Mercyhurst's Judy Smith named to statewide suicide prevention advisory board

Dr. Judy Smith, executive director of wellness and director of the counseling center at Mercyhurst University, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Suicide Prevention Coalition (HESPC), an organization dedicated to advancing suicide prevention efforts on college and university campuses across the Commonwealth.

Smith has been involved with HESPC for several years, participating in conferences and collaborating with colleagues across Pennsylvania to share strategies for supporting student mental health and well-being.

Her work has also helped bring suicide prevention resources directly to Mercyhurst students. Smith secured HESPC mini-grant funding that allowed the university's Counseling Center to expand educational programming and host campus events focused on suicide prevention. Following those efforts, HESPC invited Smith to share Mercyhurst's approach with representatives from other institutions as a model for similar initiatives.

"I'm honored to bring Mercyhurst's experience to the HESPC Advisory Board and continue learning from colleagues across the state who share our commitment to student well-being," Smith said. "Our work has shown the value of bringing suicide prevention education directly to students, and I look forward to helping other institutions strengthen their own efforts."

"Judy's leadership in this area has made a meaningful difference for our students, and her appointment is a well-deserved recognition of that work," said Dr. Laura Zirkle, vice president for student life at Mercyhurst. "Her experience and commitment to student well-being will be valuable as the coalition continues its work across Pennsylvania."

HESPC brings together higher education professionals to share resources, promote education, and develop effective approaches to suicide prevention. Its next conference is scheduled for May 2027 at Drexel University.