BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is one of only 145 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.

            This is the fifth year that Pitt-Bradford has earned the gold designation and the seventh year that it has been recognized by Exercise is Medicine on Campus.

            The main requirements for gold-level campus designation are recording physical activity vital signs in students’ medical records and a referral system between campus health services and the exercise science program. Recreation activities the campus provides along with the events hosted by Student Affairs and Engagement helped Pitt-Bradford earn its gold-level designation.

The Exercise is Medicine on Campus program has recognized Pitt-Bradford every year since 2018. This year it is one of only 83 universities and colleges around the world to receive gold-level recognition for its efforts.  

            “I am very pleased and excited to be honored by Exercise is Medicine on Campus for the fifth year in a row for gold recognition,” said Dr. Mark Kelley, director of the exercise science program. “This is our seventh recognition since our program started in 2018. Being that we are one of only 83 universities and colleges around the world to receive gold shows our campus’ commitment to the health of our students, faculty and staff.”

            Kelley accepted the award at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Boston. Exercise is Medicine is a community-impact initiative of the organization. The college also appointed Kelley to its Exercise is Medicine on Campus Committee for a three-year term.

Exercise is Medicine on Campus calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.  

Exercise is Medicine on Campus launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. 

Others involved in the Exercise is Medicine on Campus effort at Pitt-Bradford are Zachary Stark, instructor of exercise science; Cassandra Preston, assistant professor of exercise science, and exercise science majors Janey Schmidt of Angola, N.Y., and Jordan Walsh of Allegany, N.Y.