Spirituality plays a significant role in overall health by fostering a sense of purpose and connection to something greater—whether that’s a higher power, nature, or community. Recognizing this, Student Affairs is launching the Spiritual Wellness Program to provide students with the support they need to explore their spirituality, find meaning, overcome challenges, build inner peace, and connect with others.
The Spiritual Wellness Program helps students find meaning, navigate life’s challenges, and discover inner peace through practices like mindfulness and community connection. It helps students build a foundation for emotional balance and personal growth, which has positive impact on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Most importantly, this new program is dedicated to creating a welcoming and respectful space for students from all philosophical backgrounds.
“This new program isn’t about religion. It’s about supporting students on their personal journeys toward inner peace, growth, and self-reflection,” said Sherrá Watkins, associate vice president for Student Health and Wellness. “Anyone can benefit from exploring and nurturing their spirituality, regardless of what they believe—or don’t believe.”
Whether you are following a long-standing tradition, exploring new spiritual paths, or seeking a deeper purpose, the Spiritual Wellness Program offers support for every step of your spiritual journey.
Program services
- Finding Community: We connect students with over 50 religious and spiritual groups, helping them find a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
- Sense of Connection and Purpose: Through fostering personal growth, we support students in their search for meaning, encouraging practices like meditation and mindfulness to align actions with beliefs.
- Spiritual Care: Our trained chaplains and spiritual advisors provide compassionate care during life’s challenges, offering space for reflection and guidance.
- Events: We sponsor a range of events on moral, spiritual, vocational, and religious topics, giving students opportunities for deep reflection and engagement with new ideas.
- Emotional and Moral Dilemmas: Life presents complex situations that require thoughtful reflection. Our program helps students navigate ethical and spiritual aspects of their decisions.
Meet the Spiritual Chaplain, Rev. Cindy Solomon-Klebba
Rev. Cindy Solomon-Klebba serves as the Chaplain for the Spiritual Wellness Program. A historian, human rights advocate, minister, and educator, she is ordained in the Metropolitan Community Churches, the largest LGBTQ church in the world. With a B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs), Rev. Solomon-Klebba spent over a decade working with behavior-disordered students in Colorado, advocating for LGBTQ student rights and the dignity of all students.
Currently completing her PhD in History at the University of Utah, she also teaches courses in women’s history, U.S. history, and gender studies. Her ministry experience spans several states, and she has spoken at numerous rallies and conferences, championing social change and legal rights for women and the LGBTQ community. She lives in Utah with her wife of 29 years and their daughter, who is currently attending the University of Utah.
Visit our office
The Spiritual Wellness Program is located in Room 350 of the Student Services Building (SSB). Schedule a one-on-one session with a chaplain, or attend upcoming events to start exploring your spiritual wellness.
Phone: 801.581.7776
Email: wellness@sa.utah.edu