5 Transformative Impacts of Sports and Wellness Programs on Campus Life
Our recent Adaptations in Higher Education panel brought together university athletics and recreation leaders to discuss the transformative impact of sports and wellness programs on campus.
- Ursula Gurney, deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
- Brad Hurlbut, senior associate vice president and director of athletics at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
- Jim Wilkening, executive director for recreation and wellness at the University of Central Florida (UCF)
Key Benefits of Campus Sports & Wellness Programs
The conversation underscored the importance of sports and wellness activities and programs in fostering physical and mental health, building community and supporting student success.
1. Increased Student Retention
Wilkening highlighted the significant evolution of campus athletics. “Students and recreation wellness have changed through the years,” he reflected. “We see it more now as overall wellness and well-being, focusing on the whole student.”
Wilkening explained that what began as intramural sports has now expanded into comprehensive wellness programs. At UCF, the recreation and wellness center has become a hub for student engagement, offering diverse programs that cater to the holistic development of students. These programs promote physical activity and contribute significantly to student retention and graduation rates. He shared anecdotally that the more often students use the rec center, the more likely they are to stay in school, perform better in their classes and graduate on time
2. Well-Rounded Student-Athletes
Gurney emphasized the importance of holistic development for student-athletes, “We want to ensure that they get the mental health support that they need, the nutrition support, the medical support and the academic support.
She stressed the importance of addressing not just the physical but also the mental, nutritional and career development needs of student-athletes. “We want to set them up for success for the rest of their lives … creating a well-rounded student-athlete,” she said. At UMKC, this approach includes comprehensive support services such as career development programs, financial literacy workshops and mental health resources. These initiatives aim to prepare student-athletes for life beyond college, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.
3. Enhanced Mental Health Support
The panel also highlighted the critical focus on mental health resources for student-athletes and staff. The speakers highlighted various programs to increase psychological services, resilience training and mindfulness practices.
Hurlbut noted the increased emphasis on mental health, “The well-being of our student-athletes and our general student body has been a focus since the pandemic and even before that,” he remarked.
He also mentioned transforming library spaces into academic services and counseling centers to better support students. “We had a huge room, and in the library, there aren’t that many books anymore, so we were able to transform the room into a wonderful academic services and counseling center,” he said. This innovative use of space reflects a broader trend in higher education toward creating multifunctional environments that cater to diverse student needs. At FDU, integrating mental health services within the athletics department has been a key strategy supporting student-athlete well-being.
4. Innovative Approaches to Inclusivity and Accessibility
Inclusivity and accessibility were also key themes in the discussion. UCF’s adaptive recreation programs and inclusive facilities were highlighted as exemplary models for creating a welcoming environment for all students. These initiatives ensure that students of all abilities can participate in recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Wilkening shared an example of UCF’s adaptive recreation programs, which include student-assisted workouts. “We partner with our academic unit in physical therapy, and the students working on their doctorate degrees will provide free assisted workouts to students who may have disabilities,” he explained. This program supports students with physical challenges and promotes inclusivity by encouraging all students to participate in these activities. One student, who initially joined the program as a participant, later became a staff member at UCF, demonstrating the program’s impact on personal and professional growth.
5. Stronger Campus and Community Connection
Finally, the speakers discussed the importance of community engagement. Leveraging urban settings and partnerships with professional sports teams can significantly enhance campus life and foster a sense of community involvement. These collaborations give students unique opportunities and strengthen the university’s ties with the local community.
Gurney highlighted UMKC’s efforts to engage with the Kansas City community, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. “We have already begun the process across campus, led by the chancellor’s office, to create a fan fest. We want to get kids on our campus, on our soccer and rec fields,” she said. This initiative aims to bring the excitement of the World Cup to the local community while showcasing UMKC’s facilities and programs.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Sports and Wellness Programs
Sports and recreation programs play a crucial role in students' holistic development. From improving physical and mental health to fostering community and enhancing student success, their positive impact on campus life and beyond is set to grow.
