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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama has hired Rebecca K. Kelly as its first-ever director of health promotion and wellness.

Kelly was recently profiled in USA Today as one of the nation’s leading experts in helping companies become healthier. Over the span of 13 years, Kelly implemented a nationally recognized health and wellness program for American Cast Iron Pipe Company, known as ACIPCO. A leader in corporate health initiatives, Kelly created a culture of health and productivity excellence through her ability to engage more than 80 percent of employees in wellness initiatives.

Kelly will be at UA full time beginning Jan. 1, 2007 but has already begun work this fall on wellness initiatives at the Capstone.

“The University of Alabama is taking great strides to position itself as a champion of health and wellness for its employees. Ms. Kelly will oversee a complete and comprehensive program aimed at making our University one of the healthiest places to work in the United States,” said Dr. Judy Bonner, UA executive vice president and provost, in announcing Kelly’s appointment.

Over the past 15 years, Kelly has been involved in the development of more than 20 signature health programs, including a national recognized worksite diabetes education program, a worksite rehabilitation program, and the development of a wellness screening model used to predict health care costs and productivity. Additionally, Kelly has given more than 200 presentations and published more than 40 articles on wellness related topics.

She has served as a sports nutritionist for Birmingham Southern College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and numerous clubs and high school student-athletes.

Her professional affiliations include serving on the board of directors for the American Heart Association and the Diabetes Care Network of America.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and food science from Auburn University and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is completing a doctorate in health education and health promotion from UAB.