At the University of Iowa, fostering a culture of health and well-being is more than a mission—it’s a movement. Through the liveWELL program, faculty and staff are encouraged to prioritize wellness not only in their own lives but also within their teams and departments. Among those leading the charge is Michelle Hayes, Human Resources Coordinator in the College of Education and a recent recipient of the Wellness Hero award.

Michelle has been part of the University of Iowa community for ten years. She began her career in the Department of Radiology at UIHC before transitioning to the College of Education three years ago. Throughout her time at the university, she has demonstrated that wellness is not a trend or temporary goal, but a daily commitment. For Michelle, wellness encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual health—priorities that guide both how she lives and how she works.

Her personal wellness journey began a decade ago when her daughter Kelly introduced her to cycling. After receiving a bike that once carried her daughter through college, Michelle quickly discovered a love for the freedom and strength that biking provides. What started as a shared activity grew into a meaningful passion. Today, she sets a minimum goal of 700 cycling miles each season and continues to challenge herself. Last summer, she completed two days of RAGBRAI with her daughter Lexi and Lexi’s best friend—an exciting milestone toward her ultimate goal of riding the full route.

In addition to cycling, Michelle regularly walks and has recently added weightlifting to her routine. She understands, however, that wellness extends beyond physical activity. Through a LiveWELL wellness grant, Michelle and her team of Wellness Ambassadors launched a workplace gratitude initiative. They distributed gratitude journals, pens, and inspirational stickers to faculty and staff, creating simple yet meaningful tools for reflection. The team also hosts monthly Lunch & Learns focused on gratitude, inviting guest speakers to share insights and practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset.

Michelle’s motivation is fueled by community. As a Wellness Ambassador for nearly a year, she credits the LiveWELL team and her colleagues for helping her stay accountable. She currently leads a group of ten participants—aptly named the “Tenacious Turtles”—in the Live Healthy Iowa 10-Week Wellness Challenge. Together, they set an ambitious goal of 18,000 activity minutes, proving that teamwork makes wellness both achievable and enjoyable.

Within the College of Education, Michelle collaborates with colleagues to organize monthly wellness activities such as lunch walks, symbolic seed-planting events, and educational sessions centered on growth and gratitude. Her approach is intentionally inclusive and approachable, ensuring that wellness feels accessible rather than overwhelming.

Michelle encourages anyone beginning their wellness journey to start small. Identify what brings joy, set meaningful goals, and take manageable steps forward. A short daily walk or a few moments of gratitude, she believes, can spark significant and lasting change.

Through her leadership, positivity, and commitment, Michelle Hayes exemplifies what it means to be a Wellness Hero—helping build a healthier, more connected campus community for all.