Integrating mental wellness into MBA education

In the evolving landscape of business education, the emphasis on mental wellness has become paramount. A recent article by Nick Harland on Find MBA highlights the growing recognition among universities that understanding mental health is crucial for developing effective business leaders and fostering improved communication within organizations.

This approach is evident at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business. The institution has introduced modules into its MBA curriculum focusing on intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, mindfulness practices, and techniques to manage performance anxiety and communicate successfully even in environments defined by chaos or chronic stress. Professor Phil Wagner, Clinical Associate Professor and the 2025 awardee of William & Mary’s Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. Through his courses, Phil works to create an environment where students blend their personal experiences and professional goals to build a better understanding of self (and others) to effectively drive performance and results. “Emotional intelligence hallmarks like self-awareness, emotional self-control, interpersonal connection, and the ability to motivate and inspire others are among the skills that leaders often spend the most time getting coached on later in their tenure and particularly as they approach the C-Suite,” says Wagner, citing data from Korn Ferry. “I try to give our students an environment where they practice and finesse those skills now, preparing for the latter half of their career far before they enter it. And at the center of it all is an understanding of self and a commitment to healthy leadership. Mental wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for emotionally intelligent leadership. You can’t pour into others if you’re an empty vessel yourself.”

Professor Wagner's commitment to integrating mental wellness into business education aligns with the broader trend of incorporating emotional intelligence and self-awareness into leadership development. By addressing these aspects, the Raymond A. Mason School of Business equips future leaders with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern organizational environments effectively.

For more insights into how mental wellness is a vital component of MBA programs, read the full article, "Why Mental Wellness Is Becoming a Vital Part of MBAs" by Nick Harland, published September 14, 2025.