Greatist.com, an online resource dedicated to providing more than 9 million monthly readers with news and information on health and fitness, has named NC State among their list of the Top 26 Healthiest Colleges in the United States. This is the first year NC State has made the list.
Colleges across the nation were evaluated based on several surveyed categories, including collegiate dining programs, health services, recreation and fitness resources. Often referred to by other publications when ranking colleges, the list aims to identify 26 colleges excelling in health and wellness opportunities on campus.
NC State’s ranking on the list can be attributed to the dedication of the leadership staff within NC State Dining, University Recreation and Student Health Services. We are joined on the list by other schools dedicated to promoting wellness initiatives on campus and creating healthy environments for students, faculty and staff.
Throughout NC State Dining operations, we place a special emphasis on fresh foods and wellness, such as the Dietitian’s Dish and Wolf Approved programs, to help students pursue a healthier lifestyle that can be embraced after their time at NC State. University Recreation received accolades for the impressively updated Carmichael Gym, which is the hub of physical activity and wellness on campus boasting over 350,000 square feet of recreation and fitness space. Additionally, NC State has over 20 acres of recreational field space for sports and leisure, 150 group fitness classes per week, small group training, personal training, lifestyle modification programs, wellness workshops an impressive aquatic center and rock climbing wall.
In 2015, NC State became one of the inaugural 20 colleges and universities to participate in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) Healthier Campus Initiative. The Healthier Campus Initiative encourages healthier options among students, faculty and staff on campuses across America. In less than a year, NC State became the first campus in the nation to successfully complete the Healthier Campus Initiative, implementing all 23 guidelines two years ahead of schedule, solidifying NC State’s commitment to student nutrition and wellness.
This list of the healthiest colleges is perennially a big hit with Greatist’s audience, because many of their readers are college age with a keen focus on their own health and wellness. They grade over 150 nominated schools on everything from nutrition and physical activities to mental and sexual health offerings.The full list of the Top 26 Healthiest Colleges can be viewed online at greatist.com.
Campus Enterprises is the lead division for retail and hospitality on the NC State University campus. For more information, contact Lindsay Hester, Marketing Manager, at 919.513.0543 or via email at lphester@ncsu.edu.