JACKSON – The University of Mississippi was named the state’s healthiest workplace among all Mississippi college and universities July 27 at an awards luncheon that honored both government and private sector employers for their wellness efforts.

The Mississippi Business Journal, the Mississippi Business Group on Health and the Mississippi Department of Health honor employers at the annual “Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces” awards luncheon. The university was recently named as a nominee in the colleges and universities category and Wednesday, officials found out UM took the top honor among Mississippi colleges and universities.

“We are excited about this honor because it acknowledges the efforts of many people – especially the RebelWell team – to improve the health of faculty, staff and students across our campuses,” UM Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter said. “It is our responsibility to take the lead in providing a healthy environment, and to help set an example for our state. We are grateful for this recognition, and we pledge to continue to find ways to improve the well-being of the Ole Miss family.”

The university developed the RebelWell program, which provides a range of opportunities for employees to become educated about living a healthy lifestyle through group fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling, among other services.