‘Bobcat Den’ wellness space opens at OHIO Eastern to support mind, body, community

A new wellness space opened its doors this fall at , designed with the whole campus community in mind.

Dubbed the Bobcat Den, the space offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where students, faculty and staff can take a break, recharge and focus on their physical and mental well-being.

A space designed for balance

Located in Shannon Hall, the wellness workout space is the latest project in the campus’s ongoing Eastern Cares initiative, which focuses on strengthening the health, safety and sense of belonging for all who study and work at OHIO Eastern.

“This is more than a workout room, it’s a reflection of our commitment to fostering a campus culture that values well-being in all its forms,” said Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and community relations. “The Bobcat Den is a space where you can clear your head, move your body, and just take a moment for yourself. We’re proud to offer this resource to our campus community.”

Supported by wellness grants and community impact funding

The project was made possible with major funding support from the Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Impact program through the and the organization. The statewide effort is designed to help communities respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing mental and behavioral health resources on college campuses.

At OHIO Eastern, the funds provided critical resources to enhance both the look and functionality of the space while expanding the range of wellness tools available. The campus invested in aesthetic improvements and new mindfulness, yoga and strength-training equipment, complementing the cardio machines already on hand and rounding out a more holistic approach to well-being.

Addressing student needs 

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The investment comes at a time when student well-being is an increasing priority. According to the Healthy Minds Survey conducted in 2024 across all ������ý campuses, a number of students reported moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Students also reported low levels of physical activity: saying they exercise two hours or less per week.

Research underscores the importance of addressing both issues together. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health published a systematic review concluding that physical activity is inversely related to incident depression and anxiety and that depression and anxiety are probably causally related to physical inactivity.

The Bobcat Den aims to bridge these gaps by serving as a multifunctional, inclusive space where students can move, relax, reflect and recharge. Accessible throughout the academic year, the space is designed to support wellness practices proven to reduce stress, improve focus and enhance overall student well-being.

A resource for all Bobcats

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“We wanted this to be a flexible and approachable environment,” said Jennifer Kellner-Muscar, director of student services. “You don’t have to be a fitness enthusiast to benefit from this space. It’s about encouraging balance and building healthy habits, both physically and mentally.”

Whether students are starting the day with a quick stretch, decompressing between classes, or unwinding with a mindfulness session, the space offers something for everyone.

Student and faculty response: A welcomed routine

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“I’ve been using it between classes to clear my head,” said Abby Craig, a sophomore studying early childhood education. “Even just 10 minutes of movement or quiet time helps me feel more focused for the rest of the day.”

Matt Fox, associate director of nursing, said the space will also be especially valuable for his students.

“Nursing education is demanding, and our students often juggle rigorous coursework, clinical hours and personal responsibilities,” Fox said. “Having a space like this on campus gives them an outlet to manage stress in healthy ways, which ultimately supports both their academic success and their well-being as future health care professionals.”

Looking ahead

The Bobcat Den is open to all students, faculty and staff during building hours. 

As additional programming and awareness campaigns roll out over the coming semesters, OHIO Eastern remains committed to its goal of providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment, one where wellness isn’t an afterthought but a central part of campus life.