Oklahoma State chosen as Certified Healthy Campus

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has selected Oklahoma State University as a Certified Healthy Campus, naming OSU to the top level of certification of “Excellence”.

OSU has taken a number of steps to encourage healthy living for students and employees.  OSU became a tobacco-free campus in 2008 and its wellness programs have expanded each year.  In August of 2011, memberships to campus fitness facilities were included as part of the benefits plan to OSU-Stillwater benefits-eligible employees. 

“We are extremely pleased to receive the highest rating,”  Lee Bird, vice president for Student Affairs said.  “I want to thank Mary Talley and Kirk Wimberley for their leadership in helping us earn this honor.  OSU has made great strides to promote better health and wellness among our faculty, staff and students.  This started with our tobacco free initiatives.  We have a wonderful staff at our two facilities, and this award highlights their extraordinary efforts.”

The award will be presented on March 1 at a luncheon at the Cox Convention Center Ballroom in Oklahoma City.  The State of Oklahoma received 24 applications to become a certified healthy campus.

 “The Certified Healthy Campus designation is just one more step in the journey to our goal of becoming America’s HEALTHIEST Campus,” said Ann Hargis, OSU’s First Cowgirl.  “I am so proud the State of Oklahoma is recognizing the positive steps we are taking to create a healthier campus culture for the employees and students at Oklahoma State University.”

The OSU Seretean Wellness Center’s mission is to help people achieve a balance of physical and mental health. The Center supports this mission by housing the Employee Assistance Program and O-Zone Fitness Center, and by offering a variety of services including nutrition programs and counseling, massage therapy, health risk assessments and many more. For more information about the Certified Healthy Department program, please contact Mary Talley at 405.744.WELL (9355) or mary.talley@okstate.edu.