University Department Changes Name, Focuses on Holistic Wellness

The Pat Walker Health Center's department of health promotion and education has officially changed its name to the department of wellness and health promotion. This name change, which officially took effect in July, reflects the departments' effort to better serve the university by shifting focus and highlighting the university's proactive interest in becoming a campus of wellness.

The newly titled department will remain under the university's Pat Walker Health Center and current director, Ed Mink.

"Wellness is all about maximizing one's potential across the various dimensions of holistic health (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and vocational)," said Mink "As we proceed further as a campus community we are working to develop a culture of wellness and true mental health among our students, faculty, and staff."

This change came after much discussion regarding the shifting trend on campus towards more comprehensive, intertwining collaborative efforts within the Division of Student Affairs and how the department's name didn't fully encompass the width and breadth of the department's talents and goals.

"Since the initiation of the department of health promotions and education almost 20 years ago, wellness has been a growing and engaging process," said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. "Services and programs are becoming ever more holistic, wellness oriented, and grounded in and on the principles of positive psychology, resilience and thriving rather than on health topics."

"This name change indicates a direction that is even more holistic than in the past, celebrating the positive aspects of health and developing strategies of resilience and thriving," Serafini said.  "We are excited about this new direction and new connections with our students."

Provost Sharon Gaber agreed. "This change reflects a commitment to creating a true culture of wellness on this campus," Gaber said. "The emphasis on wellness will help the University of Arkansas become a leader among our benchmark institutions, and enable us to reach the goal of becoming a top 50 institution."