In the News

A Barron’s feature examines how philanthropists—including the Ballmer Institute—are increasingly investing in mental health, reflecting a shift toward prevention, systems change, and long‑term solutions.

March 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health at the University of Oregon. As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude to our incredible faculty, our talented staff, our strong school district partners, and you - our vast community.

John Karl Scholz will succeed UO’s last president, who left the university for a job at Northwestern.

Concordia News reports that Katie McLaughlin, PhD, has been named the inaugural executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health (page 5).

Leaders from the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health joined student mental health roundtable with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Portland Public Schools leaders to discuss systems‑level solutions and collaboration.

A KGW report examines the mental health challenges facing teens in Portland Public Schools, echoing the urgency highlighted in Ballmer Institute–convened discussions with education, state, and federal leaders.

OPB reports on a youth mental health roundtable with Oregon state and Portland Public Schools leadership that included Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health leaders and identified the Institute as one of several initiatives addressing youth mental health needs.

A KGW video highlights the appointment of Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health’s first executive director.

An OPB article reports on the selection of Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as inaugural executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health.

OregonLive covers the University of Oregon’s announcement naming Katie McLaughlin, PhD, a Harvard researcher, as the first executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health.

The Portland Business Journal reports on the University of Oregon’s appointment of Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as the Ballmer Institute’s first executive director.

KGW covers the University of Oregon’s announcement appointing Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health.

A KVAL report highlights the University of Oregon’s announcement naming Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as the inaugural executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health.

As a leading researcher, clinical psychologist, Katie McLaughlin has dedicated her career to the prevention, treatment of mental health issues in youth.

The State of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has approved the bachelor of arts/bachelor of science undergraduate degree program in child behavioral health for the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health.