McNally House Transforms into a Hub for Well-Being and Community Engagement

A once-aging facility on Maryville University's campus has been given new life and a new mission. On Tuesday, September 9th, University leaders, faculty, staff, and students gathered to officially cut the ribbon on the McNally House Wellness Hub-a revitalized space designed to serve as a hub for well-being and community engagement.

McNally House has been restructured to meet a broader vision: providing a welcoming "third space" for students to relax, recharge, and connect outside the classroom and residence halls. The transformation comes on the heels of Maryville University becoming the first in Missouri to officially adoptthe Okanagan Charter, joining a growing network of institutions worldwide committed to advancing health, equity, and sustainability.

"We heard from students - especially commuters - that there weren't enough places on campus to simply be," said Dr. Oliver Tacto, Maryville University Dean of Student Wellness. "Now, McNally House offers multiple ways to care for their well-being, build community, and feel supported at Maryville. This is exactly the kind of initiative we had in mind when Maryville adopted the Okanagan Charter earlier this year, and what we hope to do more of as we continue to strengthen our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader St. Louis community."

A Space Designed for Well-Being

The Wellness Hub features a variety of dedicated areas to meet students' needs:

• Sensory Room: A quiet, rejuvenating space with textured sensory items, a massage chair, and calming low-fi music curated in partnership with Maryville's music therapy students.
• Living Room: A casual gathering space where students can study, play games, enjoy coloring pages, or just spend time with friends.
• Outdoor Deck: A renovated deck outfitted with hammocks, lawn chairs, and patio furniture for rest and connection in nature.
• Interfaith Prayer Room: A refreshed, welcoming space with yoga mats and floor cushions for students of all faiths and spiritual practices.

The Hub also includes a Basic Needs Pantry, created in partnership with Student Ambassadors of Maryville, Operation Food Search, and Maryville Career Services. The pantry offers students free access to toiletries, food staples, and professional clothing-an extension of the Saints Cabinet that ensures students have wraparound support to meet life's challenges.

A Student-Led Idea, Made Real

The concept for the Wellness Hub grew out of student research. Experiential Learning Coordinator and Instructor Robyn Wand, who teaches Organizational Structure and Management, tasked her students with evaluating campus spaces. Their findings revealed a significant need for a "third space" for student well-being, particularly for commuters.

That research, coupled with input from students who admitted they often sat in their cars between classes for lack of a better option, became the foundation for reimagining McNally House. When it became clear the aging building and deck required renovations, the University seized the opportunity to invest in something special for the entire campus community.

Building Community Connections

Though rooted in student needs, the McNally House Wellness Hub will also serve as a "base camp" for community partnerships. Maryville University envisions the space as a launching point for collaborations with local organizations that share its mission of well-being and student success.

"This project reflects Maryville's culture of innovation and care," said Dr. Dan Shipp, President of Maryville University. "By listening to our students and working creatively with limited resources, we've created something that not only enhances campus life but also strengthens our connection to the broader community."

In addition to Dr. Tacto, participants in the ribbon cutting included Dr. Aretha Hardrick, Dean of Campus Life; and Raphaella Prange, Vice President of Student Life; Jennifer Donovan, Student Life, Chief of Staff; and Anna McCarty, Director, Community Engagement and Well-being.

About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.

Posted on 9.12.2025

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