Maria Bruno, Psy.D., Assistant Vice President, Division of Student Life, University of Iowa

1. Please describe your role on campus.

I have the privilege of serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life at the University of Iowa, where I provide strategic and administrative oversight for several units directly supporting student well-being: Student Health, University Counseling Service, and the Women’s Resource and Action Center.  I help shape campus-wide initiatives that foster welcoming, responsive, and evidence-informed approaches to student support. I also serve as adjunct faculty in the College of Education and University College, where I contribute to the academic mission by mentoring emerging professionals and integrating theory with practice in the classroom.

2. How do you lead and interface with mental health and well-being on your campus?

Mental health and well-being are foundational to everything I do. As an administrator, licensed psychologist, and health service provider, I approach leadership through a holistic, human-centered lens. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that our primary role is to educate and support students in ways that reflect their worth, complexity, and capacity to grow. To foster student success, I intentionally create conditions that support their mental health, psychological fortitude, and well-being. This means integrating care across all facets of campus life—from institutional structures and services to everyday interactions and communication so students feel supported, develop their own self-efficacy, and are empowered to thrive.

3. Would you share a story where you were concerned about something or someone, and the steps you took that either helped and/or left you perhaps considering how you would do it differently next time?  Both types of stories are helpful!

Over the course of my career, I’ve come to deeply value the importance of being present when someone needs support. One lesson I’ve learned is I can always make time to listen—especially when someone is struggling or needs to feel heard. At the same time, I’ve grown more intentional about setting boundaries that honor both my availability and the needs of others.

When someone approaches me, I often say: “I’d love to listen and support you. I have about [insert number] minutes right now—if that feels meaningful to you, I’m available. If not, let’s find a time that works better, or I can connect you with someone who has more time and capacity to meet your needs.”

This approach allows me to offer care without overpromising, and models respectful boundary-setting I hope others feel empowered to practice. It’s a strategy I’ve refined over time, and while not perfect, it helps me stay grounded in both compassion and sustainability.

4. Could you tell us about one high point in your work and about one low point in your work?

• High Point One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is the opportunity to create healthier, more affirming spaces and experiences for others. I often reflect on what a privilege it is to be part of that process. High points come in quiet moments, a thank-you note, a smile from someone I supported, an email from a colleague, or the beginning of a new relationship. These gestures remind me the work matters, and connection and care ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
• Low Point The most difficult moments are when I learn students or colleagues are struggling, despite our efforts to provide support and resources. When we lose individuals to suicide, it impacts our entire community whether we had a direct relationship or not. These losses are heartbreaking and humbling. They remind me of the urgency of our work, the importance of listening deeply, and the need to continually evolve our approaches to meet people where they are.

5. Is there something which you would like to normalize for others, where they may think they cannot share it or think it is only their struggle (e.g., we are often called upon to be experts on things we often know little about such as budgeting, managing personnel tensions, speaking to the press, being experts on EVERYTHING in our content areas, and so on)?

One thing I’d love to normalize is the discomfort we feel when we’re expected to be experts in everything from budgeting and personnel management to public speaking and crisis response. I’m often called upon to navigate complex situations that stretch beyond my training. I’ve learned to embrace the reality that I’m always learning.

I still get nervous speaking in public. That anxiety hasn’t disappeared, but I’ve grown more comfortable naming it and asking for patience and understanding. It’s okay to say, “This isn’t my area of expertise, but I care deeply about your success, and I’ll do everything I can to support you.”

By modeling humility and psychological flexibility, we create space for others to do the same. We reinforce that mental health and well-being aren’t just about knowing all the answers, they’re about showing up with care, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

3 Self-Care Strategies Maria Swears By

My three self-care strategies are things I do every day, are simple, free, and I don’t have to think about them. 

1. Beginning the Day with Gratitude. Each morning, before I even get out of bed, I take a moment to reflect on something I’m grateful for. This intentional practice helps me center myself, cultivate emotional resilience, and approach the day with clarity and purpose.
2. Prioritizing Movement. I make time to move my body throughout the day—even if it’s just a 5–10-minute walk around the Iowa Memorial Union. These moments of physical activity support my mental clarity and well-being, especially during full schedules.
3. Staying Hydrated. I drink water consistently throughout the day. It’s a simple but essential practice that supports my cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and physical health—especially in high-demand environments.