Morrison Bruce Center

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Morrison Bruce Center

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The Morrison Bruce Center empowers women and girls to lead confident, healthy lives through promoting physical activity, providing education, and fostering community.

05/05/2026

Meet MBC Graduate Research Fellow Emily Barner!

Emily is currently developing her thesis research with Dr. Gano-Overway through the Morrison Bruce Center. Her work centers on the Girls Have HEART program, an 11-week, running-based after-school program for 3rd–5th grade girls.

Her research explores how participants portray and voice their understanding of positive youth development skills, specifically the 4 C’s (competence, confidence, connection, and character), and how those skills grow throughout the program. Using a PhotoVoice approach, girls capture and reflect on their experiences to highlight which activities are most meaningful to them. Emily is also examining whether improvements in running distance track alongside growth in these life skills.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful scholarship while preparing for future academic or professional pursuits, and we’re proud to see Emily leading the way!

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05/01/2026

Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. is a Morrison Bruce Center program designed to help young girls develop a love of being physically active and a positive self-concept while having FUN!

This 11-week spring program works with 4th and 5th grade girls at Waterman Elementary, combining non-competitive running, team-building games, and interactive wellness lessons. ach week features physical activity games centered on the 4 Cs—capable, caring, connected, and confident—to promote both physical fitness and personal growth. The goal of the program is to empower girls to strengthen both their bodies and their self-concept through fun, engaging, movement-based activities. When girls move, support one another, and believe in themselves, they truly have H.E.A.R.T.
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04/28/2026

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Sophia Clinton, a phenomenal staff member at the Morrison Bruce Center! Sophia is part of the EmpowHER Committee, where she is excited to help women build confidence through physical activity and movement.

As a practicum student, this is Sophia’s first time working with the MBC, after hearing so many great things from friends who have previously been involved. She is looking forward to learning, connecting, and contributing to the supportive and empowering environment that the MBC is known for.

Outside of the MBC, Sophia enjoys reading, snowboarding, and staying active. She is also part of an intramural softball team with her Health Science Fraternity, keeping busy both on and off the field. We’re so excited to have her energy and passion as part of our community!
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04/24/2026

Today’s Staff Spotlight introduces Taylor Coburn, a junior and member of the Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. Committee! Taylor joined the Morrison Bruce Center because she wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her, and she is excited to help guide young girls through their running journey while building their confidence along the way.

Taylor’s favorite physical activity is cycling, and a fun fact about her is that she has run two half marathons! She learned about the MBC through friends in her Kinesiology classes and is grateful for the opportunity to be involved.

Outside of the MBC, Taylor enjoys baking, playing pickleball, doing puzzles, and spending time with friends!

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04/21/2026

Meet today’s staff spotlight, Sophie Stroud, one of our incredible staff members at the Morrison Bruce Center! Sophie is part of the EmpowHER Committee, where she is passionate about helping women build confidence in the weight room. She is especially excited to form meaningful connections and support every individual who walks through the doors.

Sophie learned about the MBC through an email highlighting practicum opportunities and immediately knew it would be a perfect fit. After learning more about the mission and values of the Center, she was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the community in a meaningful and personal way.

Outside of the MBC, Sophie stays busy as a member of the Women’s Soccer team here at JMU. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, practicing yoga, and journaling. We’re so excited to have her compassion and positivity as part of the MBC family!

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04/18/2026

It’s National Exercise Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than highlighting the incredible programs we’re proud to offer at the Morrison Bruce Center. This professionally produced video captures the heart of what we do: supporting girls and women as they move, learn, grow, and build confidence through physical activity and wellness. Thank you to Julia Weaver Photography for capturing the magic!

Watch. Celebrate movement. And join us in being active for life. 💙💚 JMU College of Health and Behavioral Studies

04/17/2026

At the Morrison Bruce Center, our full-time student volunteers are more than helpers; they are leaders, mentors, and changemakers.

Assigned to one of our weekly programs, including Girls Have H.E.A.R.T., Healthy Kids, and EmpowHER, our full-time student volunteers collaborate closely with both the Student Staff and Executive Staff to bring each program to life. Their dedication enhances our outreach, builds strong community connections, and creates impactful experiences for the program participants we serve.

We thank our full-time volunteers for committing to a ten-week volunteer experience, showing up with positive energy and enthusiasm, and leading with heart!

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04/14/2026

Let’s give a warm welcome to Sitara Soeb, today’s Staff Spotlight!

Sitara is a senior at JMU, and a fun fact about her is that she hopes to become a speech-language pathologist. This semester, she is working with the MBC’s Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. program. Sitara is passionate about working with children, and once she learned about the mission of the MBC, she knew she wanted to be part of the meaningful impact it creates. With a genuine passion for movement, Sitara is especially excited to help build confidence in young girls through active engagement and empowerment within Girls Have H.E.A.R.T.

Outside of the Morrison Bruce Center, Sitara enjoys reading, staying active, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends. We are so excited to have you as part of the team, Sitara!

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04/10/2026

Give a hand for our longest serving staff member, the one and only Ali Downey! Ali previously completed her practicum and internship requirements with the Morrison Bruce Center and was recruited to stay on board in a specialized student staff member leadership role. Ali was eager to return for a third semester with the Morrison Bruce Center because of her passion for the Center’s mission and its focus on empowering women through exercise and community.

Ali is co-leading the launching of the Morrison Bruce Center’s new Fitness Sampler Program, in addition to executing undergraduate research and supporting the EmpowHER committee. She’s also part of the Marketing, Research, and Development committee, helping to strengthen the reach of the Center.

Outside of the MBC, Ali enjoys shopping, playing intramural sports, and spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, Pre-PT Society, and Canterbury Campus Ministry.

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04/07/2026

Let’s give a warm welcome to today’s Staff Spotlight: Sarah Hussein!

Sarah is a junior at JMU and is working with the Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. Program. This is her first semester at the Morrison Bruce Center, and she was drawn to the program by its powerful mission and the meaningful impact it has on young girls. Sarah is especially excited to be part of Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. because it allows her to directly support and empower girls by promoting self-confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

Outside of the Morrison Bruce Center, Sarah enjoys hiking in the area, watching documentaries, and baking sweet treats.

We are so thrilled to have you on the team, Sarah!

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04/03/2026

Research in motion at the Morrison Bruce Center!

The Morrison Bruce Center (MBC) is advancing knowledge on physical activity, empowerment, and lived experience for girls and women. We’re currently executing six active research projects with undergraduate and graduate student research partners, as well as faculty collaborators from Kinesiology and Health Science, making an impact on campus and in the community. Together, these projects reflect the MBC’s mission to empower girls and women to lead confident, active lives through education, movement, and community-engaged research. Be sure to check out our active research projects page on our website!

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03/31/2026

We are pleased to highlight Sadie Young as today’s staff spotlight! Sadie joined the Morrison Bruce Center because she wanted to give back to her community while gaining experience working with kids and creating engaging lesson plans. She currently serves on the Healthy Kids committee, where she is most excited about developing fun and meaningful activities for children. She is also a part of the Marketing, Research, and Development Committee, where she helps advertise and spread awareness of the programs the MBC offers.

She first learned about the MBC through friends in her program, and after some research, she realized that this was a perfect fit for her! Outside of the MBC, Sadie enjoys playing games with her roommates and reading. She is also involved in Alpha Phi Omega, where she volunteers weekly in her community.

We are thrilled to have Sadie as a part of our team!

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Address

261 Bluestone Drive MSC 2302
Harrisonburg, VA
22807

Telephone

+15405684348

Website

http://www.jmu.edu/mbc, https://linktr.ee/morrisonbrucecenter?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabIUClvg1A2knzLp26tmz917wsIWfDoo

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