Category Spotlight on Wellness


School of Social Work Finds Connection

Social Work, building, Little Hall, sunshine

The School of Social Work (SSW) includes employees across a wide range of positions, with many administrative assistants supporting the school. Courtney Crosby participated in the mid-morning walking breaks with her SSW team because they needed an excuse to get outside and exercise. The walking breaks gave the team an opportunity to discuss tasks for…


How Small Changes Led to Big Step Gains

Dakota Gray with her dog, Dean

Dakota Gray, who works at the Capstone College of Nursing, was recognized as the Most Improved participant in the July Monthly Step Goal Challenge after making a big jump in her daily steps from June to July. She started with a 5K step goal before challenging herself to reach 10K steps, focusing on consistency rather…


Going the Extra Mile

Meet Christy Tanner, Program Assistant at the University Supply Store! Christy recently set a monthly step goal and went well beyond it, proving that consistency and a willingness to keep moving can make a big difference. For Christy, walking has become a regular part of her routine. When the weather is cooler, she takes advantage…


Find Your Path, Enjoy the Scenery

Kenny Wunder is the Dai-ichi Life Endowed Chair of Actuarial Science and an Assistant Professor of Actuarial Science & Risk Management in The University of Alabama’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Legal Studies. While his professional work centers on risk and analytics, outside the classroom Kenny is an accomplished ultramarathon runner who has completed races…


Turning Movement into Community

April Walker Hoola Hoop

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at UA.I’ve (April Walker) worked in Student Care and Well‑Being since July 2024. I’m often the first point of contact for students navigating difficult circumstances—whether they’re grieving the loss of a parent or grandparent, facing financial hardship or food insecurity, feeling overwhelmed, or simply unsure of…


The Power of Kindness at Work

At the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, supporting others is at the heart of everything they do. From helping families navigate autism evaluations to creating memorable experiences for children and caregivers, this small but mighty team is making a meaningful impact through both their work and their culture of kindness. The clinic team…


Learning to Rest, Recharge, and Thrive

My name is LeCretia, and I have been with The University of Alabama for nearly seven years, with my anniversary coming up this October. I currently serve as a Testing Services Associate I in the Office of Disability Services Testing Center. In this role, I support daily testing operations while helping create a welcoming and…


Commit to Daily Movement

As an ACCESS Virtual Learning Program Manager (OTIDE), Mike oversees the development and administration of professional development programs, workshops, materials, and resources to support ACCESS stakeholders in achieving virtual learning success, while communicating and maintaining policies and procedures that promote effective online classroom environments. What helped you stay consistent with your steps this month? It…


Consistency Over Perfection: Build Movement into Everyday Life

Tracy serves as a Professional Development Specialist in HR Learning and Development, where she designs and leads campus‑wide learning and development initiatives for employees. She also currently acts as the Learning Workstream Lead for Capstone Convergence for Workday Learning. What helped you stay consistent with your steps this month? Some days are better than others,…


The Power of an Accountability Partner

Dr. Robbin Young is the Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Professor in the College of Community Health Sciences & School of Nursing at The University of Alabama. Robbin completed her BSN from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Nursing. She achieved her MSN with a focus of Health Care Education from the University…


“Walk with purpose” not just for physical health.

Susan Welch with Big AL and friend on Crimson Couch in front of the Walk of Champions

Susan Welch, a professor in the Capstone College of Nursing, is stepping into spring with an impressive accomplishment. Not only did she stay consistent throughout March, but she also surpassed her monthly step goal! Demonstrating a strong commitment to her health and well-being. Her dedication is a great reminder of how small, daily habits can…


Finding Movement in the Day-to-Day

Dalila John is a WellBAMA Ambassador and a Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. She’s passionate about wellness and finding ways to fit healthy habits into everyday life. Here, she shares some of her tips for adding movement into your day. What helped you stay consistent with your steps…


“Movement is what your body is built for”

Xabier cycling on bridge in Tuscaloosa

Dr. Xabier Granja is an Associate Professor of Spanish whose research explores Early Modern Spanish literature, personal identities, and the cultural dynamics of historical texts. Read how he stays active and reaches his monthly step goals: What helped you stay consistent with your steps this month? What helped me stay consistent this month is having…


Staying Consistent One Step at a Time

Madison McNair is an instructor in Theatre and Dance at The University of Alabama, she was a top stepper in the recent MoveSpring monthly step challenge. Whether teaching yoga or training for the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon, she makes movement a consistent and energizing part of her everyday life. Here’s a closer look at what motivates…


UA Online Marketing on the Move

We are the UA Online Marketing team. We have a creative group that loves any excuse to celebrate, connect and move together! Because we’re located on the third floor, most of us choose the stairs instead of the elevator to build in extra movement throughout the day. We also walk together every Friday to Lakeside…


Acts of Kindness in Action

Kim McWhirt, a WellBAMA ambassador, works at the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, supporting individuals and families with ASD. Her team was nominated for Spotlight on Wellness for their ongoing random acts of kindness. How your department got started with these initiatives? For the last several years we have been awarded with a…


“Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day, even in small ways.” -Danielle S.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I’m a Program Manager with UA Online, where I support students and colleagues in achieving their academic and professional goals. I’m passionate about fostering growth and balance in all aspects of work, education, and everyday life. As a former Academic Success Coach, wellness has always…


Small steps, big impact!

two women holding their medals at a 5K race

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  I [Kristie Black] work for the Institute for Rural Health Research, I have been here for 7 1/2 years, and I am the clinical trials coordinator. What specific wellness program has had a positive impact on you? Strive for five has made the most positive…


Fuel Your Body with the Right Nutrients

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background I have been living in Tuscaloosa for almost six years. I am the youngest of four girls and my sisters are my best friends. I love spending time with my family, going to the beach and the mountains. I enjoy running, hiking, white water rafting,…


Wellness as a Foundation for Work and Life

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I am an archaeologist and an Associate Professor of Anthropology at UA. I study foodways in the past and present. My research focuses on what people eat, how they prepare food, and the cultural meanings tied to those practices. Since arriving at UA, I have…