Old Dominion University Becomes a Health Promoting University

Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, has announced its designation as a Health Promoting University, embedding well-being into all aspects of campus operations. The initiative aligns with ODU’s mission to educate future healthcare leaders and expand its role in research and community outreach, particularly through partnerships like the 2024 integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School and the 2025 establishment of the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health. The university’s commitment is further strengthened by collaboration with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), which will support education, clinical practice, and research. President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., emphasized that health is now central to ODU’s identity, with accountability driven by national benchmarks and shared community indicators. A Health Promoting University Advisory Council, led by executives including Alfred Abuhamad, MD, and Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Ed.D., will guide the initiative alongside faculty members like Drs. Anca Dobrian, Veleka Gatling, and Bridget Weikel. The effort builds on ODU’s existing strengths as Virginia’s largest academic health sciences center and a top R1 research institution. The university’s Well-Being Collective Working Group will shape policies fostering mental and physical health, belonging, and resilience. By prioritizing collective impact, ODU aims to ensure that thriving students, faculty, and staff contribute to a healthier campus community. The initiative reflects ODU’s broader role as a leader in Virginia’s economy, with annual contributions exceeding $3.8 billion.