Midland College Expands Mental Health Resources to Support Student SuccessOctober 02, 2026

Student success depends on students having access to the support and resources they need, both inside and outside the classroom. At Midland College, that includes making mental health resources easier to find, understand and access.

Throughout the academic year, MC Counseling, Student Support Services and Student & Residence Life are working with community organizations to bring mental health resources directly to campus. The ongoing effort includes opportunities for students to connect with a community partner each month, helping build awareness of resources available both at Midland College and throughout the Permian Basin.

“Our goal is for students to know that support is available and where to find it before they reach a point where they are struggling,” said Shep Grinnan, LPC, Midland College Counselor. “By bringing community partners onto campus and creating these opportunities throughout the year, we can make those connections more familiar and accessible for our students.”

That collaboration was especially visible during Suicide Prevention Month in September. Midland College hosted Chalk for Hope outside the Fasken Learning Resources Center in partnership with Centers for Children and Families. Students filled the stairs and surrounding sidewalks with messages of encouragement, support and hope while learning about counseling and mental health resources available to them.

Following the event, Centers for Children and Families praised Midland College for creating “a space where hope, connection, and mental health could take center stage.”

The effort will continue throughout the fall semester with several opportunities for students to connect with campus and community resources.

• For World Mental Health Day, PermiaCare will be in the Fasken Learning Resources Center lobby on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to meet with students and share information about available services.
  
  
• On Tuesday, Nov. 17, MC Counseling and Midland Parks and Recreation will host a Gratitude Tree from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Davidson Family Health Sciences hallway, offering students an opportunity to reflect on gratitude and connection.
  
  
• The semester will conclude with a Holiday Resources Event on Thursday, Dec. 3, bringing several resources together at the Fasken Learning Resources Center. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., students can connect with MC Counseling and Midland County Public Library Adult and E-Resource Services. Polly, the Midland County Public Library Bookmobile, will be available in the LRC parking lot during the same time, and therapy dogs will visit the LRC lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

By building these opportunities into the academic year, Midland College is working to normalize conversations about mental health, strengthen connections with community resources and ensure students know where they can turn when they need support.

When students have the resources to care for their well-being, they are better equipped to stay focused on their goals, persist through challenges and succeed.