Sul Ross State University continues to strengthen its commitment to student success and well-being through its participation in the Texas Higher Education Collaborative for Wellbeing (THECW), a statewide initiative dedicated to helping students thrive both academically and personally.

At Sul Ross, the initiative is led by Katy Williams and Dr. Alicia Trotman, who are working with faculty, staff and students to better understand the factors that contribute to student well-being and to develop strategies that help students flourish. As the project enters its final year, Williams and Trotman are also inviting additional campus members to join the effort.

THECW is an action-oriented, results-driven community of Texas colleges and universities focused on creating large-scale positive impact across higher education. Built on the principle of “For Texas, By Texas,” the collaborative recognizes that institutions can accomplish more together than any one university can achieve alone.

Since joining THECW in 2024, Sul Ross has uncovered trends within its student population that closely mirror findings from colleges and universities across Texas. For example, student well-being improves significantly when students have supportive friendships and when at least one professor encourages their excitement for learning.

These insights are gathered through the Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings (WISHES), which is administered each fall and spring semester. Additional information is collected through interviews with students, faculty and staff.

Using data collected over the past two years, the Sul Ross team is developing a driver diagram that identifies key factors influencing student well-being on campus. The university is also building systems designed to proactively identify, connect and support students who may be struggling or experiencing lower levels of belonging.

The 2026 academic year marks the final phase of the statewide initiative. Participating institutions are using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to better understand which practices lead to improved well-being outcomes for college students across Texas.

Faculty and staff interested in contributing to the initiative are encouraged to contact Dr. Alicia Trotman at alicia.trotman@sulross.edu.