Jian “Lily” Chen, a doctoral student at the UNC School of Nursing, has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the Robert E. Bryan Public Service Award. Presented by the Carolina Center for Public Service, the award recognizes extraordinary public service by students, faculty, staff and University organizations.

Chen was honored for her leadership of UCA WAVES and her ongoing advocacy for youth mental health. As executive director of the UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative, she has led education, advocacy and intervention initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care for Asian American youth and families.

“Our story matters because immigrant stories are also American stories. Carolina, you don’t just invest in one—you inspire two generations and an entire community.” — Jian “Lily” Chen

Chen has played a key role in responding to mental health challenges on campus and beyond, organizing healing spaces and speaking at national events, including a White House mental health convening. In her nomination, Chen was praised for not just responding to problems, but for building solutions, mobilizing communities, and creating lasting change through compassionate, community-driven leadership.

(L–R) UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts,
Lily Chen, and Dean Valerie Howard.

Reflecting on the honor, Chen shared her appreciation for the support she received during her doctoral journey:

“I am just full of gratitude for Carolina Nursing for equipping me with skills to tell my stories more effectively, qualitatively and quantitatively, and it truly takes a village to tackle such a complex health problem of suicide prevention,” she said. “Special thanks to my PhD dissertation chair, Dr. Giscombe, as well as my committee members, faculty, and staff. I’m also grateful to Dean Howard for attending. Being recognized at the end of a PhD journey is truly the icing on the cake.”

The 2025 Public Service Awards ceremony was held April 16 at the Carolina Club in the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. Award recipients received a cash prize and framed certificate.

Watch the 2025 Public Service Awards ceremony.