Clemson University’s primary goal is to provide each student with opportunities and resources that encourage success — both short and long term. In recent years, there has been a nationwide push for well-being, and Clemson’s Campus Recreation department has exemplified this trend through its introduction of several valuable wellness initiatives, spearheaded by Assistant Director of Well-Being Bill Dunn.
Dunn’s interest in well-being can be traced back to a standard class he took in college. Following his service overseas in the U.S. Army, Dunn returned to school to complete his education, where one professor’s instruction sparked a lifelong passion. When simply told to “research something beneficial to you,” Dunn began exploring meditation and mindfulness, only to find himself “blown away” by the field’s depth, as well as the many associated advantages. He built a career in wellness, beginning in Minnesota before accepting a position at Greenville Technical College and eventually Clemson University. Using the wisdom he acquired through his work in the wellness field thus far, Bill Dunn is establishing a variety of new and exciting well-being programs in coordination with Campus Rec.
“Students need a disconnect; they need something other than studying,” Dunn says. “What Campus Rec does is bring balance.”
Dunn has inspired and enacted many changes in order to create an environment for students that is conducive to their well-being. He enhanced the Wellness Zone — a private space in Fike Recreation Center, available for individuals or groups to reserve in order to meet wellness needs. The room, located in the lobby of Fike, is equipped with an interactive touchscreen TV and zero gravity chairs; students can follow a yoga course, experience guided meditation, or simply draw the extra set of curtains for a necessary nap. Aromatherapy and essential oils classes are also available — students can mix up a personalized bottle to take home, while also learning about the science behind the compounds. A calendar of events is offered to members and includes experiences such as an Earth Day botanical gardens walk and “Wellness on the Water” paddle boarding and kayaking exercises, in addition to sunrise and sunset yoga at Andy’s.
Additionally, Campus Rec hosts well-being mini-retreats, open to groups of around 18-35 people from organizations such as University staff departments, fraternities, sororities and clubs. Retreat participants take a personal wellness assessment, listen to a presentation, eat lunch and engage in a series of interactive, personalized well-being activities.
The goal of these programs is to engage students by providing a purposefully diverse collection of wellness methods and activities. Dunn believes that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to well-being; rather, Campus Rec can best facilitate student success by offering a wide variety of styles and techniques, so students can find the one that best resonates with them.
Another overarching goal of these new initiatives is to teach students that caring for themselves and prioritizing their individual well-being first and foremost creates a space to pay it forward and impact others positively.
“First, we have to nurture our own selves, and to the extent that we do that, we’re in a better position to nurture and take care of each other. This just strengthens the sense of family — the Clemson Family.”
When asked about the importance of promoting well-being for college students, Dunn gave a very thoughtful, forward-looking answer.
“I think it’s so important to be intentional and to create good habits at a young age. To me, college is such a pivotal, foundational age — ‘Where do I want to go in life? How am I going to be successful? How do I define success?’ We’re here to serve the students, and we’re here to plant a really important seed during this critical phase, so you can all go out and be successful. Well-being is such an integral part of that. I feel so strongly that if you put in time and energy to see the value and power of well-being, it will influence the rest of your life.”