SHIFTing the Culture

Since 2019, an initiative at The University of Texas at Austin has been transforming the campus environment into an empowered culture of mindful decision-making and open conversations about substance use. Now, thanks to a matching gift from the visionary behind the initiative, Mindy Hildebrand, BBA ’86, the trailblazing initiative SHIFT is poised to expand and reach more students than ever before.

Emphasizing key environmental strategies and unique partnerships to holistically support students and the UT Austin community, SHIFT changes what campus life can look and feel like from classrooms to tailgate parties.

“SHIFT has helped cultivate safer, more connected experiences that not only reduce substance misuse, but encourage connection — essential at a time when students feel increasingly isolated,” says Kate Lower, Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Director of SHIFT. “To see culture change start to root in our first few years has been incredible — to be able to sustain this progress toward supportive environments on campus is nothing short of inspiring.”

“When I first met with UT professor Lori Holleran Steiker, I was so impressed with her passion and commitment to tackling substance use issues,” says Mindy Hildebrand. “As a result, SHIFT was created to ‘shift’ the culture on campus by providing education and prevention tools, freshman signature courses, and alternative social experiences at UT Austin.”

“I hope you will join me in supporting this important and impactful program!”