JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 20, 2024 — Union University dedicated its new Wellness Center Aug. 19, officially opening the new fitness facility that is more than four times larger than the previous space.
鈥淭his is a very exciting day for us,鈥� Union President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淔or all of us at Union, it's a day that we've hoped for and dreamed about for several years.鈥�
Located along the main hallway in the Penick Academic Complex in the space that the library formerly occupied, the new Wellness Center features a group fitness space, turf area, a 10-station rig system, including five power racks and five half-racks, and a plate-loaded section, in addition to a Vertimax multi-faceted training system.
Taylor Construction and Restoration was the main contractor for the project.
Oliver said the new Wellness Center aligns with the fourth theme of 鈥淧rotinus,鈥� Union鈥檚 strategic plan that the university adopted in 2023, 鈥渆nhancing our culture of shared life and commitment to one another鈥檚 flourishing.鈥�
鈥淭here is indeed a strong commitment to our flourishing when you get in this facility,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd we recognize that a strong sense of community doesn鈥檛 just happen, that it requires intentionality, and it requires diligence.鈥�
One of the ways Union has focused its attention on student and employee well-being is through the new Wellness Center.
鈥淲e're here today to dedicate this space, thanking God for his provision for us and dedicating it to his glory and for our good,鈥� he said.
Ivy Marie Adkisson, director for campus recreation at Union, said the new space was designed with accessibility and ease-of-use in mind, catering to individuals of all fitness levels.
鈥淲hen you sit down at a machine, there鈥檚 a QR code that explains what you鈥檙e doing, how to adjust the machine and what muscles the machine works,鈥� Adkisson said. 鈥淭hat way, whether you are someone who comes to the gym regularly or who has never been to the gym before, you feel comfortable in the environment.鈥�
In addition to new equipment, the Wellness Center includes a space for fitness classes such as yoga, spinning, high-intensity interval training and weightlifting, which will be offered on a rotating schedule daily.
The Wellness Center is free for students and Union faculty and staff. Memberships are available for alumni and community members. For more information, email campusrec@uu.edu.