By Tessa Chilton
Brennen Campbell, the college’s Spring 2024 Outstanding Graduate Student, exemplifies the transformative power of education and counseling in his work as a mental health professional.
Raised in rural Michigan, Brennen Campbell was instilled with a deep appreciation for community, a value he has carried throughout his life. After applying to UofL, Campbell began volunteering at Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, where he found a new sense of purpose. The compassionate community there led him to accept a full-time position with the organization. Campbell also served as a volunteer research assistant to Melissa Henry, assistant professor of counseling and human development, contributing to two important studies in counselor education and publication in three scholarly journals.
In accepting his Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Campbell remarked, “As we transition into the next phase of our lives, it is our time to foster a community — one that embraces our differences and makes greater efforts to dismantle obstacles that hinder success. We owe it to ourselves to practice what we’ve learned at UofL: To be aware of our impact on others — both positive and negative — and ask how we intend to do better for the community. And we have the responsibility to support those who are marginalized and ensure that they are treated with the respect that they deserve. We have been given the tools to continue building our community — let’s get to work.”
“We have been given the tools to continue building our community — let’s get to work.” - Brennen Campbell
This Spring, he earned his MEd in Counseling and Personal Services (Clinical Mental Health Counseling), and we are proud to officially welcome him to the Louisville Alumni family.
Campbell’s dedication to service and social responsibility reflects our Cardinal values, but as he highlighted it is our collective responsibility to build and support our community.
Together we can make a lasting impact.
Your contributions can help us continue to provide exceptional education and support to future generations of students like Brennen.
Visit give.louisville.edu.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.