The Student Affairs team at Penn State World Campus continues to grow! Katie Marshall has joined the office as mental health case manager. Keep reading to learn more about her work, her background, and what she enjoys about working with students.
What was your background before you took on this role?
This is my ninth year working at Penn State. Prior to this role, I held positions in the Health Promotion and Wellness office; Counseling and Psychological Services; and the Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose at University Park. Most recently, I spearheaded the inception, development, and implementation of Stand for State, Penn State’s bystander intervention initiative. I worked with all the campuses to help create a safer and more inclusive Penn State for everyone. I’m a licensed professional counselor, and I hold a dual-title master’s degree from Penn State in counselor education and comparative and international education. I also hold an executive certificate from the University of Pennsylvania in social impact strategy: ending violence and abuse in relationships.
What does it mean to be a mental health case manager?
My role at World Campus is to help students connect with mental health and community-based resources within their communities. Students may be unsure how to find and access those resources, and I can assist with that. My role is not to provide counseling to World Campus students — I am really more of a connector to resources that can best support their emotional and mental health.
What mental health resources are available through Penn State World Campus?
Penn State students can get a free subscription to the WellTrack app and have access to other online services in addition to the support the receive through my role in case management services. In cases of emergency, the Penn State Crisis Line (1-877-229-6400) and Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741) are available to students within the United States. You can read about other mental health resources available to students on our website.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing in this role?
Throughout my career in higher education, my guiding intention has been to support students in developing more healthy and productive lives. I’m driven to create change, whether that is on an individual level through providing direct support to students or on a systemic level through creating social change interventions within the University. This role was a unique opportunity because I will be able to do a bit of both. I am excited about developing some online resources and initiatives that support student mental health and wellness.
What do you enjoy about working with students?
One thing I enjoy about working with students is that they are in a process of bettering themselves. This creates a unique space of growth and opportunity in academics, co-curricular activities, and personal growth. I appreciate working with students while they are in this headspace and helping them consider what living their best life looks like and how to become their essential self.
