UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Christina Lightner, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing assistant teaching professor and academic wellness coordinator, was awarded the 2025 BHAC Impact Award by the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities.
The Building Healthy Academic Communities (BHAC) Impact Award recognizes a passionate and enthusiastic academic wellness leader responsible for the success of a wellness program and its associated outcomes. Recipients of the award inspire, demonstrate commitment, and lead by example through actively seeking a high level of health and well-being in their professional and personal life.
“I am very honored and humbled that I was nominated,” said Lightner. “It shows me that my work is not going unrecognized and that my peers are saying ‘Way to go, keep it up.’”
Lightner’s wellness efforts have included the development and implementation of many initiatives, including a wellness podcast series with the local National Public Radio affiliate, the college’s Wellness Champions team which reinforces wellness as a priority in academic and workplace settings, a Wellness Toolkit as a Resource Guide for the Graduate and RN-BSN programs, and a wellness assignment for second-year nursing students across seven campuses’ undergraduate programs.
Additionally, she has contributed to three accepted wellness manuscripts and several poster and podium presentations related to wellness in efforts to advance the college.
"Christina's work in advancing various wellness initiatives is inspiring culture change in support of improving healthy behaviors in our students, faculty and staff. Our focus on integrating wellness contributes to better performance, resilience and quality of life." said Kelly Wolgast, associate teaching professor and assistant dean for Outreach and Professional Development, who nominated Lightner for the award.