Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan
Public Affairs Specialist
News and Information
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.565.5769

UT Tyler Encourages Faculty, Staff Participation in Texas Round Up

The University of Texas at Tyler is participating in Gov. Rick Perry’s 2009 Texas Round-Up and Fitness Initiative, UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry announced.

The Texas Round-Up is a statewide effort to encourage Texans of all fitness levels to incorporate healthy choices and daily physical activities in their lives. The program asks participants to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for six weeks.

The university is competing with other state agencies for the Governor’s Cup, which is awarded to the ‘fittest agency in Texas.’ Competition is based on percentage of full-time employee participation.

UT Tyler’s efforts will begin Monday, March 2 and continue through Thursday, April 30. University incentives include time to participate in on-campus fitness activities and wellness programs, prizes and free access to the Herrington Patriot Center during March.

Bob Hepler, UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center director and cross country/track head coach, and Kristee Phelps, women’s volleyball coach, serve as co-coordinators to lead UT Tyler in this statewide event.

Faculty and staff may register online at http://www.uttyler.edu/hpc/TexasRoundUp.html.

For more information, contact Hepler, 903.565.5571 or bhelper@uttyler.edu or Phelps, kphelps@uttyler.edu or 903.565.5603.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. Nearly 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 6,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.