Georgia Southern combines two departments for enhanced student wellness

May 18, 2020

Georgia Southern University is combining education and service to achieve student wellness in new ways through the Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion.

In January 2020, the University Wellness Program and the Office of Health Promotion and Education were combined to offer one centralized location that promotes student well-being by improving health, reducing health risks and maintaining positive health behaviors.

Director Gemma Skuraton, DrPH, said this will foster a culture of wellness that champions an environment focused on holistic wellness for students.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to elevate student well-being through best practice public health, capacity building and linked wellness co-curriculum,” said Skuraton. “I believe holistic wellness is a learned skill that is just as important to learn while in college as academic coursework.”

The new office will provide students with a clear direction for wellness, support, advocacy, resources and education.

Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Melanie Miller, Ph.D., said they were able to create a more intentional strategic plan for student wellness that supports a holistic approach and that will contribute to student success.

“By creating one, single office, we can eliminate confusion for staff and for students,” Miller said. “This will enhance efficiencies and effectiveness by all resources being in one location, under one administrative structure.”

Public health major Ifeoluwa Kayode, who is on the pre-med track, has been involved with the health services department as a wellness ambassador for four semesters. She has high hopes for the program and thinks that this will continue to help educate her on the journey toward being a health care professional.

“Through this program, I am hoping to develop my health education and promotion skills,” she said. “I want to become more in tune with the public health inner workings and aspects of this program by advocating for university wellness.”

For more information on how to access the Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion visit https://students.georgiasouthern.edu/swhp/.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.