Ten staffers and one student joined Provost Meredith Hay Thursday for a 20-minute, on-campus walk in support of physical activity and Walk Across Arizona.

“”Walk Across Arizona is part of statewide Healthy Lifestyle Education through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension,”” according to the Arizona Cooperative Extension’s Web site.

“”Walking can help with creative juices, and it’s also nice for those who want to get out and take a break from work,”” said Nancy Rogers, coordinator of the Worksite Wellness and Health Promotion program, which offers a variety of services that help employees maintain or improve their health.

Hay and Rogers led the way for the duration of the walk, starting off at the band shell on the UA Mall, east of Old Main, and walking past the Social Sciences building, west down South Campus Drive and back to Old Main via University Boulevard.

“”You can work better when you come back from exercising,”” Hay said. “”It’s a great activity and a great thing to support.””

Hay said she exercises every morning.

“”It starts your day well. Your mind is clear, and your body is ready for a good day’s work. Plus, we live in Tucson, why wouldn’t you be out walking?”” Hay asked.

Melanie Fleck, a master’s student in public health and a specialist in Campus Health outreach, met Hay and the other walkers on the UA Mall, which also held the Spring Break Safety Fair.

“”I’m here out for the Safety Fair today, and I thought it would be cool to meet Provost Hay,”” Fleck said.

Some UA employees came to the walk for exercise and interaction with other students and workers on campus.

“”I like to exercise, and this is a good way to promote fitness while also meeting staff members,”” said Lee Ann Hamilton, assistant director for Health Promotion and Preventative Services at Campus Health.

The Cooperative Extension worked with Worksite Wellness to bring the walk to campus.

Garry Forger, an officer in development grants management at the Office of Instruction and Assessment, attended the walk with Hay. Forger was also a part of last month’s on-campus walk with UA President Robert Shelton.

“”The walks give you a chance to get to know people you haven’t met,”” Forger said.

Hamilton had hoped the walk would give her the opportunity to talk with students.

“”I want to meet with students and talk, because maybe there’s something more that we can all be doing for them,”” Hamilton said.