Publications & Presentations

The HealthEU initiative contributes to the broader conversation on health and well-being through research, publications and presentations. By translating research into practice, this work helps inform programs, guide decision-making and advance healthier campus communities at Elon and beyond.

Through the study of well-being across academic, social and workplace environments, HealthEU research explores how individuals, communities and institutions contribute to well-being. These insights help shape initiatives at Elon while contributing to a growing body of knowledge that supports effective, inclusive and sustainable approaches to well-being in higher education.

Featured Presentations

Charlotte Williams, director of health promotion; Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU Initiatives; and Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of Students posing for photo before presentation

Empowering Students Through Well-Being Initiatives

Explore how innovative programs and campus resources can support student well-being, strengthen engagement and create a more connected student experience.

Presented at the UNC System and NCICU Behavioral Health Convening

Read the Story about the empowering students through well-being initiatives presentation
Ben Krasnow ‘27 and Claire Moorhead ‘28 posing at conference for presentation

Building Community Through Recovery and Allyship

Discover how partnerships between substance-free living communities and collegiate recovery programs can create supportive environments that help students thrive.

Presented at the Association for Recovery in Higher Education Conference

Read the Story about the building community through recovery and allyship presentation
Brad Moore, associate vice president for facilities and university architect; Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for student life and dean of student health and well-being; and Leo Lambert, professor of education and president emeritus posing for photo before presentation at conference

Designing Campus Environments for Well-Being

Learn how intentional design and institutional practices can help create environments that support connection, belonging and well-being.

Presented at the International Health Promoting Campuses Conference

Read the Story about designing campus environments for well-being presentation

All Publications & Presentations

Publications

  • Islam J & Räisänen AM. In-person and digital health promotion interventions in higher education: An integrative literature review. Journal of American College Health 2026;74(5), 1170–1177. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2578654
  • Räisänen AM & Butler-Storsved L. From Dispersed Action to Harmonized Efforts: Building a Culture of Collaboration for Greater Impact. Building Healthy Academic Communities, 2026;10(1):8–11. doi: 10.1891/BHAC-2026-5828
  • Ruppert S, Bullock GS, Räisänen AM. Faculty and Staff Health in Context: A Study of Wellness Culture in Higher Education. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, Feb 26, 2026 [online first]. https://doi.org/10.1080/15555240.2026.2635547

Presentations

  • Dewald L, DeNardo F, O’Brien M, Brauer N, Landmark S, Räisänen AM. Get with the Program: Faculty and Staff Health & Well-being Matters. 2026 ACHA Annual Meeting. May 26–30, 2026, Denver, CO.
  • Räisänen AM & Small E. Designing and Supporting Wellness-Focused Courses with Staff Instructors: Lessons from HealthEU. Southern College Health Association 2026 Annual Conference. March 16-18, 2026, Raleigh, NC.
  • Räisänen AM. Making Evidence Actionable: What Can We Learn from Randomized Controlled Trials in Health Promotion? Southern College Health Association 2026 Annual Conference. March 16-18, 2026, Raleigh, NC.
  • Pupo D ’26, Short L, Squadron E ’26, Toms J ’26, Williams C. Peer Power: Engaging Student Voices in Sexual Health Education through Peer-Led Initiatives. NASPA Strategies Conferences 2026. January 15–17, 2026, Chicago, IL.
  • Räisänen AM & Patterson JL. Expanding Access to Wellness: Promising Practices for Removing Barriers. NASPA Strategies Conferences 2026. January 15–17, 2026, Chicago, IL.
  • Harrison S,  Kelly C, Micharski M ’26, Moorhead C ’28, Tapler A, Williams C. Living in Tune: One Institutions’ Journey of Building Allyship between Substance-Free Living Learning Community and Collegiate Recovery Program for Student Success. Association for Recovery in Higher Education Conference. June 25-29, 2025, New Orleans, LA
  • Räisänen AM, Moore B, Patterson JL & Lambert L. Creating University Environments That Facilitate Healthy Relationships and Well-being. The International Health Promoting Campuses Conference. June 16-19, 2025, Limerick, Ireland.
  • Räisänen AM, Williams CR & Patterson JL. Innovative Well-being Initiatives: Empowering Students through Programs and Resources. UNC System and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Behavioral Health Convening. May 12–13 2025, Boone, NC.
  • Hodnett A, Kelly C, C Plasencia, Williams C. A Snapshot of Integrated Wellness: Supporting Students through Innovative Programs and Strategies that Foster Well-being. UNC System and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Behavioral Health Convening. May 14-15, 2024, Chapel Hill, NC.
  • Williams C. Trends and Future of Collegiate Wellness. Piedmont Triad Campus Recreation & Wellness Meeting, North Carolina A & T State University, December 2022.

Interested in This Work?

Whether you’d like to learn more, collaborate or explore related ideas, the HealthEU team is ready to connect with you.

Contact Us