Utah Tech University Student Offers Holistic Wellness Experience to Campus Faculty and Staff

By Stacy Schmidt

While university students can expect to learn from their professors, Utah Tech University student Karsen Alexander recently turned these traditional tables, creating an eight-session Mind and Body Workshop for faculty and staff on campus.

“I wanted to get a group of people together who may not know where to start and show them we’re all in this together,” Karsen said. “Everyone was amazing! Everyone gave their all. It was so fun.”

The Mind and Body Workshop was Karsen’s capstone internship, the finale of her educational journey as an exercise science major at Utah Tech. This opportunity elevated the health of campus staff while enhancing Karsen’s experience and preparing her for the next big step after graduation.

The workshop included strength training, yoga, journaling, and information about holistic health practices. “The entire experience was amazing!” said Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Ali Threet. “Karsen was very good at making everyone feel welcome, no matter their skill level.”

Karsen said her vision was to help participants grow both mindfully and physically, to shed the old habits that no longer served them well while also creating new habits to elevate their overall health. “Fitness isn’t always something people like to do, so I wanted to make sure they realized exercise is about what feels right for you,” Karsen said. “The first step is just showing up for yourself.”

When Karsen initially started her fitness journey, she focused exclusively on her physical health, but this took a toll on her emotionally. “My mindset was all or nothing. As soon as I dropped my expectations for what my body was supposed to look like, I saw the most progress. It was my mindset that was holding me back—not my physical body.”

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Karsen began to embrace a more holistic health mindset. She took a six-month break from the gym, and it afforded her just the reset she needed for real health. She also realized she wanted to focus more on her mental health, so she started journaling and bought a yoga mat.

“When I step onto my yoga mat, it has nothing to do with getting sweaty and ripped but everything to do with staying in the present moment and connecting my mind and body through movement and stretching,” she said. “My yoga mat is a safe space for me to become aware of emotions that are hidden by the distractions of everyday life.”

Karsen wanted to pay this realization forward to others, which she was able to offer through her Mind and Body Workshop.

On the last day of the four-week class, Karsen bowed to her participants with a quiet “namaste” and a huge smile. “I have tears of joy from the gratitude and love I have for all of you,” she said. “Thank you for showing up and being vulnerable and open to new information.”

Karsen’s next steps will be getting her yoga instructor license and then getting a certificate for health and wellness coaching. “My main purpose is to provide a safe space for others and demonstrate unconditional love,” she said. “I plan to guide people through the challenges of life using the knowledge and experiences that have helped me overcome my fears.”

For more information about Utah Tech University, please visit utahtech.edu.

About the Author

Stacy Schmidt is the assistant director of public relations for Utah Tech University. Born and raised in Utah, Stacy earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at Weber State University and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. Stacy currently serves on the Utah Tech University alumni board as well as the staff association board. Beyond campus, she enjoys biking, hiking, paddle boarding, and rock climbing in the stunning surroundings of southern Utah.