Schools and the Challenge of Suicide Prevention (2026 Mike Wilson Lecture Series)

Title: Schools and the Challenge of Suicide Prevention Speaker: Dr. Anna Mueller, Luther Dana Waterman Professor of Sociology and Senior Research Program Leader for the Irsay Family Research Institute at Indiana University Bloomington. Description: Schools are the most important place for youth suicide prevention yet often struggle with the task. Dr. Anna Mueller addresses this challenge by advancing an organizational theory of school-based suicide prevention based on her community-engaged research comparing two high schools in the same public school district that differ only in their experiences with student suicide. Dr. Mueller’s talk will address the transdisciplinary study of suicide, the sociology of education, and the policy implications of her research for schools. Following the lecture, there will be a Q&A session and light reception. Event Sponsors: The Mike Wilson Lecture Series is sponsored by a generous gift from Dr. Michele 'Mike' Wilson, a former professor in the UAB Department of Sociology. The 2026 lecture is co-sponsored by UAB Student Counseling Services and the UAB Cares Suicide Prevention Initiative. Event Hosts: The 2026 Mike Wilson lecture is hosted by the UAB Department of Sociology and the Center for the Study of Sexual and Gender Health. Parking: There is limited parking available at the Alumni Society House in a dedicated lot, as well as street parking. RSVP: Please register for the event using the link provided (registration is recommended, but not required). Virtual participation via Zoom can also be requested via the registration link if you are interested but unable to attend in-person.