Category: Spotlight on Wellness


“It’s never too late to transform your life.” – Albena

Albena_Dzhurova

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.My name is Albena and I have just joined the University of Alabama’s College of Arts & Sciences as an Instructor at New College and New College LifeTrack. I am Eastern European, Bulgarian, to be precise, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue a PhD…


Finding Wellness in Movement, Community, and Connection

Sue givens in the snow

Briefly introduce yourself and share about your background.  My name is Sue Givens and I’m an administrative assistant in the Department of Community Medicine and Population Health in CCHS. I like spending my time finding adventures with my husband and friends, sewing, crafting, and traveling. I love a good cruise, a good cheese, and a good nap.…


“Find an activity that feeds your inner self…” – Leigh Ann H.

Leigh Ann Huguley

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I’m Leigh Ann Huguley and I’ve been with UA in Construction Contracts & Compliance since 2010. I don’t enjoy working out and I don’t have the self-discipline for routine exercise. I need an activity to get moving but I also want to be productive with…


Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact

Will Jefferson

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I’m Will, I’m a UA alumni, and I’m a computer scientist for The University of Alabama. I used to be overweight. Describe the starting point of your journey and the factors that led to this decision. I started my journey on accident when I had…


Running in Mickey Ears and Finding Balance Along the Way – Lori G.

Lori Greene

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Lori Greene, and I have been at UA for 17 years. I am a Senior Instructor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Hospitality, and Sport Management. I have also been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for almost 25 years. Describe the starting point…


“I plan to take my wellness journey to a higher level” – Craig W.

Craig Waite 2

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Craig Waite. I am a Regional Admissions Advisor for The University of Alabama. I live in Michigan with my wife and three kids. I’ve worked for UA for the last ten years covering Michigan, Minnesota, and Northwest Ohio. Describe the starting point…


“Couch to 5K has had the most positive impact on me” – Clay D.

Clay Davis

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Clay Davis, and I’ve been working at UA for over 20 years. My wife and I love playing and walking with our dogs. They keep us on a schedule and keep us moving. Describe the starting point of your journey and the…


Consistency is key!

Introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.Scooter Brown is a Motorist Assistant Technician. He helps drivers with things like inflating tires, giving gas, or other roadside help. His job keeps him moving, which is important to him because he cares about staying healthy. Describe the starting point of your journey and the factors…


“My wellness journey started after attending my first WellBAMA Screening” – Chelsea R.

Chelsea R. with staff going for a walk outside

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  I am the Director for First Year Experience at The University of Alabama where my career focuses on transition programming for first-year college students through leadership development, community building, and discovering passion areas. I have worked for FYE for the past 8 years in various…


“It is time to make a commitment to our health” – Rohan S.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.   Dr. Rohan Sood is an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics in the College of Engineering. He leads the Astrodynamics and Space Research Laboratory at the University of Alabama. He was born in the Himalayas and continues to pursue his dream of space exploration and…


“Your body is your mobile home…” – Taylor Z.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Taylor Zingg and I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science, and work as the Co-Lead of Internal Communications with the non-profit organization, Moms Demand Action Alabama. In fall of 2022, I graduated with my doctorate in Health Promotion from…


“If I can improve me, I can make me all about you.” – Larry C.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  Hello, my name is Larry Canada, and I am an attorney with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. I am also an Adjunct Faculty member here at the University of Alabama School of Law teaching trial advocacy. I have worked with the university since October of…


“Setting small obtainable goals is key!” – Wendy M.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Wendy Michalski.  I am an Accounting Specialist at the Law School and have been with the University of Alabama for 14 years.  I am a single mother of an amazing 16 year son who is my world.  Can you describe the starting…


“Keep yourself accountable in some way!” – Rachel G.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  Hi, my name is Rachel Goldsmith! I graduated from UA in 2024 and was blessed with the opportunity to transition into a full-time UA staff position right out of college. I am a Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Human Resource Department.  How has your wellness…


“When I feel better it makes me more productive at work” -Melanie H.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.   I have worked in some aspect of the health care field most of my adult life and have been employed in administration at University Medical Center for slightly over 6 years.  I live in Northport, am happily married to Jeff Harrell and we have two…