ݮƵ Wellness Mini Grants
Investing in bold, student-centered ideas that promote sustainable well-being across our campuses.
About the ݮƵ Wellness Mini Grants Program
The University of Tennessee System has awarded $50,000 in mini grants to support 10 projects focused on improving student well-being and strengthening student success across all ݮƵ campuses. Each selected project demonstrates collaboration, measurable impact and alignment with the eight dimensions of wellness defined by .
2025 Mini Grant Recipients
Creating Community for ݮƵ–ORII Graduate Students:
ݮƵ–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute; PI: Allie Burns.
This project creates a wellness and study hub for graduate students splitting time between Knoxville and Oak Ridge, with redesigned spaces and peer-led programs.
Embedding Wellness Across Campus:
ݮƵ Martin Student Health and Counseling; PIs: Allison Castleman, Jennifer Ray, Brad Baumgardner.
Short wellness modules are integrated into Canvas courses for students, faculty and staff.
New and Expecting Student/Trainee Parent Support (NEST):
ݮƵ Health Science Center Department of Pediatrics; PIs: Desiree Burroughs-Ray, Trenton Judd, Misty Nichols.
Builds peer networks and resources for medical trainees navigating parenthood.
AI-Driven Wellness for Musculoskeletal Health and Recovery:
ݮƵ Health Science Center Department of Orthopedic Surgery; PI: Dr. Weiken Gu.
Uses AI to analyze posture and reduce pain and fatigue among students and staff.
ݮƵCVM Peer Wellness Liaison Program: A Student-Centered, Scalable Suicide Prevention Initiative:
ݮƵ Center for Veterinary Medicine; Center for Veterinary Social Work; PIs: Dr. Bethanie Poe, Alexis Clegg, Andrew Luftin.
This program trains veterinary students in peer support and suicide prevention to strengthen mental health resources.
Vol Strolls: A Wellness Podcast on the Move:
ݮƵ Knoxville College of Communication and Information; PIs: Jazmine Kelley, Chris Flowers, Tim Santos.
A student-led podcast blending mindfulness, storytelling and movement to make wellness accessible anywhere.
Digital Wellness and Boundaries Bootcamp:
ݮƵ Chattanooga Office of Title IX Compliance; PIs: Anitra Barrett, Sara Peters, Emily Rosenquist.
Students create online modules about healthy digital boundaries, consent and communication.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Intervention Program for High-Risk Students:
ݮƵ Chattanooga Counseling Center; PIs: Corinne Webster, Carisha Northcutt.
Offers therapy groups for students struggling with chronic stress or suicidal thoughts.
Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students:
ݮƵ Chattanooga School of Nursing; PIs: Suzanne Ridge, Jason Peter.
Builds peer resilience and self-care training using a “train-the-trainer” model.
Wellness in the Wild: Firehawk Reset Retreats:
ݮƵ Southern Student Engagement and Experience; PI: Madi Worden.
Nature-based retreats focused on mindfulness, reflection and connection.