Skidmore named among healthiest U.S. campuses

Skidmore College has been named one of the healthiest college campuses in the United States.

The Active Minds Healthy Campus Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that prioritize and promote the health and well-being of students.

“Well-being is directly tied to a student’s ability to grow intellectually, emotionally and creatively,” said Cerri Banks, dean of students and vice president for student affairs at Skidmore College. “Here at Skidmore, health and wellness are part of our institutional DNA.”

Skidmore College joins four other colleges and universities in receiving the 2020 award: Santa Monica College, University of Arizona, University of Richmond and Denison University.

 

The review panel cited numerous opportunities for student-led initiatives at Skidmore,  the College's partnerships with community organizations and emphasis on well-being in the College’s strategic plan.

“Our students are really the drivers for so many of the things we do around health and wellness,” said Julia Routbort, associate dean of student affairs for health and wellness. “The culture here is such that we’re able to help students create the programming and activities that matter to them.”

The Healthy Campus Award involves an extensive application process that includes multiple endorsements and interviews. Winners are selected by a panel of prominent researchers and experts in health and higher education.

“Skidmore College stands out because of its comprehensive program to address and tackle well-being in multiple forms for both students and employees,” said Alison Malmon, executive director and founder of Active Minds. “Skidmore is a model for the impact colleges can have by prioritizing a campus culture that promotes and protects the physical and mental health of its students.”