Cameron University will kick off its 12th Academic Festival, “Care and Health: A Generational Approach,” with a presentation by parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on Thursday, September 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre. Tickets are required for admission and can be reserved online at https://www.cameron.edu/festival.
“In the post-pandemic world we now live in, our youth are facing more issues more than ever,” says CU President John McArthur. “Dr. Borba will address the challenges faced by children and adolescents and present practical, real-life solutions that can foster self-esteem, character and determination.”
An internationally recognized educational psychologist and expert in bullying, social-emotional learning and character development, Borba will address child and adolescent mental health. She is recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty.
Borba is a former classroom and special education teacher with a wide range of teaching experience, including work in a private practice with children with learning and emotional disabilities. She received a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Counseling degree from the University of San Francisco, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities degree and B.A. from the University of Santa Clara, and Life Teaching Credential from San Jose State University.
She was named Honorary Chairperson for Self-Esteem in Hong Kong, consultant for the U.S. Department of Education’s Character Education and Civic Engagement initiative, Disney Influencer, and Goodwill Ambassador for M.I.T.’s One Laptop per Child project. Board memberships include Parents, Character.org, Child Safety Network, Boys & Girls Club of America, USTA Sportsmanship Committee. Her proposal: “Ending School Violence and Bullying” (SB1667) was signed into California law in 2002.
Awards include the National Educator Award (presented by the National Council of Self-Esteem), National Child Safety Award of 2016 by Child Safety Network, Santa Clara University’s Outstanding Alumna Award, Outstanding Contribution to the Educational Profession by the Bureau of Education and Research and a 2016 SHORTY nominee for “Best Social Media Influencer in Parenting.”
“Care and Health: A Generational Approach” will continues throughout the 2023-24 academic year. Through a series of presentations by nationally recognized speakers, Cameron will consider three distinct aspects of the festival theme: child and adolescent mental health, adult mental health and mental health support for caregivers and the individuals they support.
The McCasland Foundation of Duncan is the primary sponsor for CU’s academic festival series. Additional funding is provided by the Cameron University Foundation and through the CU Lectures and Concerts Series.
For more information, contact the Cameron University Office of Public Affairs at 580-581-2211 or via e-mail at publicaffairs@cameron.edu.
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