Alumnus to Speak on Effects of Diversity and Equity on Mental Health
SHERMAN, TEXAS — Austin College will welcome alumnus Dr. Kola Alade, licensed psychologist at Cook Children’s Medical Center, as the speaker for the 2023 Cunningham Lecture. The title of his lecture is “The Mental Health Umbrella: Our Need for Diversity & Equity.” The event will begin with a reception at 4:30 p.m. with the lecture following at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15 in Wright Campus Center’s Mabee Hall. Sponsored by Austin College’s Cunningham Lectures and the Student Affairs Division, the event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Alade is a 2010 graduate of Austin College, where along with a bachelor’s degree in psychology he earned myriad accolades for his prowess on the basketball court. He went on to earn a master’s degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University, followed by a Ph.D. in school psychology from Texas Woman’s University. His doctoral dissertation examined cognitive flexibility in pediatric traumatic brain injury patients in response to a cognitive rehabilitation program over time. Dr. Alade has also earned a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, and his work at Cook Children’s Medical Center is focused on evaluating and treating the mental health of children.
The Austin College Cunningham Lectures were established by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Shem Cunningham of Wichita Falls so that the Austin College community might benefit from the visits of distinguished speakers. Mr. Cunningham was a 1920 alumnus of Austin College.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.