Assistant Director of Human Resources/Wellness Champion, Debbie Morrison, doesn’t even like running. But just one visit to her A&M-Central Texas office would suggest that might not be entirely the case.
In a modest eight by 12-foot office on the fourth floor of Warrior Hall, there are photos of her crossing the runners’ tape splashed with celebratory colors, runners’ bibs, certificates of completions, and medals. Odd, another person might think. To be surrounded by memorabilia of something a person isn’t avid about.
But wait. As they say. There is more. While she might not “like” running, she has her reasons for surrounding herself with the memorabilia of it: years ago, she made a promise to herself to be healthy, and she wants to inspire other A&M-Central Texas employees to take part as a way to lead a healthy lifestyle. And there is some pretty good evidence that she is meeting her goal.
Morrison has earned the recognition of “2024 Wellness Champion” awarded among others across the country by Healthiest Employers, nominated by her supervisor, Tina Flores-Nevarez, and who says that Morrison has been absolutely instrumental in growing wellness activities at the university since 2019.
“We have seen an 85% increase in wellness activities because of Debbie,” beamed Flores-Nevarez. “Under her leadership, the program has expanded from a small group of participants to a much more engaged workforce.”
Wellness events that Morrison has organized are health-minded, to be sure, Flores-Nevarez says. But A&M-Central Texas wellness events are also designed to be fun, curiosity inspiring, or community oriented. And, most of all, inclusive enough for individuals, small groups, and bigger challenges with dozens of people.
For example, Morrison organized the "Walk Across Texas " walking challenge, where 120 employees participated, and 64 employees walked over 100 miles. She also supported community-driven initiatives, such as the Carter Blood Care blood drive and wellness lectures with invited guests speaking on mental health, healthy eating, stress reduction, and personal wellness.
“We like to ‘walk the way we talk, and we are very proud of the fact that we offer such a robust selection of wellness activities for our employees,” Flores-Navarez smiled, indicating that wellness requires action that Morrison continues to inspire. She described Morrison’s success with the university wellness events, emphasizing that they focus on the whole person.
“One of the most important things we can do for our employees is to encourage them to take time for themselves and be well – physically, mentally, economically, and more. Debbie has helped all of us do that and we could not be more proud of her. She is the face of our program, and she’s someone who genuinely cares about our employees well-being.”
According to Cindy Quinn, Texas A&M University System Wellness Coordinator for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Morrison is a wonderful example of what a Wellness Champion can accomplish with foresight, inspiration, and determination.
“I have worked directly with Debbie on wellness program initiatives since 2022 and am always impressed by Debbie’s wellness event creativity and attendance,” Quinn said. “She truly has a warrior spirit in bringing health and wellness to all (A&M–Central Texas) employees. She is well deserving of this award!”