Q&A with Allyson Brathwaite: Mental Health and Well-Being

Allyson Brathwaite is the director of the Trone Center for Mental Fitness and a psychologist who has worked in college mental health for nearly two decades. Brathwaite spoke with Furman magazine to share some of the insights she’s gleaned as a key partner in leading Furman University’s mental health initiatives.

What are Furman University’s top priorities regarding mental health and wellness services?

AB:  Our Gallup student survey and other data tell us that academics is the top stressor across all student demographics at Furman. And we know from research that increasing a student’s sense of belonging increases their overall well-being. Our priorities are guided by this data. We strive to onboard and orient new students to college to encourage a strong start that focuses on academic success and student connection. We hope all students will avail themselves of our network of support resources to aid in that success. Our goal is for every student to find their place at Furman and to feel comfortable asking for help when they need it.

What are some of the ways Furman demonstrates its commitment to student well-being?

AB: Furman demonstrates its strong commitment to student well-being through a range of initiatives, with the Trone Center for Mental Fitness (TCMF) serving as a cornerstone in cultivating a healthy and supportive campus environment. The transformation of the former Counseling Center into the Trone Center for Mental Fitness represents a significant shift in how the university approaches mental health – moving from a reactive model to a proactive, holistic philosophy. At Furman, mental fitness is not simply about addressing mental health challenges; it is a mindset that prepares students to lead in a complex and rapidly evolving world. This approach brings academic and experiential together with the cultivation of daily habits that support resilience and well-being. It also seeks to reduce stigma and promote a culture that celebrates human potential.

What role does the Trone Center for Mental Fitness play in providing for a healthy campus community?

AB: In practice, the TCMF brings this philosophy to life through a model grounded in accessibility, responsiveness and engagement. Each year, approximately 25 percent of the student body engages with TCMF services. That number highlights the center’s reach and the trust it has built within the community. Students benefit from immediate access to care, as the center operates without a wait list.

The collaborative care model employed by the TCMF takes a comprehensive view of each student’s unique needs, strengths and stressors, allowing for the development of personalized pathways to success. Over the past six years, student satisfaction with the TCMF has consistently remained in the 90th percentile, underscoring the effectiveness of its service delivery and Furman’s deep commitment to fostering student well-being.

Furman recently introduced Paladin AI to better connect students with well-being resources. How does this tool better provide for students, faculty and staff?

AB: Paladin AI offers a promising solution to the issue of being overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities that many students face by aligning their individual needs with the most relevant campus resources. By curating personalized recommendations and streamlining the process of gathering information and staying informed, it reduces the time and cognitive load required to navigate the wide array of opportunities available at Furman. Additionally, its built-in feedback loop allows the platform to adapt to students’ evolving goals and preferences, fostering more intentional and strategic engagement with university services. This continuous cycle of personalization and reflection empowers students to make informed decisions, optimize their time and fully immerse themselves in the academic, social and developmental experiences that define the Furman journey.

As Furman continues to deepen its commitments to student well-being, what does the future of wellness at Furman look like?

AB: Furman will continue to demonstrate a culture of care and belonging, where well-being is embedded in the mission and strategic plan. Mental health and emotional support will be integrated, providing access to students and training for faculty and staff. Policies will support manageable workloads, rest and balance. The community will be encouraged to take advantage of the outdoor green spaces and to include movement into their daily routines. Mindfulness, financial literacy, sleep and emotional intelligence will be part of the academic journey and leaders will make data-driven decisions about resource allocation and program development. This is just the beginning of the community we aspire to be at Furman.