Description/Overview: Wellness programs have been introduced to worksites worldwide to improve the health and well-being of employees. Behaviors are the number one killer of Americans and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors can prevent the majority of chronic conditions. Healthy lifestyle work styles are related to perceived improved health and vitality, which in turn, are associated with employees' productivity, absenteeism and presenteeism. Research studies have supported that for every dollar invested in wellness, there is a return on investment of three to four dollars. Many employers want and need to take a proactive approach to keeping their employees healthy while attempting to control healthcare costs. A review of evidence supports that multicomponent strategies are most effective in improving outcomes in worksites. Academic institutions are fertile ground to enhance the population health of faculty, staff and students who live and work in higher education settings, yet they have lagged behind corporate America in wellness programming and creating wellness cultures. The first paper in this symposia will present data from a survey conducted with health promotion professionals from 66 institutions on the state of health and wellness in Universities across the United States. Data to be highlighted include the numbers of institutions offering health centers for faculty and staff, the number and variety of screening tests, and wellness programs that are offered. The second paper will present the psychometric properties of a new wellness culture and environment scale, which was found to have construct validity and good reliability. Descriptive data from the scale that describes perceived wellness culture will be presented. The third paper will discuss the outcomes of a faculty and staff wellness innovator grassroots strategy for enhancing a wellness culture across a Midwest U.S. public university. Specific intervention strategies of wellness innovators will be describe as well as lessons learned from use of this wellness culture tactic. Implications for clinical practice and future research will be highlighted.