Four University of Iowa staff, faculty, and students were announced as the 2025 Mental Health Champion Award recipients during the ceremony held Tuesday, May 6 at Hancher Auditorium.
The third-annual Mental Health Champion Award celebrates outstanding members of the University of Iowa community who help foster and support a positive culture of mental health and well-being. Through their example, others on campus are inspired to prioritize and nurture mental health in their own lives.
“We are pleased to provide this elevated platform for these innovators to share the remarkable work they are doing in campus mental health,” says Barry Schreier, College of Education professor of Counseling Psychology and director of higher education programs for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. “Highest congratulations to our awardees and our gratitude to them for the work they do to improve our campus.”
The award also honors the awardees dedicated to advancing “Campus Mental Health” within the greater UI Strategic Plan.
These four awardees have exhibited outstanding commitment to supporting mental health and well-being in the lives of co-workers, students, employees, and the greater UI campus community:
Maria-Victoria Perez, PhD Candidate, Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, College of Education
Maria-Victoria Perez is a Higher Education and Student Affairs PhD candidate with a passion for making the world a better place. As a student, she has advocated for mental health supports through both her doctoral research and personal connections on campus. Her thesis provides higher education professionals with critical institutional transformations that will help strengthen student mental health on college campuses. As a volunteer co-instructor, Perez forms meaningful connections with her students, supporting them to grow both academically and personally. A shining example of her dedication is when she accompanied a student to emergency care and later facilitated a ‘debrief’ to ensure the student could properly process the experience. In her measured sharing of her own mental health journey, Perez inspires and challenges those around her to care for their own well-being.
“Maria-Victoria always had her finger on the pulse of students’ wellness and proactively advocated for adjustments to lesson plans, deadlines, enhanced scaffolding for assignments, etc. Master’s students in our graduate program came to cherish Maria-Victoria as a mental health mentor and often seek her out as a trusted source of support as they navigate their own mental health.” - Jodi Linley, Associate Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs, College of Education
Emelia Johanns, Undergraduate Student, School of Social Work
Emelia Johanns exemplifies what it means to be a mental health champion. As an undergraduate social work student, she infuses mental health and well-being into all areas of her life. In classes, she enthusiastically learns and discusses how structural forces like lack of access to food, housing, and transportation can cause mental health concerns for many, and how these situations can be improved. Johanns fosters a positive campus culture as a student leader with Orientation Services, helping new students feel heard and welcomed in their transition. She talks passionately about campus mental health resources and emphasizes the importance of caring for your well-being while in college. Johanns’ honesty about her own mental health journey emboldens all those around her to not only seek support, but to proudly share their stories.
“Emelia is an exceptional student who demonstrates remarkable kindness, inclusivity, and a willingness to support her classmates. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere aligns with the Social Work Code of Ethics' emphasis on honoring the dignity and worth of all individuals. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts make her a true champion for the mental health of our university community.” -Megan Ronnenberg, Visiting Instructor, School of Social Work
Lorie Gillitzer, Imaging Educator, Department of Radiation Sciences, College of Medicine
Lorie Gillitzer, radiation sciences educator, brings a positive presence to all her roles on campus. As an instructor, she engages her students in dynamic, effective and personal teaching methods that not only ensure they grasp complex concepts but also feel supported through their entire journey. Leading an ‘Emotional Intelligence’ course, she helps students learn critical mental health skills like self-awareness, self-management, and communication. As a member of the Radiology Culture, Community, and Common Ground Committee, Gillitzer organizes guest speakers to come speak to colleagues about important mental health topics like empathetic listening, caring for patients with disabilities, and keys to fostering personal success. Gillitzer’s contributions to creating a positive mental health culture can be felt in her department and campus-wide.
“Lorie leads by example by prioritizing her own mental well-being, openly discussing the importance of self-care, and modeling healthy habits for students and colleagues. This commitment not only enhances her own effectiveness as an educator but also reinforces the importance of mental health for the entire academic community.” -Hannah Kelly, Clinical Coordinator, Department of Radiology Radiation Sciences
Melissa Tully, Professor; Director, School of Journalism and Mass Communication; CLAS Collegiate Scholar Easton Professor of Research
Melissa Tully brings well-being and mental health to the forefront of all her work as the department executive officer (DEO) for the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication. To help junior faculty navigate the challenges and uncertainties of academia, she formed a mentorship program that meets monthly to share concerns, celebrate successes, and exchange advice. Her care and concern extend beyond the workplace, offering a helping hand to those who have experienced difficulties in situations like finding housing after a move, returning to home countries for vacations, and more. Described by her colleagues as a welcoming and inviting presence, Tully sets the tone for her department, inspiring those around her to do the same.
“Melissa’s commitment to faculty well-being goes beyond individual acts of kindness. In fact, she actively cultivates a culture where emotional and mental health are prioritized. In a time when academia can feel increasingly uncertain and stressful, especially for junior faculty navigating the tenure process, Melissa has created meaningful structures to provide guidance and reassurance.” - Bingbing Zhang, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication