NIRSA Promising Practices: Ohio University, 2024

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Ohio University's Promising Practices includes information about their transformative journey towards a commitment to student wellbeing characterized by an evolving approach that integrates purpose-driven strategies and collaborative efforts across the campus. Be sure to check out all the included components included in this package!

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    Through this webinar, Ohio University will discuss their focus on developing a purpose-driven team, explore interdisciplinary and innovative strategies supporting wellbeing, and discuss successes and lessons learned through the lens of the presenters. Attendees will also learn how the Inter-association Definition of Well-Being can be used as a foundation and connection point for this work.

    Through this webinar, Ohio University will discuss their focus on developing a purpose-driven team, explore interdisciplinary and innovative strategies supporting wellbeing, and discuss successes and lessons learned through the lens of the presenters. Attendees will also learn how the Inter-association Definition of Well-Being can be used as a foundation and connection point for this work. 

    Learning Objectives:  

    • Understand how purpose-driven approaches can impact wellbeing efforts 
    • Gain insights toward developing collaborative initiatives beyond traditional recreation partnerships   
    • Learn the barriers and successes to implementing wellbeing initiatives 
    Sharon Boyle

    Sharon Boyle

    D.H.Sc., M.M., MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Director of Arts in Health

    Ohio University

    Sharon R. Boyle, D.H.Sc., M.M., MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Director of Arts in Health, is the Program Director for the newly launched Master of Applied Arts in Health program at Ohio University. An experienced administrator, educator, music therapy clinician, and clinical supervisor for 25+ years, Dr. Boyle is an established leader in the field of music therapy. She is an innovative thinker who creates connections across disciplines and academic units to further develop arts-based wellness programs.

    In addition to research articles and book publications, she has presented both regionally and nationally on a range of topics in music therapy, music and health, and arts in health, combining her extensive backgrounds in music therapy and health science.

    Boyle is a long-time member of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and maintains her board certification credential from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)She has served as the president of the Association for Indiana Music Therapy (AIMT), on the Great Lakes Region of AMTA Board, on the Music Therapy Perspectives Editorial Board, and on the AMTA Assembly of Delegates.  

    Wes Bonadio

    Wes Bonadio

    Director, Well-Being & Recreation

    Ohio University

    High performing higher education professional with a demonstrated history of success working in the collegiate well-being & recreation industry. Skilled in administration, business development, strategic planning, budgeting, revenue enhancement, program/event management, operations, personnel supervision, assessment, student/staff development and institutional collaboration. Served in various professional and volunteer roles in the areas of collegiate recreation, student affairs, athletics, and academic instruction; active involvement in state, regional, and national professional associations; co-authored multiple publications; M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education and B.S. in Parks & Recreation. Over 30 Professional presentations including 10 at NIRSA.  

    Mark Ferguson

    Mark Ferguson

    Assistant Vice President, Well-Being

    Ohio University

    Mark serves as the Assistant Vice President for Well-being at Ohio University and is a current member of the NIRSA Health & Wellbeing Task ForceWith over 20 years of experience in collegiate recreation and student affairs, Mark has extensive experience leading organizational change, developing strategic direction, and building cohesive teamsHis work aims to transcend traditional approaches through transformative, integrated initiatives that empower the whole campus community. 

    Tony Gregory

    Tony Gregory

    Assistant Director, Well-Being & Fitness

    Ohio University

    Dedicated higher education professional with 8 years of experience leading wellness and well-being initiatives on college campuses. Skilled in program development, staff management, and public speaking. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Holds an M.S. in Recreation & Sport Pedagogy and a B.S. in Human Nutrition and Community Health. Certified as a Personal Trainer, Health & Wellness Coach, and Group Fitness Instructor. Experienced in strategic planning, budgeting, revenue enhancement, and personnel supervision. Actively involved in professional associations and conferences. Committed to promoting holistic well-being and student success through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships within educational institutions. 

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    Ohio University's commitment to student wellbeing has been a transformative journey characterized by an evolving approach that integrates purpose-driven strategies and collaborative efforts across the campus. That approach is guided by the Well-Being & Recreation department's vision to be a catalyst for wellbeing that is accessible to all. Additionally, the university has prioritized creating an inclusive environment that supports not only the health of individual students but also the broader campus community.

    Ohio University's commitment to student wellbeing has been a transformative journey characterized by an evolving approach that integrates purpose-driven strategies and collaborative efforts across the campus. That approach is guided by the Well-Being & Recreation department's vision to be a catalyst for wellbeing that is accessible to all. Additionally, the university has prioritized creating an inclusive environment that supports not only the health of individual students but also the broader campus community.

    After years of groundwork, the concept of Thrive has emerged as a way to encapsulate and communicate the collective student wellbeing work that had been building over time. Far from a static initiative, Thrive is the student-facing campaign that represents an ongoing evolution— continuously developing and adapting to meet the diverse needs of the student body. This approach has become a model for fostering holistic student wellbeing, enhancing interdepartmental cooperation, and driving systemic changes in campus wellbeing.

    Driven by this vision, the department acts as a catalyst, not only in advancing their own wellbeing efforts but also in supporting and elevating the wellbeing work of others across campus. This purpose-driven approach to student care ensures that wellbeing is integrated into every facet of university life, creating a more connected, supportive, and healthy campus environment.