Written By : Robert J. Mullaney, Employee Wellness Coordinator, Be Well
Robert J. Mullaney joined UT in December 2024 as the Be Well coordinator within the Center for Health Education and Wellness. In his first year in this role, the program has grown and expanded, with impressive results in participant feedback. Read his reflections on his first year on Rocky Top and how Be Well programs are supporting faculty and staff.
Operated through the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Be Well employee wellness program supports UT faculty and staff in developing health-promoting skills and connecting with resources across the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social. Together, these dimensions address both physical and mental well-being through a comprehensive, holistic framework.
In 2025, the program experienced significant growth. More than 3,475 faculty, staff, and graduate students participated in one or more of 159 events. Programs were intentionally designed to address multiple dimensions of wellness to ensure meaningful and broad-based impact.
This growth was made possible through strong interdepartmental collaboration. Partners included units within the Division of Student Life and across the university, such as the UT Gardens, Human Resources, Faculty Senate, Facilities Services, the Office of Sustainability, and the UT System Chief Wellness Officer. New opportunities introduced in 2025 included workspace ergonomic evaluations and goal-setting workshops, expanding both individualized and group-based engagement opportunities.
Beginning in mid-February, Be Well programming featured a wide range of activities, including kickboxing and weight training classes, weekly virtual yoga, tai chi, dance classes, bowling, nature walks, zip lining, ice-cream socials, book club meetings, wellness champion meetings, and campus-wide wellness challenges. From February through December 2025, the program averaged approximately 15 opportunities offered per month.
Participant feedback reflected strong satisfaction and perceived value. Among surveyed attendees, 98% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with program content, 96% were satisfied or very satisfied with the delivery format, and 69% indicated that at least four of the eight dimensions of wellness were addressed, with 30% reporting coverage of all eight dimensions. Notably, 100% of respondents reported that programs met or exceeded expectations, with 60% indicating that expectations were exceeded.
Be Well programs are offered year-round, including summer months, ensuring continuous access to wellness resources and opportunities. Even during traditionally slower periods on campus, the Be Well team remains committed to advancing employee well-being through consistent, high-quality programming that supports holistic health throughout the year.
Employee’s Thoughts on Be Well
“The energy and enthusiasm for the topics were refreshing.”
“This was a wonderful event that I thoroughly enjoyed. Very informative also.”
“This event was a great way to learn more about Be Well while also socializing with other university colleagues. I will attend more events in the future based on my experience alone.”
“Learning about colleagues across other units while doing something fun helps immensely in growing shared knowledge and completing interdisciplinary work at UT.”
“With all the daily pressures of life, it’s not easy to get out and do something good for our health. I feel like these Be Well events successfully break through the calendar clutter and mental fog, and that’s no small accomplishment.”
“It was wonderful and I appreciated the conversations that were had and all the ways to think a little differently about wellness and how to practice in our work/personal lives.”
Be Well Programs By the Numbers
Among surveyed attendees of Be Well programs, 98% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with program content, 96% were satisfied or very satisfied with the delivery format, and 69% indicated that at least four of the eight dimensions of wellness were addressed, with 30% reporting coverage of all eight dimensions.