Jacksonville State University (JSU), located in Jacksonville, Alabama, is a public institution with a strong focus on supporting its students’ well-being. Following the devastation caused by a tornado in 2019, JSU began to explore ways to not only rebuild its campus but also create spaces that foster mental health and well-being for its students. The university, which serves a diverse student population, sees the Sacred Place project as a critical addition to its support of student wellness.

The Need

The need for a mental health-focused space became apparent after the 2019 tornado, which destroyed much of the campus’s tree canopy. The JSU Counseling Services team, led by former staff member Julie Nix, saw the opportunity to create a designated space where students could decompress, reflect, and calm their minds. This need became more pressing as JSU continued to experience rising rates of student stress and anxiety. The goal was to create a quiet, contemplative environment where students could retreat for personal reflection, or participate in small group mindfulness workshops and other mental health programs.