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, the university celebrates faculty and staff who go above and beyond to inspire wellness in the workplace. These individuals, known as Wellness Heroes, are nominated by their peers for modeling healthy behaviors, encouraging others to prioritize well-being, and helping build supportive, health-conscious environments across campus. Whether organizing wellness activities, promoting mental health resources, or simply leading by example, Wellness Heroes play a vital role in making the university a healthier, more connected community.
Name: Elizabeth Holm
Job Role at the University: “Constituent Relations Coordinator, where I collaborate with our strategic communications team and partner with departments across the college to support events, programs, and alumni relations. I also help support two of our newer undergraduate majors: Education Studies and Human Relations (ESHR) and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services (CBHS).”
How long have you been at the University: “32 years and I’ve been with the College of Education since 1999.”
How do you define “wellness”? “For me, wellness is a holistic practice. It includes beneficial movement, nourishing food and hydration, social connection, engaging mental activity, quality rest, and practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Creating a culture of wellness in the workplace begins with small, intentional actions. Over time, those actions can shape an entire community. Through my work at the University of Iowa College of Education, I strive to promote well-being, connection, and balance in ways that support individuals personally and in the work environment.”
What inspired you to prioritize wellness in your life?
“Kris Carr’s Five Pillars of Wellness, which focuses on what you eat, drink, think and how you rest and renew. It’s a reminder to care for all aspects of well-being.”
What are some wellness habits or routines that you practice regularly?
“Rather than focusing on restrictions, I prioritize adding foods and activities that bring both nourishment and enjoyment. On weekends, I prepare soups, salads, and healthy breakfast options for the upcoming workweek. Staying hydrated is important to me, so I appreciate our office’s UV-filtered water system, which enhances the water’s taste and quality.”
Do you have a favorite wellness activity or ritual that brings you joy?
“Yoga is my favorite form of physical activity. It supports both my physical and mental well-being by improving strength, balance, and flexibility while relieving muscle tension. I modify poses as needed because of my arthritis and I value how calm, focused, and recharged I feel afterwards. I also believe that doing yoga contributed to a smoother recovery after my knee replacement surgery four years ago.”
How do you encourage or support wellness among your colleagues or team?
“As part of our college’s Wellness Ambassador team, I help organize initiatives such as wellness walks, salad share lunches, ‘Chalk the Walk’ campaigns, seed planting, plant swaps and informational tables on health-related topics. I am also a member of our college’s SoWell Committee, which promotes wellness and social connection among staff and faculty. Year round, we provide healthy snacks and fresh fruit to support nutritious habits. One of my favorite events is “Build a Better Breakfast”, where attendees try foods like overnight oats made with flax or chia seeds, yogurt parfaits, and various plant-based milks. It’s a fun way for people to sample new foods, get recipes, and start their day on a positive note. Lastly, I organize monthly in-house visits from a massage therapist who provides 15-minute chair massages!”
How has the University of Iowa supported your wellness journey?
“This year, our Wellness Ambassador team received a liveWELL wellness grant to launch a Gratitude Initiative. This program promotes mindfulness, gratitude, and mental well-being among over 200 College of Education staff and faculty. We also provided participants with colorful journals, gel pens, and inspirational stickers to create personalized wellness journals. We’ve also hosted monthly presentations by guest speakers, who shared research and insights on gratitude, mindfulness, and well-being. For remote employees, we mailed journal kits and offered hybrid and recorded presentations to ensure accessibility for all.”
Are there any resources (books, apps, podcasts) that have helped you along the way?
“I enjoy reading and listening to audiobooks, particularly biographies and personal development books. Some of the individuals I find most inspiring include Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Kris Carr. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening (both indoors and outdoors), crafting, learning new skills, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.”
Closing thoughts: “I am truly grateful for the support of the College of Education and the University of Iowa in fostering a culture of wellness and community!”
