Montgomery County Community College received the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from “Insight Into Academia” magazine. The Wellness Center at the Pottstown Campus includes a sensory room, food pantry, collaboration room for peer support, cafe area and counseling room. Photo by David DeBalko
Montgomery County Community College received the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from “Insight Into Academia” magazine.
The Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award is a measure of an institution’s
individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance core values of student
and employee mental health and well-being through programs, initiatives, and other
campus priorities deserving of this national recognition. This is the second year
MCCC has received the award.
MCCC will be featured, along with 37 other recipients, in the September 2026 issue of “Insight Into Academia” magazine.
“Students' holistic needs,” said Dr. Nichole Kang, Director of Wellness Services, “including food security, housing assistance, emergency financial support, and mental and physical health services—can only be met through a comprehensive, integrated service model that supports their success.”
“Insight Into Academia” magazine selected MCCC’s Wellness Services because of its commitment to student and employee wellness.
For students that includes housing assistance programs; free meals and food programs;
financial aid for emergency expenses; safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and for those
of differing religions; and access to the Wellness Centers on the Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses; which offer in-person services and amenities,
including food resources through the Stock Up for Success pantries; quiet spaces; and a place to meet Wellness staff in person for counseling. The Wellness
Centers also offer connections to all the programs and resources that are provided
through Wellness Services, including free, 24/7, virtual, medical and mental telehealth
services via TimelyCare; and mentoring and coaching programs.
For employees, the College’s Strategic Employee Workforce Plan incorporates numerous services to assist employees professionally and personally. These include career planning resources; mentoring and coaching programs; flexible work schedules; on-campus childcare; paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave; mental health and well-being resources; access to employee wellness programs and free access to campus gym facilities.
“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to and prioritizing mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of “Insight Into Academia” magazine. “We are proud to honor the colleges and universities who are standouts as the need for these resources continues to grow substantially.”
"This recognition reflects Montgomery County Community College's ongoing commitment to supporting our employees and fostering a workplace where everyone can succeed," said Shannon Schmidt, Senior Director of Human Resources. "We strive to ensure every employee feels valued, connected, and equipped to do their best work while maintaining a healthy balance in their lives."
A call for nominations for this award was announced in March 2026.
For more information about the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit Insight Into Academia.