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Widener University recently hosted the 2024 convening of Philadelphia-area higher education institutions that partner with The Jed Foundation (JED). Two administrators were among the presenters. 

The daylong conference held in the University Center included a breakout session led by Larissa Gillespie, associate athletic director and senior woman administrator with Widener Athletics, and Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement and associate professor in the Center for Social Work Education. Their presentation, “Campus Collaboration to Create a Multi-Dimensional Holistic Approach to Support the ‘Whole’ Student-Athlete,” centered on the unique needs of college student athletes, and Widener’s strategy for fostering a universal sense of care and support for them.

The JED Foundation was created in 2000 to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. It has grown to be the nation’s leading organization dedicated to young adult mental health, and counts lowering suicide risk and substance misuse as central to its mission. Widener became affiliated with JED in 2023.

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Widener University Athletics received an honorable mention for the 2024 NCAA Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Widener was chosen as a top performer out of eighty submissions spanning all three NCAA divisions.

“It is humbling to be recognized for the work being done for our student athletes and staff, not only within athletics, but the entire Widener campus,” said Jack Schafer, director of athletics. “To be represented among the top institutions that are taking initiative in this work for their student athletes is something to be proud of.”

The award recognizes schools who demonstrate excellence in initiatives, policies, and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the athletic community. The selection committee commended Widener for the university’s “intentional efforts to foster inclusive environments for student athletes, coaches, and administrators,” as well as Widener’s commitment to student athlete mental health and wellbeing demonstrated through efforts such as the H.U.B. and Check Up from the Neck Up.

Associate Director of Athletics Larissa Gillespie said collaborating with campus partners has been rewarding.

“We have been able to advocate for mental health awareness, provide resources and educational opportunities for our student-athletes and staff,” she said.

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