Esteemed Psychologist Recognized for Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy and Volunteerism
Hampton University is proud to announce that Dr. Kristie Norwood, director of the Hampton University Counseling Center, has received the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. This distinguished honor, presented under the auspices of Points of Light and the School of the Great Commission Education Foundation, recognizes Dr. Norwood’s extraordinary commitment to service, including over 5,000 hours of volunteer work benefiting the United States of America.
Throughout her career, Dr. Norwood dedicated her time, skills, and passion to addressing critical challenges in her community, fostering an environment of mental well-being and support for those in need. This award celebrates her dedication to building a more inclusive, compassionate society and her efforts to solve pressing issues that impact the nation.
“As a child, I knew that I always wanted to help underserved populations, especially Black and Indigenous communities,” Dr. Norwood said. “I knew that this work was important as only five percent of clinical psychologists of color exist in the wellness space, and I’m one of them.”
Dr. Kristie Norwood played a pivotal role in establishing the SheCare Wellness Pod, an initiative of the Boris L. Henson Foundation, founded by actress Taraji P. Henson. Her leadership and vision transformed the SheCare Wellness Pod into a cornerstone of support for women’s mental health and well-being on campus. Under Dr. Norwood’s guidance, the initiative provides innovative services to address the unique challenges faced by students who self-identify as female, fostering resilience and empowerment in the community.
“Hampton University is leading the way in collegiate student wellness,” said Dr. Norwood. “My vision for the future is to expand the campus’s wellness offerings and capabilities. I would hope that one day, no matter where a student goes on campus, that they would have a resource for their wellness. And eventually, I see the University investing in a full-service wellness center.”
Her leadership and vision transformed the initiative into a cornerstone of support for women’s mental health and well-being. Under her guidance, the SheCare Wellness Pod provided innovative, integrated services including art therapy, yoga, aromatherapy, and more, designed to address the unique challenges faced by women, promoting resilience and empowerment in the community.
Dr. Norwood’s exceptional contributions to community well-being, mental health, and social equity have made a lasting impact, addressing critical issues with dedication, passion, and leadership. Her efforts have played a key role in enhancing the lives of many, reflecting the powerful role of volunteerism in advancing societal change.
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, upon receiving the news of Dr. Norwood’s achievement, stated, “Dr. Norwood’s achievement is a well-deserved recognition. Her unwavering commitment to service and her leadership in supporting our community exemplify the values that Hampton University stands for. This award not only honors her individual accomplishments but also highlights the importance of service in creating positive, lasting change.”
The award ceremony took place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, where Dr. Norwood was honored with a Presidential Medallion, a Framed Certificate, and a Letter from President Biden. In addition, her name was permanently listed in Washington, D.C., alongside other honorees as part of the Points of Light Organization’s records.
This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Dr. Norwood’s leadership, volunteerism, and enduring impact on her community. Her dedication to serving others continues to inspire individuals to take action, emphasizing the collective power of service to create meaningful change.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take action that changes the world. Through programs, recognition, and partnerships, Points of Light inspires civic engagement, celebrating those who make a difference.
