Applications for Well-Being Champions now being accepted

UK HR Health and Wellness is accepting applications for Well-Being Champions.  

The Well-Being Champions program is designed to empower passionate employees to champion individual and collective well-being efforts across the university. It combines a university-wide approach with customized solutions and support at the local level of each college, unit and area.  

“The Well-Being Champions initiative is essential to how we bring employee well-being to life across the university,” said Jody Ensman, HR Manager of Employee Well-Being. “By empowering employees to support their colleagues locally, we’re strengthening a culture where well-being is part of everyday experience.”  

Kaleb Grey is one of the 60 Well-Being Champions who is part of the program. He says he finds the role to be impactful and fulfilling.  

“I became a Well-Being Champion because I wanted to help nurture the culture our department has worked so hard to create, one where taking care of ourselves and each other is viewed as a priority, not an afterthought,” said Grey, an associate department administrator in Emergency Medicine. 

Being a champion doesn’t require much time. Champions must be committed to a one-year term, dedicating two to four hours a month and helping implement the CATS cornerstones: communicate, activate, transform and support employees.  

“I've seen a growing willingness to talk about well-being in a more honest way,” Grey said. “There seems to be less stigma around acknowledging when things are difficult and a greater recognition that resilience isn't about carrying everything alone.” 

Ella Muchovic, a department administrator in the Department of Emergency Medicine, said having a Well-Being Champion has been valuable for her team.  

“It has strengthened team engagement and created opportunities for meaningful connection beyond our day-to-day work,” she said. “One of the biggest successes has been our Wellness Bingos. These activities have encouraged healthier habits, sparked conversations about well-being and fostered a supportive environment where team members motivate one another.” 

You can apply now to become Well-Being Champion for the 2026-27 fiscal year.  Join the network of employees dedicated to carrying out the university’s mission to promote well-being and a sense of community. All faculty and staff are encouraged to apply. Supervisor approval is required to ensure participation aligns with the applicant’s primary work responsibilities. The application process is self-nomination. A committee will review applications and select champions for the 2026-27 fiscal year.  

Applications are being accepted through July 10. 

For more information about becoming a champion, you can visit the HR Health and Wellness website or contact wellness specialist Kendyl Redding at Kendyl.Redding@uky.edu.