In January 2015, President G.P. “Bud” Peterson announced the creation of a campus-wide wellness initiative. Taking into consideration work done by both the Mental Health Task Force and the Sexual Violence Task Force, President Peterson announced combining campus efforts for wellness, mental health, alcohol and drug education and sexual violence prevention into a single initiative; thereby strengthening all involved by combining resources, skills and knowledge.

The Initiative also included the creation of a Center for Community Health and Wellbeing by linking three departments – Stamps Health Services, the Campus Recreation Center and Health Promotion.

Phase One - Planning
Divided into phases, the wellness initiative began as most projects do with the Planning Phase and as each of the three Center departments currently continue to initiate and conduct programs and services, each is also in a Planning Phase as part of the Center.

The Planning Phase will continue through the selection of an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be tasked with responsibilities for strategically planning and implementing campus-wide health and wellbeing programs.

Executive Director Search
The search firm of The Spelman & Johnson Group has been engaged to conduct a nation-wide search for a person to lead the Center and conduct the Implementation Phase.
Plans are to have the position filled and the Executive Director in place no later than Fall Semester, Of course, the start date will depend on the successful candidate’s availability.

Victim-Survivor Advocate Search
The Center also houses two Victim-Survivor Advocates. Both advocates – Jennifer Gagen and Katy Berteau – are already on staff. For more information about the Victim-Survivor Advocate program, read Meet Jennifer Gagen, Victim Survivor Advocate!