Athens State University is pleased to announce that its Active Minds Student Organization was named the 2025 Chapter of the Year at the Annual National Active Minds Mental Health Conference. Jessica Toney, Athens State’s Student Chapter President, was also honored with the 2025 Adam Carlson Student Leader of the Year Award. The conference took place in Washington D.C. on August 1-2, where advisors Dr. Patrice Broaden and Carolyn Carthen, as well as members of the Athens State Active Minds chapter, were present to receive the awards.
“Receiving the Active Minds Chapter of the Year Award is an incredible honor that reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, stigma-free environment for mental health on campus,” said Dr. Patrice Broaden. “This recognition is not just about our chapter’s work, but about the courage of our students, faculty, and community members who continue to speak up, listen, and advocate for mental wellness every day.”
Active Minds is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. The organization empowers students to change their perception of mental health on college campuses.
Active Minds supports a network of campus-based chapters across the United States and Canada that consist of students passionate about mental health advocacy and education. Athens State’s chapter goals are to increase students’ awareness of mental health issues, provide information and resources regarding mental health, encourage students to seek help as soon as it is needed, and serve as a liaison between students and the mental health community. The chapter is open to all students.