The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana recently received a Blue & You Foundation Mini-Grant for $2,000 to create a workout room for employees on the Hope campus. The UAHT “Step Forward in Fitness: Equipping for Better Health in Sedentary Environments” project allowed UAHT to purchase walking and weightlifting equipment for employees wishing to exercise before or after work. “I feel our onsite faculty and staff workout room will help improve our employees' physical and mental health while providing other benefits such as greater productivity, employee engagement, and improved workplace morale,” said Laura Clark, Vice Chancellor for Academics.

 Clark stated that since Covid-19, significant changes have occurred in the work environment. “We offer more online courses, and more meetings are being held virtually, causing employees to sit much more than in the past. Introducing gym equipment in the workplace was requested by the UAHT Faculty Senate and will address several important employee needs.”