NCWU is recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine through the Exercise is Medicine® initiative, highlighting our leadership in integrating physical activity into daily life and education. Our program initiatives such as the Lunch and Learn Series are components of our EIM-OC recognition each year.

North Carolina Wesleyan University is 1 of only 200 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise is Medicine^® initiative for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Campus-wide initiatives focused on physical activity and health at the University have helped Wesleyan earn silver-level designation from the Exercise is Medicine^® On Campus (EIM-OC) program.

NCWU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is currently completing requirements for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nationally recognized accrediting body for public health programs. The MPH program features distinctive concentrations in Physical Activity and Health and Social Epidemiology— the only program in North Carolina to offer these.

Wellness at NCWU begins with leadership and extends across the entire campus community, fostering a supportive and health-focused environment for faculty, staff and students.

Personal Training Program for Faculty/Staff

As part of NCWU’s commitment to experiential learning, Exercise Science students gain real-world experience through a supervised personal training program for faculty and staff.

This program offers participants access to guided fitness coaching—similar to services that typically cost $50–$100 per hour—at no cost, while students develop hands-on skills in:

• Fitness assessment and screening
• Exercise prescription
• One-on-one personal training

All sessions are supervised by faculty to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Participants are expected to train at least three times per week, with opportunities to earn additional wellness incentives through the Wesleyan Wellness program.

This initiative reflects how NCWU integrates academic learning with real-world application—benefiting both students and the campus community.

Wesleyan Wellness Initiatives

North Carolina Wesleyan University offers a leading example of workplace wellness programs in colleges, supporting faculty and staff in building healthier habits through simple, consistent daily activity.

The Wesleyan Wellness program encourages movement throughout the workday—from desk-friendly exercises to walking initiatives—making wellness accessible and sustainable.

A key initiative, “Fit 4 Fall,” is a structured, goal-driven, incentive-based program where participants track intentional physical activity and earn rewards such as paid time off and gift cards. More importantly, it fosters accountability, motivation, and community.

With over a decade of impact, NCWU’s approach to workplace wellness promotes:

• Daily physical activity
• Employee engagement and morale
• Long-term health and well-being

At NCWU, workplace wellness is not just a program—it’s part of a campus-wide commitment to healthier living.

Walk With the President

NCWU’s commitment to college wellness programs and active campus engagement has earned Silver Level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) initiative.

Key programs—such as Walk with the President, demonstrate how NCWU integrates physical activity into campus life.

Each year, NCWU further reinforces its leadership by designating October as Exercise is Medicine® On Campus Month. The celebration includes a formal campus proclamation and community events like the Walk with the President, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in support of healthier living. At NCWU, national recognition reflects a daily commitment to making wellness visible, accessible, and part of the campus experience.

Students play an active role in building a culture of wellness by leading events and engaging their peers.

Student-led fitness and wellness events

NC Wesleyan EXS and Public Health students actively lead fitness and wellness events on campus by planning and hosting activities that promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement. Through hands-on involvement, students organize workouts, wellness programs and events such as the Fall Fun-Run, annual Pickle ball Tournament and also educational events that encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and peer connection. Public Health students collaborate with campus and community partners to promote and support health at NCWU. Recent initiatives include mental health, sexual health and wellness, and menstural health equity.

These initiatives help students develop leadership skills while fostering a supportive, health-focused campus environment.

The Health & Movement Science Club connects students in Exercise Science and Public Health Studies with the Rocky Mount community through engaging fitness and wellness events. The club fosters social, academic, and professional growth both on and off campus while supporting overall student development.

Campus-wide activity programming

NC Wesleyan University promotes campus-wide wellness and community engagement through its 5K walking trail and inclusive events like the annual “commUNITY Walk.” The scenic perimeter trail offers a safe, accessible space for students and the Rocky Mount community to walk, run, and connect, featuring lighting, emergency towers, bridges, and rest areas. Complementing this space, the commUNITY Walk brings together students, faculty, staff, and local residents to celebrate unity, health, and shared purpose. Inspired by Coach John Thompson’s message—“Be positive… Unite, don’t divide”—the event encourages participants to foster positivity and teamwork in their communities. Together, these initiatives reflect Wesleyan’s commitment to health, safety, and building stronger connections both on campus and beyond.

NCWU empowers students and employees with practical health knowledge that translates into lifelong habits and community leadership.

Lunch & Learn Health Series

NCWU’s Lunch & Learn Health Series is a key part of its campus-wide approach to college wellness programs and health education. These brief, 30-minute sessions provide accessible, practical insights on relevant health and wellness topics for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Sponsored by the Departments of Public Health and Exercise Science in partnership with Exercise is Medicine® on Campus and Wesleyan Wellness, the series promotes informed, healthier lifestyles through ongoing education.

By connecting wellness with learning, NCWU helps individuals stay physically active, mentally sharp, and equipped for lifelong health.

American Heart Association Initiatives

NCWU proudly hosts the American Heart Association Heart Walk, a signature college community health and wellness event that brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local residents.

Held annually on campus, the Heart Walk promotes heart health awareness while raising funds to support lifesaving research and education. Participation is open to all—walk for free, donate, or do both to support a meaningful cause.

The event also strengthens community connections, with friendly competition and strong alumni engagement helping drive participation and impact. Through events like the Heart Walk, NCWU turns wellness into action—supporting healthier lives on campus and in the community.

Wear Red Day

NCWU’s Wear Red Day is a featured college wellness and heart health awareness event, held in partnership with the American Heart Association during Heart Health Month.

Wear Red Day Awareness Social Media Engagement >

Our efforts extend beyond campus, making a measurable impact on the health and well-being of the surrounding community.

Tackle the Tar Event

Tackle the Tar is a premier example of college community wellness events, combining physical activity with meaningful impact. This 5K obstacle course—featuring more than 20 challenges including mud pits, walls, and crawls—brings together students, faculty, and the broader community.

Since its founding in 2016, Tackle the Tar has raised over $700,000 in scholarships, including more than $30,000 annually to support NCWU students.

Participants can run the course or volunteer, making it an inclusive opportunity to promote wellness, teamwork, and service. At NCWU, wellness extends beyond campus—fueling community connection and expanding access to education.

View a list of current Community Partners Here >

Applied Learning With Our Local Community Partners

A major focus of NCWU’s Exercise Science and Public Health programs is to connect students to practical, hands-on experiences, by working directly with community partners. In this manner, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their courses to “real world” practice.

NCWU Exercise Science, Public Health, and Master of Public Health students gain practical hands-on experience, working with the community partners, as part of their curriculum at NCWU.