When it comes to wellness, not only does Elizabeth Click understand the science behind the term; she also knows how to help people improve their own.
As an assistant professor in the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Click’s scholarly interests focus on encouraging individuals and groups to change their behaviors for the better. But she’s also put this research and knowledge into real-life practice: prior to academia, she spent 12 years as manager for wellness training at Progressive, one of the country’s first major companies to launch a comprehensive wellness program.
Now, Click hopes to use her expertise to help members of the Case Western Reserve community improve their health. She recently was named the university’s medical director, a newly created position to bolster Case Western Reserve’s wellness initiatives.
In her dual role, Click will continue her teaching, scholarship and service in the nursing school, where she covers topics such as work-site wellness, work/life balance and self-care, while also helping to implement university-wide wellness initiatives. Her first major order of business is encouraging faculty and staff to take the Health Risk Assessment announced in yesterday’s issue of The Daily and available online at www.case.edu/hra.
“A healthier campus is a more energized, productive campus—one where morale is enhanced and employees are more satisfied with their organization,” she said. “I’m interested in establishing a culture of wellness and health within the university.”
Learn more about Click in this week’s five questions.
1. What are you reading—and how are you reading it (print vs. digital)?
My daughter and I just listened to The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch during a recent road trip. I am reading How Children Succeed by Paul Tough on my Kindle, but I truly prefer reading actual books.
2. What can’t you live without?
Spending time with family and friends helps me stay balanced and happy. My connections with others are critical to my daily happiness and satisfaction. I also love keeping busy by contributing at work and via volunteer efforts.
A wonderful creative endeavor that I don’t get to do often enough is scrapbooking. It’s great to reminisce as I place photos on the pages and decorate them.
3. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Now that I have an office in Crawford Hall, I am enjoying my regular walks through the Case Quad, seeing Adelbert Hall and Amasa Stone Chapel on the way. The architecture and green space are all visually pleasing.
4. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My parents and grandparents always emphasized the importance of working hard, identifying areas where you can contribute to make a difference and following through with those actions. The strong work ethic that I grew up with has helped me professionally and personally.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
The intellectual capacity, creativity and interest in making a positive impact that is present amongst those who work at the university is tremendous.
Is there someone you’d like to see featured in The Daily‘s five questions? Email case-daily@case.edu with suggestions.