Over the course of the past 5 years, the health and wellness of Kentucky State University staff, faculty, and students have demonstrated a noticeable decline. This decline has been measured by the increased incidence of preventable disease and insurance claims by the university insurance providers. Because of this, it was determined that organizing a campus wide health and wellness initiative would serve to improve overall health and moral of campus individuals.

Based upon research at other worksite wellness locations around the state and country, a facility on campus was secured and equipment was purchased in order to provide a comprehensive fitness opportunity for participants. This included resistance training devices, endurance machines, and flexibility units. In addition, nutrition courses were instituted in order to improve faculty/staff/student’s ability to cook healthy foods and make nutritious choices. Finally, a program to improve functional movement was instituted weekly to improve flexibility, spine alignment, and core strength.

As a result of this pilot program, faculty/staff/students have begun participating in an ongoing fitness routine using free-weights and cardio machines. In addition, participants have been regularly attending our monthly nutrition programs (“Munchie Mondays”) and learning the benefits of healthy cooking and making smart nutrition choices. Finally, the weekly programs on functional movement have been well attended by faculty, staff, students, and especially some of our university athletes.

While this is a pilot program, we have not collected long term data regarding these programs. However, our functional movement and nutrition classes have a nearly 100% satisfaction response based upon evaluations. Many of these participants have indicated that they have used the exercises or recipes at home for their family. In addition, we have had to move spaces in order to accommodate more people participating. In addition, the gym that promotes cardio and resistance training is now changing times, by request, in order to accommodate better work schedules. A full evaluation is planned for the following year.