UT Tyler Receives Research Career Development Award

August 7, 2024 | Elizabeth Wingfield

More Than $280K in Funds to Support Rural Youth Mental Health

The University of Texas at Tyler received a $284,518 award to study the mental health needs of rural youth in Texas. This award is a part of a Texas Children’s Mental Health Care Consortium initiative, funded by the Texas State Legislature, to support the development of new and emerging youth mental health researchers across Texas.

Dr. Angela J. Preston, School of Nursing assistant professor, submitted the proposal for the award, which will support her research in rural youth mental health and the psychological benefits of their self-perceived strengths.

“Dr. Preston's dedication to understanding the mental health needs and strengths of rural youth exemplifies the kind of impactful, community-focused work that we strive to support and nurture,” said Dr. Barbara K. Haas, School of Nursing dean. “This award reflects her innovative approach and commitment to making a difference, and we are immensely proud of her efforts to improve mental health outcomes and ensure that every young person in Texas has access to the care and support they need.”

Mental Health America reports 65% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist and 81% lack a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and rural suicide rates nearly double those in urban areas. According to the Greater Texas Foundation, roughly 37% of Texas public schools are located in rural areas and serve about one million children, indicating a critical gap in access to mental health care.

Preston’s study will assess the self-perceived strengths of rural youth—such as optimism, hope, resilience and self-efficacy—and how these inner strengths might be fostered in rural school settings to promote youth mental health outcomes. In addition, she hopes to better equip school nurses to promote mental health in small rural schools since nurses may be the only health professional available to students.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and am grateful for the support from my mentors, colleagues and School of Nursing and university administration,” said Preston. “This could not be done without the involvement of key school health partners interested in supporting the mental health of students in their community.”

Preston previously served as a consulting research scientist at UT Austin and a school nurse in East Texas. Her research is centered on enhancing protective factors to support youth mental health.  

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 10,000 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.