L-R: John R. Jones, III, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs, David Kirby, Bridget Goins, Esther Oyassan and Rebecca Kennedy, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Student Health & Wellbeing
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has awarded the Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship to three UAB students whose work advances innovative, systems-level approaches to student wellbeing. The award, which supports tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year, is part of the university’s fifth anniversary as the first Health Promoting University in the United States.
The award recognizes students whose ongoing work strengthens UAB’s culture of wellbeing in one or more of the following areas: “People, Place and Planet.” It supports student-led initiatives that promote holistic wellbeing through collaboration and sustainability.
The recipients represent three academic disciplines and bring distinct approaches to improving student wellbeing:
David Kirby, a social work major, focuses on the role of physical campus environments in shaping wellbeing. His work highlights the Solar House as a model for integrating sustainability, community engagement, and experiential learning—positioning the campus as an active system that promotes wellbeing.
“I'm working towards my bachelor’s in social work right now, so that I can eventually get my master’s in social work, said Kirby. “This [award] is going to be a huge help towards that. My dream is to help make the world a better place and so for me to be able to more securely know that I'll be able to continue my education to get there means the world to me.”
Bridget Goins, a nutrition sciences major, addresses food security as a key factor in student success. Her initiative introduces a sustainable, data-informed framework that strengthens UAB’s campus food system and creates lasting impact beyond individual involvement.
I'm so excited this scholarship because it takes a lot of the pressure off of me,” said Goins. “I can focus on other things like my research and the work that I'm doing so far.”
Esther Oyassan, a kinesiology major, was recognized for building support networks that enhance student wellbeing, particularly for those facing structural barriers. Her work emphasizes strengthening social and institutional systems to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
“Receiving this scholarship just gives you peace of mind,” said Oyassan. “Now I can focus on other things, whether that's exams or going on to get a master’s degree in the future.”
The $2,500 scholarships, administered through UAB Student Affairs and the School of Public Health, reflect UAB’s commitment as a Health Promoting University to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and lead health promotion action locally and globally.
The Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship reflects UAB’s ongoing commitment to fostering a campus culture where students can thrive academically and personally, aligning with national best practices that emphasize whole-system, settings-based approaches to health and wellbeing.