Faculty Expert on Community College Mental Health

In the wake of the tragic shootings in Tuscon, Ariz., the investigation into the background of suspect Jared Loughner has included his time spent at Pima Community College in Tuscon.  The Arizona Republic reported that Loughner had multiple run-ins with police for causing distractions in classrooms and the library.  According to the report, Loughner created a bizarre YouTube video declaring the college unconstitutional, resulting in his suspension.  Administrators forbade his return until he passed a mental health examination.

National Louis University assistant professor Rebecca Lake is available to the media to discuss the role community colleges play providing for the mental health of the student body.

“In actuality, community colleges are not equipped to attend to mentally unstable students nor is it the institution’s responsibility to provide student mental health screening or intervention,” Lake said.  “These are educational institutions, not mental health clinics.”

Lake pointed out that:
-all community college students have advisors for class selection, but very few colleges have counselors;
-every community college does have a mental health provider contact list available to refer a student in need;
-larger universities are more likely to have medical centers and outpatient clinics for students in need than community colleges;
-as public institutions, community colleges can refer students to municipal mental health clinics.

Professor Lake can be contacted via email, rebecca.lake@nl.edu, or via phone, (312) 261-3534.

For assistance setting up an interview, please contact Robert Schroeder via email, robert.schroeder@nl.edu, or via phone, (312) 261-3825.

About NLU

National Louis University has been a force for change in American education since its founding in 1886. Known for nearly a century as the National College of Education, it is still nationally renowned today not only for its programs in teacher preparation and educational leadership, but as one of the first universities to address the unique needs of adult learners. National Louis pioneered accelerated education for adults, and today offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the National College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Management and Business. National Louis has a flagship urban campus at 122 South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago; campuses in Lisle, Skokie, Wheeling and Elgin, Ill.; as well as Beloit and Milwaukee, Wis.; Tampa, Fla. and Nowy Sacz, Poland.  

To learn more about National Louis University call 888.nlu.today or go to www.nl.edu.