University of New England: Amanda Hall

Hello all! I decided this week to interview someone here at UNE who has a large influence on student activities and student health. Katie Brown is the Wellness Educator at UNE, but she is someone who works with the students in our college community. Hopefully by getting to know some of the people here at UNE you can have a better understanding of the what UNE WCC is like.

What do you do here at UNE WCC?
As the Wellness Educator of the Division of Student affairs, I am the advisor for the Student Healthy Advisory Council (SHAC)---and am the chair for the Food Service Committee. I am also a member of the Health Wise Committee and Student Wellness Committee. These committees promote health and wellness for the faculty/staff and student population respectively.

What is unique about the WCC?
Our Student Affairs Division works closely to ensure efforts with outreach to all students regarding wellness initiatives, learning assistance and counseling. Any resource to succeed here is ‘one stop shopping’.

How important is it to you for students to stay active and healthy in college?
My main focus is to ensure students have any and all opportunities that reduce stress, increase energy and promote wellness. It is especially important, as we are the College of Health Professions.

What are some of the measures you have taken toward increasing awareness of a healthy college environment?
• I offer workshops on how to eat healthy while at college with a new topic each month. I also work with the Nurse Practitioner and the RA’s to promote health for the residential students.
• I work closely with the director of the Finley Recreation Center to provide fitness classes, i.e., Yoga, Pilates, Cardio-kickboxing, Self Defense, to name a few.
• I also am the chair for the Food Service Committee to ensure that healthy foods are included in the menu here at the WCC.
• I take appointments and meet with students to create Exercise and Nutrition plans to follow for the year.
• As previously mentioned, I am the Advisor for the Student Health Advisory Council. This council plans a variety of Health and Wellness Activities throughout the year. The mission of this council is to educate, collaborate and advocate for student health.

Any advice you'd like to give to any student?
Try to eat healthy and exercise. It sounds simple, however, the two will balance stress and any lifestyle habits that may interfere with your well being.