Go Forth and Innovate!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

When eighty-five of Oklahoma State University’s most ambitious and passionate wellness leaders are gathered in one room – the sky is the limit.

America’s Healthiest Campus® Innovators kicked off their two year commitment to enhancing wellness with a training orientation on Jan. 20.

“The inaugural event was a fantastic start to the program,” said Mary Talley, Employee Wellness Program manager. “With over 80 Innovators in attendance, we are excited to see the positive effect these individuals will have on their departments.”

The Innovators were chosen not only for their individual efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, but also for their commitments to be catalysts for health in their respective departments.

Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Suzy Harrington said that most departments have had an informal innovator and this program now gives support and recognition to those who had been promoting wellness all along.

“The energy and enthusiasm for health these Innovators brought with them was inspiring and uplifting,” Talley said. “We are happy to see them receive the recognition they deserve.”

Over the course of the orientation, the Innovators received training on how to effectively provide tools, resources and peer support to facilitate healthy lifestyle choices with their colleagues.

“It’s been an inspiring and educational day learning about current wellness initiatives and planning for future innovation,” said Danyel Germain, OSU-OKC Health Sciences Division Head. “I’m proud of OSU’s commitment to health and wellness in the state of Oklahoma.”

During the orientation, the Innovators were encouraged to shift others from the notion that wellness is limited to exercise and dieting. Wellness is much more. It is a healthy balance between physical, spiritual, emotional, professional and social wellbeing.  

In her closing statement, Harrington told the group to “Go forth and innovate!”

The next Innovator training will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Tulsa. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m.

Through programs like the AHC Innovators, Oklahoma State University is empowering its employees, students and communities where they live, to be well. For more information about the America’s Healthiest Campus® Innovator program visit AmericasHealthiestCampus.com or email the Oklahoma State University Chief Wellness Officer at chiefwellnessofficer@okstate.edu.

Story by Tory Dwyer