Old Dominion University leaders welcomed Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Rear Adm. Jesse A. Wilson Jr., to talk about mental health and sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention, July 11, on campus.

The meeting was an opportunity to talk and share best practices to ensure both Sailors and students are better informed and supported; leadership understands available resources; help eliminate misconceptions and stigmas; and to foster a partnership to learn, share and exchange ideas. 

University leadership, including the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement & Enrollment Services Johnny Young; Director, Military Connection Center, Kristal Kinloch-Taylor; Executive Director of Counseling Services, Nancy Badger; Women's Center Director, La Wanza Lett-Brewington; and Director of Military Activities retired Capt. Robert Clark, met with Wilson and several active duty service members from Naval Surface Force Atlantic. 

Wilson's top priority as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic is to provide ready ships, ready Sailors and ready civilians to successfully fight and win.  "Readiness is not just about ships and weapons. Readiness is about people - their personal readiness. the mental and physical health of the force and their families," he explained.  

Attendees talked about the treatable disease of depression and the tragedy of suicide.

They highlighted the need to trust, take ownership and encourage people to have difficult conversations by saying "I need help; I am thinking dark thoughts; I am stressed or feeling alone;" and "I think someone else is struggling or might be in trouble."  Everyone emphasized when someone needs help that help needs to be given without judgement or hesitancy.     

Leaders also echoed their commitment to sustaining an environment in which sexual misconduct, harassment and assault are not tolerated.  Discussions focused on prevention strategies, response programs, working together, and victim assistance.   

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is a shared topic of interest for the Navy and college campuses.  College students between the ages of 17 and 24 are among the Nation's most vulnerable in terms of sexual violence victimization and perpetration, regardless of their enrollment in a military service academy or civilian college or university.  

The Department of the Navy continues to work to prevent sexual assaults, support sexual assault victims, and hold offenders accountable.

Today's meeting was an opportunity for Wilson to meet and talk with local university leadership about their efforts related to suicide awareness, sexual assaults and sexual harassment prevention efforts and trends.  

The meeting enhanced cooperation with an academic and research institutions, which helps to expand and strengthen our network of partnerships.         

"We have an obligation to share information and to work with one another to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and sexual harassment, and to talk about the treatable disease of depression and the tragedy of suicide," said Wilson.  "Leadership, whether military or civilian, must be committed to taking care of our people."

Attendees ended the meeting after thanking one another for their support, dialogue and continued partnership.