Lone Star College System hires chief mental health officer

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College System selected Shantha Stokes, Psy.D., as the first associate vice chancellor, Mental Health and Wellness and Chief Mental Health Officer effective June 16. Stokes has more than 27 years of experience as a licensed clinician and nearly two decades of leadership in college mental health.

“Lone Star College System is committed to the holistic success of our students and Dr. Stokes' experience and advocacy will be pivotal as we expand mental health services across all our campuses,” said Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., vice chancellor, Finance and Administration/CFO. “Her leadership will ensure we continue to provide equitable, high-quality care that empowers every student to thrive.”

Stokes brings deep clinical expertise and is especially passionate about addressing the mental health needs of students. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, equity and innovation—principles that align with LSCS’s values and student-centered mission.

“I am excited to work at Lone Star College System to help deliver exemplary mental health services and comprehensive wellness programming to all campus stakeholders,” said Stokes.

Before LSCS, Stokes served as the counseling center director and interim assistant vice president of Student Affairs for Health and Wellness at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). She spearheaded institution-wide wellness initiatives, including the Steve Fund Equity in Mental Health Initiative and The Collaborative for Wellbeing in Texas Higher Education. Stokes was instrumental in SHSU’s collaboration with the JED Foundation to strengthen campus-wide mental health strategies.

“For the past 17 years, my focus has been on higher education, shaping mental health programs that support diverse student populations,” said Stokes. “At Lone Star College System, I look forward to engaging with students, faculty and staff to enhance a culture of wellness and belonging,” she said.

Stokes’ extensive career includes work in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, school-based trauma intervention programs and community mental health agencies. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, is an alumna of University of Iowa and is the proud mother of three daughters.

Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.