Salisbury, NC- Livingstone College Athletics took a meaningful step forward in supporting student-athlete mental health by participating in the CIAA SAAC Mental Health Walk Initiative. This conference-wide effort brought together institutions across the CIAA in a unified show of advocacy, awareness, and care.

Under the guidance of Shannon Allen, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, all of Livingstone's athletic programs came together to "PAUSE for the cause," temporarily stepping away from their daily routines to walk the campus with purpose. The walk served as a visible and heartfelt reminder of the importance of mental wellness and community connection.

"This wasn't just a walk—it was a statement," said Allen. "It sent a clear message to our student-athletes: you matter, your mental health matters, and you're never alone. We're building a culture where support is real and visible."

The initiative was part of a broader movement led by the CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), designed to spark open conversations around mental health and foster a supportive environment among athletes, coaches, and administrators.

Livingstone College Athletics remains deeply committed to the holistic development of its student-athletes, recognizing that mental wellness is a cornerstone of success both in competition and in life.

To further this commitment, Livingstone College provides free and confidential mental health services through its Counseling Services, led by Dr. Rhonda Flowers at the Wall Center. These resources are available to all currently enrolled students and are designed to support emotional, psychological, and academic well-being.

Mental Health Services

• Individual, couples, and group counseling*
• Comprehensive mental health and substance use evaluations
• Consultations and referrals

Contact & Emergency Info

• Appointments: Call (704) 216-6100 to schedule a session with Counseling Services.
• After-Hours Emergencies:
  • Contact Dr. Rhonda Flowers directly at (704) 433-7921.
  • If Dr. Flowers is unavailable, please reach out to Dr. Lewis at (336) 941-8826.
  • For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 immediately.

For more details, visit the https://livingstone.edu/students/counseling-services/