Albany State University (ASU) has been selected to participate in the 2026 SAMHSA HBCU Policy Academy, a national initiative led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to strengthen behavioral health services at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

ASU was selected following a competitive national application process and will participate in the in-person Policy Academy convening in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 27–28, 2026.

The SAMHSA HBCU Policy Academy provides participating institutions with expert guidance, technical assistance, and peer collaboration to strengthen campus behavioral health systems, expand mental health services, and improve student crisis response infrastructure.

Albany State University’s participation will be led by Dr. Jarrod Benjamin, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, who will represent the university alongside a seven-member interdisciplinary team.

Through the Policy Academy, Albany State University will work to strengthen campus behavioral health systems, expand mental health and substance-use screening tools, enhance crisis prevention and response protocols, and build stronger partnerships with local behavioral health providers.

The initiative will also support the university’s ongoing efforts to expand student-centered wellness programming, increase mental health awareness, and reduce barriers to accessing care.

The ASU team participating in the Policy Academy includes:

Dr. Jarrod Benjamin, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Dedra Williams, Dean of Student Development

Orlandria Bennett-Reed, Interim Director of Student Health Services

Nicola “Simone” Bradley, Director of Counseling and Student Accessibility Services

Dr. Kimberly Burgess, Executive Director of Student Success

Tatotshia Grier, Assistant Chief of Police

Shayla Taylor, Director of Greek Life and Community Engagement

Albany State University’s selection reflects its continued commitment to supporting the academic success and overall well-being of its students.