Spotlight - Frimel

Brenna Frimel is a Senior Public Health Major and a Graduate Assistant at Kent State of Well-being at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Since January 2025, Brenna has been promoting wellness and health initiatives across the university by focusing on student well-being through education, planning, and outreach. She helps build a healthier campus community here at RecWell - work she says has been both meaningful and motivating.

Brenna shared that one of the most rewarding parts of her work here has been the strong support she’s received from both teammates and the administration in Well-being. She states, “I really feel like I’m making a difference”. Brenna highlights that the best part has been forming connections and gaining leadership experience. She expressed that it is worthwhile “knowing that the work we’re doing matters”. She has transitioned from doing day-to-day student interaction work as a Certified Peer Educator to being a Graduate Assistant, and focusing on administrative tasks. Still, Brenna says that the impact is felt on a large scale as she assists in wellness initiatives here at RecWell. 

As a Public Health major, Brenna has found her academic work translates well into her role. In her position, she conducts research at Kent and other universities to bring effective health resources to Kent State’s Well-being, which are rooted in behavioral science. What she has learned as an outstanding employee at RecWell is closely intertwined directly with her major, and vice versa. She’s stated she has learned program development, leadership, and understanding health topics – all fitting together. 

Her contributions have made a noticeable mark here at the Recreation and Wellness Services. Brenna has helped bring Kent’s Farmer’s Market to campus by collaborating with peer educators to design new programs rooted in wellness. She says a specific moment where she felt she made a difference was helping map out and create a relaxing space where students can unwind called the “Relax Space” at RecWell’s Well Hub. “College can be a lot, and knowing I helped create a space where students can unwind really made me feel like I made a change here.

”Working in RecWell has helped Brenna stay motivated with her academics because of the connection she gained between educational, professional, and personal growth. Learning from coworkers in similar roles and career interests and applying what she learns in class has strengthened her sense of purpose. “For students who are thinking about working here, I’d say do it. I’ve found friends here, and my experience has helped me find my place at Kent State – and so can you.”