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, with all UT campuses represented among the recipients.
More than 80 proposals were submitted this year by UT faculty and staff, showing a growing commitment to creative, practical ways to support student health and academic success. The selected projects take evidence-based approaches that can be scaled and shared systemwide.
To be considered, each proposal had to:
- Align with at least one of the eight dimensions of wellness defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Involve collaboration across departments, campuses or the UT System; and
- Show measurable, scalable impact that addresses a real need
“These grants put well-being at the heart of our mission to Be One UT and remind us that wellness is much more than free food or a yoga class,” said UT System Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Jessi Gold. “They fund scalable projects that make a meaningful difference, and I am excited to see their work take shape over the year.”
“Supporting these projects is an investment in our students’ success and in the people who serve them every day,” said Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, student success and research at the UT System. “By empowering our campuses to design and share innovative approaches to wellness, we’re building a stronger foundation for learning and well-being across the UT System.”
Grant recipients will spend the year developing their projects and will present progress at the UT System Wellness Summit in 2026.
This year’s grants support a variety of initiatives across UT campuses, including creating supportive communities for graduate and professional students, integrating wellness into courses and student life programs, building peer networks and mental health resources, using technology and innovative approaches to enhance physical and mental health, and offering retreats, podcasts and workshops to promote well-being and mindfulness.
For a full list of all 10 grant recipients and their projects, visit this webpage.
