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November 18, 2015

Message from Dr. Julie Grimm, Chair, Department of Psychology

November causes me to give pause to all of the things for which I am grateful.  I am so thankful to work at Roberts, my alma mater.    I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how grateful I am to work at an institution that allows me to teach what I am passionate about – the ever exciting world of psychology and how it so beautifully interfaces with God’s Word.   Truly, Psychology has such a rich overlap with the Bible.    It is such a privilege to teach and work where I can help students appreciate this integration.

Often while getting ready for class or while grading papers, I’m reminded of the two psychologists who shaped my career —Drs. Fred Coisman and Rod Bassett.    I’ve said it before, but truly these two master teachers made an indelible impact on my life.    Dr. Coisman was my inspiration to do doctoral work in an applied area – Counseling Psychology.   His engaging lectures and clinical expertise fueled my passion to learn about psychotherapy.    His fabulously interesting lectures, sharing from his career as a Clinical Psychologist, kept me riveted in class!    Dr. Bassett gave me a love for teaching and for the research side of psychology.   I still marvel at his ability to engage an entire class with just a whiteboard and marker!   As my academic advisor, he spent countless hours encouraging me to dream big and to pursue a PhD.    I can’t tell you how thankful I was to return to Roberts and work alongside these remarkable Christian educators and gifted men of God!     Dr. Coisman has retired and I miss him tremendously;   I’m so glad we keep in touch.   Thankfully, I only have to go two doors down to appreciate the collegiality and wisdom of Dr. Bassett.   I am blessed.

What are you thankful for?    What makes your heart swell with appreciation?   I hope that this season of the year provides you with many opportunities to count your blessings.    Alums – please be in touch and let us know what’s new in your world.   We love to hear from you and that gives us yet another reason to be thankful!

May you find many ways to be thankful during this season of Advent.

God’s peace—

Dr. G