As MTSU mourns the tragedy, we are providing resources available to students and employees

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — MTSU students didn’t have classes on Tuesday, and not for the typical reasons. Lectures were canceled due to broken hearts.

On Monday, an MTSU student committed suicide in the James E. Walker Library on campus. We know this is a difficult topic to talk about, but we also know that many of you have loved ones on this campus.

When we visited on Tuesday, there were signs of sadness all over campus. From friends sharing prayers to a makeshift memorial that provided both a reminder and a source of information – “You are loved beyond measure,” one sign read. On the other side was the number “988” – National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

“As you can imagine, emotions run high after such a tragedy. Sad, sad,” said Dr. Khalilah Doss, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at MTSU. “Everyone was on board until late in the evening. And again at seven in the morning we hosted students in our offices for support.”

Doss, in an interview with NewsChannel 5, invited all members of his community to talk to guidance counselors on campus, whether they feel they need it now or not. “We are flawed and beautifully made. And we all need help,” Doss said. “Not only our students, but also our staff and faculty. Because often faculty and staff are left out because they are adults.”

Doss says that although this tragedy occurred on the MTSU campus, words of support, love and encouragement have flowed from throughout the community. “People who may be connected directly or even through an intermediary to our campus are reaching out to us and asking how can we help?” said Doss, who assumed the role 100 days ago.

This help and support may be needed now more than ever. Doss says MTSU and most higher education institutions are seeing a surge in demand for mental health resources. “Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or coping skills in general, they’re on the rise,” Doss said. “We have resources on campus, but let me tell you, we can have more. I know that we will never recover from the mental health crisis we face in today’s world without staff. However, we can staff to a level where we feel great about the support we provide to our students and our community.”

Over time, the somber silence on the MTSU campus will give way to the normal hustle and bustle of campus life. But for those who, like Doss herself, may still mourn this loss for a long time, she promised that these resources will not disappear. “I’m heavy. I am sad that this child lost his life,” Dr. Doss said. “There is never an easy way to deal with suicide or grief, everyone does it in their own way.”

MTSU specific consulting services

Advisory services are available and can be accessed in the following ways:

• Crisis support for students through MTSU Consulting Serviceslocated in room 326-S in the Keathley University Center, will be open to students with extended hours this week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The MTSU Mobile Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-704-2651.
  • The three-digit suicide prevention hotline is available 24 hours a day at 9-8-8.
• Emergency assistance for faculty and staff will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom (Section B). Outside of these hours, faculty and staff may contact Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (w1.mtsu.edu) at 615-898-2271.
  • Employees also have access to 24/7 assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Optum Behavioral Health by calling 855-437-3486.

Need more resources?

We asked Dr. Doss if MTSU believes it needs more resources to combat the mental health crisis. “I think it’s always a good time to talk about mental health,” Doss said.

However, the Tennessee Board of Regents, the governing body of local colleges and technical schools in Tennessee, has answered this question much more directly. “We (Tennessee Board of Regents) have a proposal to fund the expansion of the Tennessee Student Support Network, which is a partnership with three other state agencies. The expansion would provide funding for regional coordinators to assist our campuses in securing local student mental health resources and other student support services,” wrote Dr. Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents. “Our thoughts are with the MTSU community at this time.”

It’s an issue state lawmakers may consider when they return to the Tennessee Capitol in January.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at [email protected].

A trip to see some of our neighbors’ best Halloween decorations

We are only days away from Halloween. Americans are expected to spend about $12 billion on candy, costumes and decorations this year. Over the past few years, it seems that a lot more people have been dedicating themselves to decorating their homes. Forrest Sanders had the opportunity to visit several midstate communities to see some of these Halloween decorations.

-Lelan Statom