The Daily Impact

Helping Students Flourish: Mental Health, Belonging, and Well-Being in Higher Education

By Matt Daily

Published September 18, 2026 at 6:10 AM MDT

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In this episode of The Daily Impact, Matt Daily sits down with Dr. Rick Pongratz to explore the mental health and well-being of today’s college students. Drawing on his experience as acounseling psychologist and university counseling center leader, Dr. Pongratz offers perspective on what has and hasn’t changed in the mental health landscape over the past decade.

The conversation examines the powerful role that belonging, self-compassion, and meaningful connections can play in student success. Matt and Dr. Pongratz also discuss the emerging influence of artificial intelligence on student mental health, the relationship between nature and well-being, and simple habits students can adopt to build resilience. Most importantly, this conversation looks beyond challenges and toward the everyday actions, relationships, and choices that can help students and campuses flourish.

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Matt Daily

Matt Daily, Ed.D. is beginning his 28th year in higher education, and his 3rd year as Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Idaho State University. Prior to ISU, he established and directed all first-generation support efforts at the University of Portland. The duration of his career in education has included serving as a teacher, athletic coach, and academic program administrator. He has previously taught classes within the School of Education and for the Dexheimer Leadership Fellows Program at Portland and the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Notre Dame. Much of his research interests, scholarly writings, presentations and expertise include the first-generation student experience. Recently, he has co-edited the three-book anthology series Rethinking Higher Education Through the Strengths and Insights of First-Generation College Students. He is a graduate of both the University of Notre Dame (B.A., M.Ed.) and the University of Portland (Ed.D.).

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