Student Affairs Team Spirit Award: Spring 2025

Psychological & Wellness Services (PAWS) Team

I am honored to nominate the PAWS team for the Team Spirit Award. Despite being short-staffed, they have gone above and beyond to maintain student-centered support while stepping up to cover additional duties with positivity and collaboration.

The PAWS team is consistently available, welcoming, and responsive whenever I have questions or need to consult about a student. I have referred multiple students for services and always receive positive feedback about their experiences. The team’s dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care is evident in every interaction and in the strong, supportive relationships they build with our diverse campus community.

This past year, PAWS launched a new initiative through a partnership with SimpliCheck, resulting in the installation of a Wellness Vending Machine on campus. This innovation provides free and low-cost health and medical supplies to students, faculty, and staff — a practical and thoughtful solution to supporting well-being on campus.

Additionally, the team achieved APA accreditation, a rigorous and commendable milestone. This not only affirms their high standards but also enhances the training provided to their interns, preparing them for success in the psychology field. As a result, UWT students benefit from top-tier therapy services and a team committed to continual improvement and excellence.

PAWS exemplifies what it means to embody team spirit — through resilience, innovation, collaboration, and care. They are a cornerstone of wellness at UWT, and their work deserves recognition.