About Us

The EIU Mindfulness Initiative is a shared effort to bring presence, compassion, and calm into the everyday life of our university and the broader community. We believe mindfulness is not just a practice, but a way of being, with ourselves, with one another, and with the world around us. Through shared experiences, workshops, and moments of quiet reflection, we invite everyone at Eastern Illinois University, faculty, staff, students, and neighbors, to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Purpose

Our purpose is to create spaces where people can slow down, listen deeply, and build resilience together. In a time when many of us feel stretched thin by constant change and uncertainty, mindfulness offers a way to return to steadiness. The initiative helps weave mindfulness into teaching, learning, leadership, and community life at EIU.

Mission

The mission of the EIU Mindfulness Initiative is to support the well-being of our campus and community through the simple, powerful practice of awareness. We aim to nurture a culture where kindness, curiosity, and presence shape how we learn, work, and care for one another.

Vision

We envision a mindful EIU where people show up for themselves and each other with openness and compassion. By bringing mindfulness into classrooms, meetings, and community gatherings, we hope to strengthen our collective capacity to meet challenges with balance, hope, and heart.

Mindfulness Initiative Facilitators

← Back to listings

Education & Training Frequently Taught Courses Research & Creative Interests Professional Affiliations Update your profile

Dr. Misty L. Rhoads

Professor Office: 4305 - Klehm Hall
Phone: 217-581-5761
Email: mlrhoads@eiu.edu

Education & Training

Ph.D. Southern Illinois University 2009
M.S. Eastern Illinois University 2005
B.S. Eastern Illinois University 2005

Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner, 2019

Frequently Taught Courses

HST 2800 Research Methods I
HST 3500 Human Sexuality
HST 3560 Women's Health
HST 3800 Research Methods II
HST 5810 Graduate Research Methods EIU 4126 Body Image and Society

Research & Creative Interests

Zero Balancing, Human Sexuality, LGBTQ Issues, Women's Health, Campus Health Issues, Body Image and Societal Issues, and Undergraduate/Graduate Research

Professional Affiliations

Illlinois Association Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD)
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
American School Health Association (ASHA)

Zero Balancing Touch Foundation Research Committee

CONNECT.

CONTACT US.

Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.

Mindfulness Initiative