Ohio State University: Ohio State wellness event honors investiture of President Johnson
Yoga and some light exercise helped staff of The Ohio State University start their day and celebrate the investiture of Kristina M. Johnson as the 16th president of the university.
The University Staff Advisory Committee, Office of the Chief Wellness Officer and Office of Human Resources hosted an all-staff wellness event today at the Tom W. Davis Special Events Gym at the RPAC.
Johnson joined Chief Wellness Officer and College of Nursing Dean Bernadette Melnyk to speak to staff. Dozens showed up for an in-person experience and more were able to take part online.
“We really tried to structure the investiture as a celebration of the university. The investiture should be another opportunity to lift up, and take a moment, pause and think about the excellence that is The Ohio State University,” Johnson said.
Creating a strong wellness culture that promotes health and well-being for the Buckeye community is a priority for Johnson.
“We are so blessed at Ohio State University to have a fabulous president in Kristina M. Johnson and a leadership team who invests in wellness,” Melnyk said. “We want you to hear it from leadership: We want you to prioritize your well-being every day.”
Johnson said the university community showed that commitment through the efforts to safely return to campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully celebrate the awarding of more than 12,300 degrees during spring commencement and supporting record enrollment numbers on the Columbus campus this autumn.
Ohio State’s wellness efforts are far-reaching, Johnson said, noting a new military medicine program is changing the lives of severely injured service members and the university’s Task Force on Racism and Racial Inequities serves as a model of how a community can work together to move society forward.
“Real strength has to do with helping others,” Johnson said, quoting Fred Rogers. “That’s what we’re all doing here today. We’re helping each other be fit, be well and be successful.”
Johnson will be officially installed as the university’s 16th president in an official investiture ceremony on Friday, Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m.