UT Wellness Mini Grants
Investing in bold, student-centered ideas that promote sustainable well-being across our campuses.
About the UT Wellness Mini Grants Program
The University of Tennessee System has awarded $50,000 in mini grants to support 10 projects focused on improving student well-being and strengthening student success across all UT campuses. Each selected project demonstrates collaboration, measurable impact and alignment with the eight dimensions of wellness defined by SAMHSA.
2025 Mini Grant Recipients
Creating Community for UT–ORII Graduate Students:
UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute; PI: Allie Burns.
This project creates a wellness and study hub for graduate students splitting time between Knoxville and Oak Ridge, with redesigned spaces and peer-led programs.
Embedding Wellness Across Campus:
UT Martin Student Health and Counseling; PIs: Allison Castleman, Jennifer Ray, Brad Baumgardner.
Short wellness modules are integrated into Canvas courses for students, faculty and staff.
New and Expecting Student/Trainee Parent Support (NEST):
UT Health Science Center Department of Pediatrics; PIs: Desiree Burroughs-Ray, Trenton Judd, Misty Nichols.
Builds peer networks and resources for medical trainees navigating parenthood.
AI-Driven Wellness for Musculoskeletal Health and Recovery:
UT Health Science Center Department of Orthopedic Surgery; PI: Dr. Weiken Gu.
Uses AI to analyze posture and reduce pain and fatigue among students and staff.
UTCVM Peer Wellness Liaison Program: A Student-Centered, Scalable Suicide Prevention Initiative:
UT Center for Veterinary Medicine; Center for Veterinary Social Work; PIs: Dr. Bethanie Poe, Alexis Clegg, Andrew Luftin.
This program trains veterinary students in peer support and suicide prevention to strengthen mental health resources.
Vol Strolls: A Wellness Podcast on the Move:
UT Knoxville College of Communication and Information; PIs: Jazmine Kelley, Chris Flowers, Tim Santos.
A student-led podcast blending mindfulness, storytelling and movement to make wellness accessible anywhere.
Digital Wellness and Boundaries Bootcamp:
UT Chattanooga Office of Title IX Compliance; PIs: Anitra Barrett, Sara Peters, Emily Rosenquist.
Students create online modules about healthy digital boundaries, consent and communication.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Intervention Program for High-Risk Students:
UT Chattanooga Counseling Center; PIs: Corinne Webster, Carisha Northcutt.
Offers therapy groups for students struggling with chronic stress or suicidal thoughts.
Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students:
UT Chattanooga School of Nursing; PIs: Suzanne Ridge, Jason Peter.
Builds peer resilience and self-care training using a “train-the-trainer” model.
Wellness in the Wild: Firehawk Reset Retreats:
UT Southern Student Engagement and Experience; PI: Madi Worden.
Nature-based retreats focused on mindfulness, reflection and connection.