Campus forum highlights well‑being as a driver of institutional success

Well-being at Rowan University isn’t a single program or initiative, said Kha’ Sadler, Psy.D., associate provost for wellness & inclusivity. It’s a shared commitment that requires collaboration across the institution. 

“It’s not an add-on—it’s a driver,” she said. 

At the March 26 Thriving Together forum, that commitment brought together campus leaders, faculty, staff, students and community partners to discuss ways to deepen institutional support for health, belonging and flourishing across the university. 

Throughout the event, a slate of speakers from the Wellness Strategic Plan Task Force—including representatives from Rowan Thrive, Rowan Cares and the Center for Belonging & Student Engagement, as well as staff from Campus Recreation and members of the faculty—highlighted how this philosophy is being translated into action.

Human Resources initiatives supporting employee well-being were framed as essential to institutional success. “When our faculty and staff are well-engaged and supported,” Sadler said, “it strengthens teaching, learning and the outcomes we seek across the institution.”

Allison Gunn, manager of talent retention and employee engagement, shared initiatives and resources available to University employees, including an explanation of the employee resource communities. Currently, there are three: Black@Rowan, Neurodivergent ERC and Employee Parents Resource Community. Any Rowan employee can apply to start a new resource group by filling out an application.

Integrating wellness throughout one’s daily routine is far more powerful than adding another item to a checklist, noted Melissa Wheatcroft, general counsel and a member of the Wellness Strategic Plan Task Force.

“Well-being can’t be one more thing we add to an already full list,” Wheatcroft said. “If it’s not embedded into how we think, plan and work every day, it becomes overwhelming instead of transformative.”

Multiple students representing Student Government Association contributed to the forum, including Muriel Agbobli, Shelynel Alvarez and Mark Foley. Speaking from the lectern, Foley underscored the tangible impact of these efforts by sharing how expanded wellness services and engagement initiatives shape student experiences.

“The goal is to increase awareness, access and connection,” he said, noting that initiatives like expanded staffing at the Wellness Center and community-building events help students feel supported and seen.

The forum concluded with a forward-looking vision for the Rowan Wellness Village, a major development on the University’s West Campus, delivered by Thomas Cavalieri, D.O.

He described it as “not just another place where people live,” but as “a model, intergenerational community where health and well-being are lived every day.” Inspired by longevity research and Blue Zone principles, the village will integrate housing, education and wellness through a walkable, human-centered design that supports connection across generations. A future  Rowan Community Wellness Institute and an onsite Inspira Health medical office building would be central to this vision and ensure that health care, learning and community engagement exist side by side.

“This village will advance Rowan’s mission of service, education and discovery,” Cavalieri said.

Overall, the forum affirmed a shared understanding: at Rowan University, well-being is central to thriving—individually, collectively and institutionally.