussions about mental wellness in campus communities, covering key topics like mental strength, resiliency, health, nutritional approaches, sleep hygiene, and performance enhancement strategies.

Keynote speakers Robert Wickens, former IndyCar driver; Dr. Mark Campbell, recognized for his work with the Washington Nationals; and Dr. Mark Pettus, a renowned integrative medicine expert, provided invaluable insights into mental health challenges in athletics.

Alli Leonard, President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, said, “The summit was an eye-opening experience, offering practical strategies for student-athletes facing unique pressures.” Ralph Reiff, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Butler University, echoed this sentiment: “Our objectives were met with student-athletes and coaches engaging in transformative discussions on the topic. The Summit will further accelerate the discussions to enhance mental wellness in athletics.”

“The success of this summit underscores our commitment to our students’ holistic well-being,” noted Dr. Frank E. Ross, Vice President for Student Affairs at Butler University. Brian Schroeder, CEO of Preventia, added, “Our partnership with Butler is a testament to our shared vision for innovative mental health solutions. We are proud to contribute to the well-being of the student community.”

Following the success of this inaugural summit, Butler University and Preventia are committed to furthering their partnership and planning more initiatives to promote mental health among student-athletes and the wider student body.

Butler Athletics has published the recording of the event on its website. For more information about the summit and future initiatives, please contact Preventia.