“Our Chapter has hosted Mike Veny twice on our campus for his program titled “Transforming Stigma into Strength.” Each time we have brought Veny to our campus, he has received nothing but the highest of praise from our students, faculty, staff, and community members. As President of the Chapter, I have had the pleasure to receive a variety of feedback about Veny’s speech, personality, and professionalism. The most common feedback I hear is “His speech was incredibly inspiring!” or “I was able to really connect with him!” Veny has the remarkable ability to gauge his audience and deliver the best program possible. Not only that, Veny appeals to any aspiring musician or art professionals looking to make a career out of their passion. Because of his dynamic character, Veny is able to encourage students to continue striving to lead the most fulfilling life they can.”
Jamie MaHoney
Active Minds at Elmhurst College
“We invited Mike Veny to Mizzou to give his presentation, Transforming Stigma in College. He gave an engaging and unique perspective on a topic that can be hard to talk about. The entire audience was captivated by his passion for not only his own mental health but also the health of every individual he meets. Through his animated storytelling and unique history, he gave many insights into living with mental health struggles and provided tips and strategies to manage their own health. As the keynote to our ‘Sincerely PHA’ week, Mike truly helped our community break the stigma surrounding mental health. His professionalism and approachability made him very easy to work with and offers many occasions for more collaboration. Many of our community members approached him for advice afterward and loved the opportunity to hear him speak. We are so happy to have worked with Mike and would consider having him back in the future.”
Samantha Mahaffey
Panhellenic Association, University of Missouri – Columbia
“We had 602 participants from many of the mental health and substance abuse groups around the state of Arkansas. Our participants have to do more work with less money every year. What keeps them in the profession is caring for their clients and helping them have better lives. Your talk helped them see that their work has meaning and that their efforts count. There is always room for improvement in mental health counseling, but you helped them see this in a gifted way.”
Charlotte Besch
MidSOUTH/UALR School of Social Work
“Had the privilege & honor to listen to Mike Veny sharing his wisdom and experience concerning mental health. Mike, you are such a beacon of light for so many suffering in silence. Keep shining your amazing powerful light. Such talent!”
Melanie Kiely
T-Mobile
“Mike's virtual presentation went AMAZING! We had all positive feedback from internal employees. We hope to bring Mike back in the future!”
Employee
Salesforce
“Mike it was an honor for us to be in your company, you had such an impact. Thank you so much for helping us raise awareness of the stigma associated with mental health & how to combat it, together.”
Cat Kennedy
Heineken
Help College Students Thrive with a Powerful Mental Health Speaker Experience
A mental health speaker for college students is a professional who educates, inspires, and empowers students to better understand mental health, build resilience, and develop strategies for navigating the unique challenges of college life.
These speakers address topics such as stress management, anxiety, depression, burnout, self-care, emotional wellness, belonging, and personal growth. More than simply delivering information, a skilled mental health speaker creates meaningful conversations that help students feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed both academically and personally.
Today’s College Students Face Unprecedented Levels of Pressure
In addition to managing coursework, exams, and academic expectations, many students are balancing jobs, financial concerns, family responsibilities, social pressures, and uncertainty about their future careers.
The transition to college itself can be overwhelming, particularly for first-year students who may be living away from home for the first time. These challenges can significantly impact emotional well-being and academic performance if not addressed proactively.
This is why scheduling a mental health speaker has become increasingly important for colleges and universities. A mental health speaker provides students with valuable tools and strategies to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming. By teaching practical techniques for resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, speakers help students develop skills that can benefit them throughout their college experience and beyond.
Reduce the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
One of the most important benefits of bringing a mental health speaker to campus is the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health. Despite growing awareness, many students still hesitate to seek help because they fear judgment or believe they should handle challenges on their own.
A mental health speaker can normalize conversations about anxiety, depression, stress, and other common concerns. When students hear these topics discussed openly and honestly, they are more likely to recognize that they are not alone and that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Mental health speakers also play a vital role in improving student engagement and retention. Students who struggle with their mental health often find it more difficult to focus, participate in campus life, and achieve academic success.
By helping students understand how mental wellness affects every aspect of their college experience, speakers can encourage healthier habits that lead to better outcomes. Colleges that invest in student well-being often see stronger engagement, increased persistence, and higher graduation rates.
Another reason these speakers are valuable is their ability to create a sense of connection and community. Many students experience loneliness and isolation, especially during their first year or when navigating major life transitions. A compelling mental health presentation can foster shared understanding and remind students that others are facing similar challenges. This sense of belonging is critical for both emotional health and academic success.
Mental health speakers can also support faculty, staff, and campus leaders by reinforcing institutional wellness initiatives. Their presentations often complement existing counseling services, wellness programs, and student support resources, helping increase awareness and utilization of these important services.
Ultimately, a Mental Health Speaker for College Students is an Investment in Student Success
By promoting resilience, reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and fostering a healthier campus culture, these speakers help colleges and universities create environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In an era when student mental health has never been more important, bringing a mental health speaker to campus is one of the most impactful steps an institution can take to support its students.
Introducing Mike Veny, Mental Health Speaker for College Students
When colleges and universities seek a mental health speaker who can truly connect with students, inspire action, and create lasting impact, few speakers are as effective as Mike Veny.
Known for his authentic storytelling, dynamic stage presence, and innovative use of drumming, Mike has established himself as one of the leading mental health speakers for college students. His presentations go beyond awareness, helping students develop practical skills to improve their mental well-being while creating a campus culture that encourages openness, resilience, and support.
What makes Mike Veny especially effective with college audiences is his ability to connect through lived experience. Unlike speakers who rely solely on research or theory, Mike openly shares his own journey with mental health challenges, including struggles he faced growing up and the obstacles he overcame to build a successful career and meaningful life.
His willingness to be vulnerable immediately establishes credibility with students who are often skeptical of traditional presentations. Rather than feeling like they are being lectured, students feel like they are hearing from someone who truly understands what it means to struggle and persevere.
Mike’s presentations are particularly powerful because they begin by capturing attention in a way that few speakers can.
Through Live Drumming Performances, He Creates an Energetic & Interactive Experience
In an age where young adults are constantly bombarded with distractions, gaining and maintaining attention is one of the biggest challenges for any speaker.
Mike's use of rhythm, music, and audience participation transforms a typical campus event into an unforgettable experience. The drumming breaks down barriers, energizes the room, and creates a shared sense of excitement that opens students up to the message that follows.
Once he has the audience fully engaged, Mike transitions into storytelling that is both relatable and inspiring. He shares personal experiences that highlight the realities of mental health struggles while emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and seeking support when needed.
His stories resonate because they reflect challenges many students face today, including anxiety, self-doubt, stress, isolation, and the pressure to succeed. By speaking openly about these issues, Mike helps normalize conversations about mental health and reduces the stigma that often prevents students from reaching out for help.
What Truly Sets Mike Apart is his Commitment to Providing Practical Strategies Students Can Use Immediately
His presentations are not simply motivational; they are actionable. Students leave with tools for managing stress, improving emotional regulation, building healthy coping mechanisms, and strengthening resilience. These strategies are designed to fit the realities of college life, making them easy to implement during demanding academic schedules and personal transitions.
Mike's reputation as a top mental health speaker has earned him recognition from organizations, educational institutions, and audiences across the country. Event planners frequently praise his ability to keep students engaged from beginning to end while delivering meaningful content that continues to impact participants long after the event is over. His unique blend of entertainment, authenticity, and practical education creates an experience that students remember and apply.
Ultimately, Mike Veny offers colleges and universities more than a keynote presentation. He delivers an engaging, transformative experience that captures attention, inspires personal growth, and equips students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through drumming, storytelling, and actionable mental health strategies, Mike helps students build resilience and confidence that can benefit them throughout their college years and for the rest of their lives.
Real Skills for the Real World
Beyond raising awareness, Mike provides practical tools students can use immediately. His presentations focus on actionable strategies for managing stress, building resilience, improving emotional regulation, and maintaining mental well-being during challenging times. These are skills that benefit students not only throughout their college years but throughout their personal and professional lives. Attendees leave with concrete techniques they can implement right away, making the experience both inspiring and practical.
Colleges and universities also benefit from the broader cultural impact of Mike's message. When students feel supported and equipped to manage their mental health, they are more likely to stay engaged academically, participate in campus life, and persist toward graduation. Mental health initiatives that promote belonging, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors contribute to stronger campus communities and improved student outcomes.
Perhaps most importantly, Mike creates lasting change. His combination of drumming, storytelling, humor, and practical education makes his message memorable long after the event has ended. Students often leave feeling empowered, encouraged, and more confident in their ability to navigate life's challenges.
Schedule Mike Veny, Mental Health Speaker for College Students
If your college or university is looking for a powerful way to support student well-being, increase engagement, and create a healthier campus culture, now is the perfect time to connect with Mike Veny.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your goals and learn how Mike can create a customized mental health presentation that resonates with your students and delivers lasting impact.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONMike Veny is the CEO of
The Training Refinery
As a result, event attendees have the option to earn continuing education certificates through select learning experiences.
Accredited CEU Learning That Strengthens Professional Skills, Supports Well-Being, & Creates Lasting Impact
Continuing education should do more than meet requirements – it should meaningfully support the people doing the work. The Training Refinery delivers accredited CEU learning experiences designed to strengthen professional effectiveness while supporting clarity, confidence, and emotional resilience. Through engaging content, flexible delivery, and a deeply human approach, we help HR professionals, individual learners, and K–12 educators grow in ways that truly matter.
The Training Refinery is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The Training Refinery complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, The Training Refinery is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
As an IACET Authorized Provider, The Training Refinery offers CEUs for programs that meet the ANSI/IACET Standard for continuing education and training.
That means your learning is backed by one of the highest standards of excellence in continuing education, giving you confidence that the time you invest can support your professional growth, credentialing needs, and long-term career development.
We encourage you to check with your specific regulatory boards or other agencies to confirm that courses from IACET Accredited Providers and courses taken for IACET CEUs will be accepted by that entity.
The Training Refinery is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
SHRM is a trusted professional association that helps HR, administrative, and management professionals grow their expertise and strengthen their careers through respected certifications.
Certified HR professionals need 60 Professional Development Credits every three years to maintain their SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®, and this course helps make that progress feel more meaningful, manageable, and aligned with your career growth.
The Training Refinery is recognized as an Approved Provider by HR Certification Institute®.
This program has been preapproved for HR recertification credits toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™ credentials, helping HR professionals continue growing while maintaining the certifications they worked hard to earn.
The Training Refinery is proud to be pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that support initial eligibility and recertification for the respected Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credentials. This designation reflects that our courses align with the standards of the ATD Talent Development Capability Model, giving talent development professionals confidence that their learning is meaningful, relevant, and professionally recognized.
For professionals holding the CPTD® or APTD® credential, this means approved Training Refinery programs can help you earn valuable continuing education credit toward certification renewal while continuing to grow your skills, strengthen your expertise, and invest in the career you have worked hard to build.
The Training Refinery is a state-approved provider of professional development for Texas educators. Our approved courses can help Texas educators earn CPE hours toward certificate renewal.
Texas certificate holders are required to complete continuing professional education every five years, including 150 CPE hours for teachers and 200 CPE hours for principals, counselors, librarians, diagnosticians, and reading specialists. As an approved Texas CPE provider, The Training Refinery helps educators continue growing professionally while meeting renewal requirements with meaningful, practical training.
The Training Refinery uses CE Broker to help licensed professionals track and manage their continuing education requirements in one convenient platform. CE Broker connects licensing boards, education providers, and licensed professionals, making it easier to see whether your completed CE credits are on track for renewal.
The Training Refinery’s CE Broker Tracking # is 50-64968. Successful course completions are reported electronically to CE Broker, but please allow additional processing time for CE Broker and your state board to receive and apply your credits.
When completing your license renewal, we recommend allowing at least 3 days of processing time to help ensure your credits are recorded before your renewal deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Veny and why does he speak to college students?
What makes Mike Veny different from other college mental health speakers?
What topics does Mike Veny cover in his college presentations?
How does drumming play a role in his presentation?
Why is mental health so important for college students?
How does Mike Veny help reduce mental health stigma on campus?
Are his presentations interactive?
What will students take away from his presentation?
Can Mike customize his talk for our college or university?
How do we book Mike Veny or schedule a consultation?
“Mike was absolutely amazing at our event! There are not words enough to describe how energized and engaged my crew was and I am so grateful to him for sharing his wonderful outlook with our team.”
Amanda Graff
Marsh McLennan
"Mike served as a kickoff keynoter for the entire conference and, as such, did a great job of getting our group of more than 500 participants energized, focused and inspired! After more than 10 years of coordinating conference speakers and keynoters, Mike was refreshingly easy to work with and flexible enough to structure his program to deliver exactly what we needed."
Carla H. Falkenstein
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
“Thank you so much for your inspirational presentation yesterday! You made a real impact on the lives of so many educators. Additionally, I would love to have you return next year to present for our summit.”
Karen Barnes
Texas Region 10 Educational Service Center
“Mike did a great job at presenting to our staff! In fact, our exit ticket indicated that he was the best speaker that we have brought to our district. We are definitely looking to bring him back if he is willing to speak to our students/parents. I would really like to continue our work together!”
Tiffany Owen
Horseheads Central School District
“Mike’s presentations are truly high-energy, inspiring and dynamic, which combine for a one of a kind experience. Conference attendees were totally enamored. Mike received the highest marks of all the panelists in conference surveys.”
Matt Shapiro
NAMI New York State
“We hosted a drum circle, which Mike led as part of team building event for our staff during Mental Health Awareness Week. The staff provided excellent positive feedback on Mike and his abilities to engage, motivate and facilitate a great and fun time for all participants.”
Marie Hoy
Canadian Mental Health Association - Halton Region Branch
Companies are Spending Millions on Wellness & Still Seeing Disengaged Workers Who Are Struggling Mentally!
Mike shares what most programs miss—truth, connection & rhythm! His immersive experiences help companies break through and get employees reengaged and energized to excel!
Mike Veny was named one of the
5 Best Speakers in Mental Health
along with Brené Brown.
DISCLAIMER: Although Mike is not a mental health professional, he is committed to assisting you in finding the necessary care and support for your mental health needs.
If you are in crisis or if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please seek help immediately. Dial 988 (in the USA) to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, where trained professionals are available to assist you. You can call, text, or chat to access the support you need. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and resources are available to provide the help and care you deserve.
DISCLOSURES:
- The products and information provided on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.
- The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
- If you have a medical condition, consult your physician. Consult your physician before making changes in lifestyle and diet. All information is provided for educational purposes only.
- Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition before changing your lifestyle, exercise, or diet.