Melissa Tully, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, received the Mental Health Champion Award for her commitment to creating a safe space for her faculty and students.
Monday, June 9, 2025

By Emily Delgado

Melissa Tully, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was awarded a 2025 Mental Health Champion Award.

Melissa Tully recently won the award for Mental Health Champion.

The award is designed to recognize staff and faculty members who help the University of Iowa accomplish its goal of creating an environment that values and recognizes mental health.

Tully was nominated by journalism faculty member Bingbing Zhang for creating a healthy and safe environment for faculty and students.

“Melissa’s commitment to faculty well-being goes beyond individual acts of kindness,” Zhang said. “In fact, she actively cultivates a culture where emotional and mental health are prioritized.”

Zhang added how academia can feel uncertain and stressful for junior faculty navigating the tenure process. To help junior faculty navigate this process, Tully formed a mentorship program that meets monthly to share concerns, celebrate successes, and exchange advice.

Tully understands the demands of being a junior faculty member and the pressure of producing research and teaching and wants her faculty members to feel safe and comfortable in the workplace.

“When people are really stressed or feeling burnt out or feeling overwhelmed, we know that's going to negatively affect them, and it's going to affect their work life and their personal life,” Tully said.

One way Tully prioritizes mental health throughout her department is encouraging her faculty and staff to take breaks when needed. 

Melissa Tully with Barbara Wilson and Kevin Kreigel

“If they're struggling with work in terms of feeling burnt out, or feeling like they lose motivation, I'd rather them feel comfortable talking to me so we can think about helpful strategies, and just telling people, it's okay to take a break, and I think that's important,” Tully said.

Looking toward the future, Tully said she will continue to prioritize the safety and health of journalism faculty and students.

“In SJMC, we try to provide a space and a community,” Tully said.  “We try to create a welcoming environment. I see that from the students. I see that from the faculty. People are more willing to share and engage with each other.”