William Carey University has achieved the gold level Fit-Friendly Worksite designation from the American Heart Association.
The Fit-Friendly Worksite program recognizes employers who go above and beyond when it comes to employees' health and rewards organizations for progressive leadership and concern for their staff. To qualify, the worksite must have at least 25 employees and promote a wellness culture that includes offering workers physical activity support and healthy eating options at work.
WCU employees have access to an on-campus walking trail and fitness center, healthy food selections in the school cafeteria, and they can participate in a walking club.
Deanna Graves, who works in the admissions office, and President Tommy King started the walking club two years ago. "He wanted a program that would motivate faculty and staff to be healthy," said Graves. "It's free; all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes." The club's motto is "Move more. It doesn't matter what you move, just move something."
The club meets once a week during fall, winter and spring to walk the track on campus. "We see how far we can get in 30-minute increments," Graves said. Some people walk in the morning, and others in the evening after work. "Exercise is hard to maintain when you are alone. The club simply gives walkers people to walk with or share the track with." People who can't walk before or after work choose to walk during the workday or on their own time at home.
In addition to the walking trail, employees have access to an on-campus fitness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment purchased through a grant from Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Graves sends a weekly email to the faculty and staff that includes tips for better living and healthy recipes. As a reward for making healthy choices such as losing weight, working out or eating better, employees are entered into a drawing for weekend giveaways provided by MMI Catering, which manages the campus cafeteria. "MMI works in conjunction with the walking club to offer healthy choices in the cafeteria and providing the hotel stays for our winners," Graves said.
While pizza and hamburgers are always popular in a college cafeteria, MMI ensures the menu also includes healthy fare each day. Food services director Dale McVeay said the "Healthy Edge" bar features vegetables, baked or sweet potatoes, and selections for vegetarians. "It may not always be low fat, but it's vegetables without bacon or without an excess of butter."
McVeay and his staff work with the students and employees who have dietary restrictions or food allergies. He encourages newcomers with special dietary needs to meet with him and discuss ways they can accommodate their needs. Employees can sign up to have the menu emailed to them each morning. If they see there isn't anything on the menu they can eat, McVeay said they can call the cafeteria ahead of time to have something prepared for lunch.
"We have about 20 items we can prepare for people with special dietary needs. We do it every day for folks," McVeay said. "We should have something out there every day that people with special dietary needs can eat."
President Tommy King said, "Having on-campus access to fitness opportunities and healthy food makes it easier for employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. The walking club also provides a support system so employees can encourage each other as they work toward their goals to be more active."