The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD) today announced the selection of its new cohort for the Training Advisory Committee (TAC). These accomplished campus professionals will serve a two-year term, joining existing TAC members to provide critical guidance to shape the center’s nationwide training framework. 

The new members represent a wide variety of experience levels, institution sizes, organizations, and geographic regions, ensuring the Center’s educational resources effectively meet the needs of collegiate substance misuse and recovery professionals nationwide.  

New members include:  

Sara Berens, Ohio University; Lauren de Treville Powell, Virginia Commonwealth University; Santee Ezell, Afya Care and Treatment Services; Michelle Frye-Spray, University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health, CASAT; Cori Hammond, Partnership to End Addiction; Richard Lucey, Prevention EnRICHment Services, LLC; Leslie Roberts, Amherst College; Margo Thorwart, Millersville University; Matthew Warner, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; Miranda Wishnok, University of Notre Dame; and Elisa Worland, UC Santa Cruz.  

“We are thrilled to welcome this dedicated group of leaders to our Training Advisory Committee,” said James Lange, Executive Director of HECAOD. “Their on-the-ground perspectives are vital as we build educational content that addresses evolving trends in student wellness, prevention science, and collegiate recovery support.” 

The HECAOD Training Advisory Committee is tasked with several core responsibilities to advance prevention education: 

  • Curating Content: Contributing fresh ideas for monthly webinars, learning collaboratives, and virtual symposia. 
  • Shaping National Events: Directing focus areas, themes, and breakout session content for the 2027 and 2028 National Meetings. 
  • Expanding Networks: Promoting online and in-person professional development opportunities across their respective campus networks. 

The newly appointed committee cohort includes professionals specializing in health promotion, student affairs, and substance misuse prevention. Their work will directly influence the educational programming HECAOD delivers to campus communities across the country. 

About HECAOD 

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD) is a premier national resource based at The Ohio State University. The center helps higher education institutions address substance misuse and gambling-related harms. Through evidence-based training, tools like ScreenU, and collaborative learning environments, HECAOD supports professionals across the country in fostering safe, healthy campus environments conducive to student success.