Laura Rich has been named dean for student well-being at Campbell University after serving nearly 20 years in various director roles in student success and support. The role is a new position at Campbell that will provide leadership over counseling services, student care and case management, disability services and behavioral intervention.
“I am excited to have Laura step into this new capacity,” said Rev. Faithe Beam, vice president for student life and Christian mission. “She cares deeply for students and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role having served students at Campbell for many years. She knows our community well and will bring steady and collaborative leadership to our well-being efforts.”
According to Beam, the responsibilities of the new dean of student well-being will include:
- providing strategic and operational leadership for the development and implementation of programming and services in Student Life that support student well-being and thriving;
- providing leadership and functional responsibility for counseling services, student care and case management, CUBIT (behavioral intervention team) and disability services; and
- partnering closely with academic affairs and athletics and collaborating with campus partners to “ensure a robust network of relationships, services and support that fosters student success and the undergraduate learning experience.”
Beam said that while the position will focus primarily on undergraduate students, there will also be points of collaboration with and support for graduate and professional programs.
Rich, who became director student support and retention in 2005 and director of student success and disability services in 2011, said she is honored to lead this new unit within Student Life.
“Campbell is a place built on relationships, and it has been the highlight of my work here to collaborate with nearly every office and service on our campus,” she said. “After years of working with students in various roles, I’ve learned that there is no end to the variety of challenges our students face as they work to meet their academic and professional goals.
“Walking with them in those times are our faculty and staff who are committed to the growth and development of our students and offer so much grace and care when difficult situations arise. With this new focus on student well-being, I am excited to champion the good work already being done and to expand our network of resources and relationships that support student well-being and thriving at Campbell.”
Rich is a three-time Campbell University graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2002, her Master of Education in 2008 and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May of this year. Also in May, she became a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate.