SUNY Chancellor King Celebrates Scholars for Mental Health
October 21, 2026
Five SUNY Students Celebrated for Commitment to the Mental Health Field
Funding Awarded to Support Aspiring Mental Health Practitioners in Psychology, Social Work, or Psychiatric Nursing
Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today celebrated five Scholars for Mental Health who have demonstrated leadership and a steadfast commitment to bolstering the mental health field. Through funding from Voya, the Scholars for Mental Health received $10,000 each to help cover expenses and fees as they further their studies in psychology, social work, or psychiatric nursing. This builds on SUNY's commitment to expanding access to mental health education and increasing the diversity of the mental health workforce.
"Across the SUNY system, we recognize the importance of strengthening mental health education, access, and resources to prepare the state's workforce and serve our fellow New Yorkers," said SUNY Chancellor King. "The Scholars for Mental Health represent the next generation of mental health practitioners that will bolster this crucial work. I am proud to congratulate this year's scholars and commend their commitment to advancing equitable and excellent mental health care."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Through the Scholars for Mental Health initiative, SUNY is increasing access to a high-quality excellent education that prepares students to have the career of their dreams in a vital industry. We are pleased to celebrate this year's scholars as they demonstrate academic excellence and an unwavering dedication to the mental health field."
The 2026 Scholars for Mental Health are focused on bolstering equitable access to culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health care, as well as creating community-based support systems. This year's scholars include:
- Yoeli Rosario Almonte, Social Work, SUNY Plattsburgh
- Jamie Burdick, Psychology, Buffalo State University
- Amanda Fox, Psychology, Buffalo State University
- Sabrina Ke, Nursing, State University of New York at Stony Brook
- Melodie Loya, Psychology, Buffalo State University
Vice President, Impact and Culture, and Vice President, Voya Foundation Braeden Mayrisch said, "Mental health and financial well-being are deeply connected, and Voya is committed to helping young people build the resilience and support they need to thrive. Through the Voya Scholars for Mental Health program, we are investing in the next generation of practitioners, expanding access to high-quality care and helping strengthen the communities we serve."
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, said, "One day, someone in a hard moment will sit across from one of these five students and feel heard for the first time. That is what this scholarship is really about. A $10,000 award can mean fewer work shifts and more time to focus on their studies. New York needs more mental health providers, and these students are stepping up. I thank Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees for investing in them, and I congratulate each of the scholars."
State Senator Samra Brouk, Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, said, "As Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, I recognize that we are still in the midst of a mental health crisis and need a strong behavioral health workforce to meet the demand for care in New York State. That's why we're celebrating the work of five SUNY students in the Scholars for Mental Health program who will continue to demonstrate their commitment to advancing mental health by focusing on culturally competent, trauma-informed care to help empower community members with mental health needs."
State Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, said, "I want to thank Voya for investing $50,000 in SUNY's five Scholars for Mental Health. The work that Yoeli Rosario Almonte, Jamie Burdick, Amanda Fox, Sabrina Ke and Melodie Loya will do as they further their mental health education through their studies in psychology, social work and psychiatric nursing will positively impact all the people they help in the future."
State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health, said, "Expanding access to mental health care starts with building a strong, diverse workforce. By supporting dedicated students pursuing careers in mental health, we will strength the pipeline of professionals and ease their financial burden as well. I commend these awardees for demonstrating not only a commitment to mental health, but also to excellence and leadership in their chosen fields. I also commend SUNY and Voya for their continued leadership in addressing the mental health workforce crisis."
SUNY has a steadfast commitment to proactive, systemwide strategies that support student mental health. In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, Chancellor King highlighted initiatives across the SUNY System to increase mental health awareness and connect the campus community with resources. As part of the Empire State Service Corps, which was recently expanded to 1,000 spots, students act as peer mental health counselors. In August, Chancellor King highlighted SUNY's commitment to student mental health support services with SUNY Optometry's mental health first aid training program. In January, Chancellor King launched the SUNY Mental Health First Aid Grant Program, which provides targeted funding to strengthen campus-wide approaches to student mental health and well-being. In February, SUNY announced the expansion of SUNY's Mental Health Internship Program to provide paid, hands-on learning opportunities for community college students pursuing careers in mental and behavioral health.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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Holly Liapis
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