Mantra Health Announces Formation of the Student Affairs Leadership Council to Enhance Mental Health Solutions in Higher Education
- Heather Harman
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Mantra Health, leading digital mental health provider of mental health and wellness solutions for higher education institutions, today announced the formation of the Student Affairs Leadership Council, a strategic advisory group dedicated to advancing Mantra Health’s mission of providing high-quality mental health services to college students nationwide.
The Student Affairs Leadership Council is composed of seasoned leaders from diverse higher education backgrounds, with expertise across academic affairs, student success, counseling, and administration. These leaders have held executive leadership positions at a wide range of institutions, including flagship public universities, community colleges, and private institutions. Each member brings a distinctive viewpoint, collectively enriching the development of Mantra Health’s research, thought leadership content, product developments, and service offerings.
The inaugural members include:
Mary Jo Gonzales, PhD, an Executive in Residence and Clinical Associate Professor at University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development and AASCU Consultant, who has more than 20 years of experience in senior-level student affairs roles at institutions including Washington State University, University of Rhode Island, and Iowa State University, among others.
Jeff Gray has over 40 years of progressively responsible experience in secondary and higher education, 27 of which were served as the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs at Fordham University.
Virginia Hardy, PhD, a distinguished leader, educator, and advocate, recently retired as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at East Carolina University where she spent nearly 30 years. She also served as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the university’s medical school.
Patrick Love, PhD, has served in executive managerial and faculty positions in student affairs and academic affairs, having been a tenured professor, a high-level academic administrator (Associate Provost and Graduate Program Director), and a Vice President of Student Affairs for Springfield College and New York Institute of Technology.
Marybeth Murphy, a higher education consultant who has previously held leadership roles in enrollment management and student affairs at New York University, Baruch College, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Stevens Institute of Technology.
Lou Stark, the Vice President for Student Affairs Emeritus at Case Western Reserve, previously served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Coe College, the Vice President of Student Life at Central College in Iowa, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Tulane University, and the Associate Dean of Students at Washington University in St. Louis.
Marc Wais, EdD, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Emeritus at New York University, where he served as the Chief Student Affairs Officer for over 18 years. He also served as Dean of Students, Resident Fellow, and University Fellow at Stanford University.
“With the valuable insights of these well-respected higher education leaders, we’re able to deepen our impact on student mental health,” says Ed Gaussen, President and Co-founder of Mantra Health. “The Student Affairs Leadership Council enables us to stay at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that we meet the ever evolving needs of higher education institutions and their diverse student bodies.”
“Mantra Health’s mission aligns perfectly with the urgent need for mental health support on college campuses. Many college counseling centers are underfunded and/ or understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited availability of care. Mantra’s solutions address this gap by providing scalable, tech-friendly access to licensed quality mental health professionals,” said Hardy. “By focusing on accessibility, equity, and quality, they are not just addressing immediate mental health needs but also investing in the long-term success and well-being of the next generation of leaders.”
Learn more about the council here. For more information, contact outreach@mantrahealth.com.
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