Texas A&M University – Texarkana (TAMUT) started a new initiative this semester to encourage students’ well-being. Wellness Wednesdays are a weekly event held by the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment (CFLI) meant to encourage students to focus on several factors of their health and wellness. These events hope through financial literacy, students will be more prepared for all aspects of life. Jay Davis, who oversees the CFLI, spoke about the program’s inception and future.
Davis is the Executive Director of Financial and Entrepreneurship Engagement at TAMUT. His main goal is to “empower students to take care of their finances.” This inspired the creation of Wellness Wednesdays, as the CFLI believes there’s a relationship between financial wellness and overall well-being. “We believe true financial health goes beyond just managing money – it’s about feeling secure, balanced, and empowered in all areas of your life,” he says.
Every week a different aspect of well-being is discussed. The seven types of wellness the program focuses on are emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and of course, financial. There are presentations at 8:10 and 8:30 a.m. Even with the promise of free breakfast, Davis says it can be difficult persuading students to get out of bed and join. He says that the students that do show up have “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, and they “really seem to appreciate the relaxed come-and-go format.”
Davis explains how collaboration with other departments on campus has been huge for the program. The Patterson Center gave a presentation on physical wellness, and the Student Counseling Services discussed emotional wellness. Davis says these departments’ presentations were “incredibly insightful and well-received by our students.” He continues, “This collaborative approach not only enriches the content of Wellness Wednesdays but also strengthens the sense of community on campus.”
While the program is still in its infancy, Davis is already looking for ways to expand for the Spring 2025 semester. The first step is accessibility. In order to reach those students not willing to get up at eight in the morning, the program is considering adding a mid-afternoon presentation. On top of that he wants to “ramp up the fun” through interactive activities, guest speakers, and competitions featuring prizes. As he puts it, “We’re just getting started!”
The CFLI is not only looking to work with campus departments, but students as well. Davis says, “Next year we’re planning to take Wellness Wednesdays to the next level. But we need your help!” He implores anyone with suggestions on topics and speakers to email his department at cfli@tamut.edu. He also suggests students looking for more information on the CFLI and Wellness Wednesdays to visit www.tamut.edu/cfli. “While we might not have the same ring as ‘Taco Tuesday’, we hope ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ becomes a campus tradition!”