Morrison Bruce Center

12/17/2025

Thank You, Fall 2025 MBC Student Staff!

As we close out the semester, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our amazing Fall 2025 student staff. Your energy, creativity, and commitment have been vital in helping the Morrison Bruce Center empower women and girls to lead confident, healthy lives through physical activity, education, and community.

From planning and programming, your work has made a meaningful impact, and we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished.

Wishing you a restful break and continued success in all you do! 💙💚

12/16/2025

Today’s final staff spotlight for the semester showcases our Morrison Bruce Center Associate Director, Dr. Jill Lassiter. Dr. Lassiter is an Associate Professor of Health Sciences and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Her teaching is focused on health behavior change theory and the interplay between personal and community-based determinants of health. She has extensive program planning experience and has served on multiple non-profit boards for local organizations that support people in pursuing improved mental and physical wellness. Her research interests are in preventive health initiatives for youth, student athletes, and individuals with disabilities. Dr. Lassiter earned a Bachelor's degree in Health & Exercise Science from Wake Forest University, a Master's in Health Education from SUNY College at Brockport, and a Doctorate in Health Policy and Education from D'Youville University. We are thankful for the interdisciplinary lens that Dr. Lassiter brings to the extraordinary work of the MBC.
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12/12/2025

This semester was packed with purpose, movement, and mentorship! Here's a look at what we accomplished together:

✅ Community Engagement & Outreach
We connected with our community through impactful programs like OWWL, Healthy Kids, Families in Motion, and EmpowHER- each designed to promote strength, knowledge, and physical activity across age groups. We also showed up strong at the faculty and staff Wellness Fair and campus tabling events, sparking conversations and building connections around health and wellness.

✅ GSMP espnW Women in Sports Program
We proudly served as a mentor site, collaborating with JMU students, faculty, and staff to empower the next generation of women leaders in sport.

✅ Research & Advocacy
Our team continued advancing research initiatives, with presentations, data-collection, and outreach to students and faculty interested in conducting research with the MBC. We also continued our exceptional social media presence!

✅ Student Leadership
MBC student interns, practicum students, and volunteers led with heart: planning events, mentoring peers, and representing the MBC locally and nationally!

We’re grateful for every partner, participant, and supporter who helped make this semester a success. 💙💚 Stay tuned for more in Spring 2026!

JMU College of Health and Behavioral Studies JMU Kinesiology

12/09/2025

As we wrap up another semester, our final staff spotlights will highlight our executive staff. Today we are showcasing our Morrison Bruce Center Executive Director, Dr. Cathy McKay. Dr. McKay is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in health education, research methods, and supporting student success. Dr. McKay is a Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Research Fellow, and a newly inducted fellow of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA). Dr. McKay’s research advances initiatives focused on Parasport education and changing attitudes toward disability by applying contact theory to promote equity and inclusion. She is deeply committed to teacher education pedagogy and fostering positive social change through her work. Dr. McKay earned degrees from James Madison University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia. She brings extensive experience in promoting health, physical education, women’s leadership development, and inclusive physical activity practices to the Morrison Bruce Center.
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12/03/2025

Check out our MBC feature on Breeze TV at JMU!

The Morrison Bruce Center offers free weekly on campus workout classes for women of all ages. Our Alexa Bonilla shows how this class is building muscle and c...

12/02/2025

Let’s hear it for today’s staff spotlight: Marija Krnetic!

Marija is a junior completing her practicum with the MBC. She was first introduced to the center through one of her classes, and enjoyed it so much that she continued on as a full semester volunteer last Spring. She loves supporting staff and serving as a demonstrator and role model for participants.

This semester, Marija is part of the EmpowHER committee. She’s especially excited to reconnect with returning participants, welcome new ones, and gain experience with instructing.

Outside of the MBC, you can find Marija crocheting, thrifting, or caring for her plants.

We’re so glad to have you on the MBC team, Marija! 💙💚

11/28/2025

💪 EmpowHER = Strength, Community, & Confidence

As the semester winds down, EmpowHER continues to unite women of all ages and backgrounds in a powerful, supportive space where strength and connection thrive.

This free, welcoming program empowers women to explore resistance training, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement—together. Whether you're lifting for the first time or leveling up your routine, you belong here.

Let’s finish the semester strong, ladies. You are powerful. You are supported. You are EmpowHERed. 💥

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11/27/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from the Morrison Bruce Center 🦃

This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the incredible participants, students, and community members who make our work possible—you are at the heart of everything we do.

As you celebrate today, we invite you to pause and reflect on what you’re thankful for. At the MBC, we’re grateful for the gift of movement and the chance to care for our bodies and minds each day.

From all of us at the Morrison Bruce Center, thank you for being part of our community. Wishing you a joyful and restorative Thanksgiving! 🧡 💙💚

11/25/2025

Meet today’s staff spotlight: Grace Mitchell!

Grace is a senior completing her internship with the MBC. She first joined the MBC two years ago as a practicum student serving on the Girls Have H.E.A.R.T. committee, where she loved connecting with the girls and sharing her passion for health.

This semester, Grace is contributing to both the Healthy Kids and Marketing, Research, and Development committees. She’s especially excited to help teach the JMU and Harrisonburg communities about health and wellness.

Outside of the MBC, you can often find Grace reading or spending time with friends.

Welcome back to the MBC, Grace—we’re glad to have you with us again! 💙💚

11/21/2025

The Morrison Bruce Center team had a fantastic time connecting with local families during our Families in Motion events this week at two Harrisonburg early childhood centers. These gatherings brought families together to explore key wellness topics including physical activity, nutrition, healthy decision-making, recycling, emotional regulation, and family bonding.

Through interactive activities and meaningful conversations, families discovered fun and practical ways to support wellness at home. The energy was contagious- we loved seeing the smiles, teamwork, and laughter as families moved, learned, and grew together!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these events so special! 💙💚

11/18/2025

Let’s give a warm welcome to practicum student, Destiny Washington!

Destiny is a junior at JMU and part of the Healthy Kids committee this semester. She first volunteered with Healthy Kids in spring 2025 and loved seeing the kids get excited about physical activity and nutrition. That experience inspired her to join the Morrison Bruce Center as a staff member this fall.

Through her work on the committee, Destiny is most enjoying teaching kids through fun, hands-on activities that make learning about health engaging and impactful. Outside of the MBC, she enjoys playing basketball, flag football, and volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.

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11/14/2025

Congratulations to our incredible participants in the Older Women’s Wellness for Life (OWWL) program, who joined us this past weekend!

OWWL is a signature initiative of the Morrison Bruce Center that supports postmenopausal women in leading healthier lives. Through comprehensive clinical and fitness assessments, participants receive personalized wellness plans designed to promote long-term health and vitality.

This program not only empowers women to take charge of their own well-being- it also offers our staff and students meaningful, hands-on experience in health and wellness, helping them explore and prepare for future careers in the field.

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