Christopher Leonard, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Wichita State University, has been named Staff of the Year by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) — an honor he says reflects the hard work and dedication of his entire team.
“I see this award as a recognition of the collective effort of our entire team,” Leonard said. “It’s not just my award; it belongs to all of us.”
Leonard’s path to psychology began with a simple question: Why do people think, feel and act the way they do? That curiosity led him to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, where he found a passion for blending science and art through therapy. A graduate training placement at a university counseling center cemented his career direction.
“From that moment, I was hooked,” Leonard said. “Now, more than 12 years later, I’m proud to continue serving in higher education.”
Building a community of care
Since stepping into the role of director in July 2023, CAPS has expanded applied learning opportunities, addressed pay inequities and fostered a wellness-focused workplace culture. These efforts have reduced staff turnover, shortened wait times and allowed students greater access to therapy.
“While I'm proud of these accomplishments, what means the most to me is supporting the professional growth of our trainees and walking alongside students on their personal journeys. I'm continuously inspired by our staff's dedication and the resilience of the students we serve,” he said.
Leonard’s approach to campus mental health is rooted in collaboration. CAPS partners with HOPE Services, Student Health Services, Student Outreach and Support, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to create a campus-wide network of care.
“Mental wellness is about fostering healthy, supportive relationships across campus,” Leonard said. “When a culture of care is embedded into the campus experience, wellness becomes a shared commitment.”
Outside the office, Leonard recharges through running, family time and the arts. An avid runner, he participates in 5Ks and half-marathons, always wearing his Suspenders4Hope singlet to spark conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
“Whether it’s someone on the course or in the crowd, I hope to create opportunities for connection and awareness,” he said.
He also finds balance through family movie nights, live music and playing golf with his wife — practices he models for students as part of a holistic approach to wellness.
Recognizing his impact
Leonard’s leadership and vision have also drawn praise from colleagues.
“Dr. Leonard has transformed counseling services at CAPS, building a department that is not only more accessible and student-centered, but also innovative in its approach to mental health care,” said Samantha Tedder, associate director of CAPS. “His leadership has reshaped mental health services to prioritize student well-being while maintaining responsiveness to the diverse needs of our campus. His work has not only improved the lives of countless students but has also enhanced the overall student experience at Wichita State University.”
Tedder also noted Leonard’s leadership in developing the first Higher Education Counseling Centers of Kansas Conference and his involvement in the Suspenders4Hope 5K to promote mental health and wellness.
That spirit of innovation and connection has inspired colleagues who work closely with Leonard.
“Dr. Leonard, the original Dr. Suspenders, inspired the Suspenders4Hope campaign and continues to champion applied learning and a supportive culture that expands access to care and encourages me to be a bolder leader,” said Dr. Jessica Provines, assistant vice president for wellness and chief psychologist for CAPS.
Looking ahead
Leonard is already thinking about the challenges of the next five years in campus mental health: rising student loneliness, a strained therapist training pipeline and the risks posed by unregulated AI therapy bots.
Meeting those challenges, he said, will take “proactive innovation, strong advocacy and a continued emphasis on connection and care.”
Among the initiatives he’s most excited about is the expansion of the Hope Hub in partnership with the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, which will increase applied learning opportunities while generating new research to better understand student needs.
He’s also working to expand Suspenders4Hope outreach, strengthen partnerships with WSU Athletics and place Wellness Cards in every classroom, lab and learning space across Wichita State’s various locations.
“It’s a small but powerful way to remind students they are not alone,” Leonard said.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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