Meet Dr. Nicholas Grossoehme - scientist, mentor, educator, and the passionate leader who believes every honors student has the potential to change the world in their own unique way.
With his Ph.D. in chemistry and years of researching proteins, DNA, and RNA, Dr. Grossoehme understands the intricate processes that make life possible. But ask him what excites him most, and he'll tell you it's watching students discover their own potential - and yes, he absolutely means that in both the scientific and everyday sense of the word.
His scientific background is the foundation for his approach to honors education. Just as biochemistry reveals how individual elements combine to create something extraordinary, Dr. Grossoehme sees how each student's unique strengths and perspectives contribute to the dynamic community that makes the Honors College special. Think of it as kinetic energy waiting to happen - you bring the potential, and the Honors College provides the perfect conditions to take flight.
Approaching 100 undergraduate research students have worked directly with Dr. Grossoehme. Ask him about it and he'll tell you he tries to be more than an advisor - he wants to champion their ideas, challenge their assumptions, and deeply believes in their potential, especially when they doubt themselves.
This extensive mentoring experience shapes everything about how he leads the Honors College. He doesn't just understand student development from textbooks or administrative reports; he's lived it through countless one-on-one conversations, tedious days in the lab, and those breakthrough moments when a student realizes they're capable of more than they ever imagined.
Dr. Grossoehme genuinely loves teaching - he thrives on the energy that comes from curious minds struggling through challenging ideas. His classroom style reflects his core philosophy: every student brings something valuable to the conversation.
Whether he's explaining complex biochemical pathways or discussing the philosophy behind honors education, his enthusiasm is infectious. Students often comment that his genuine excitement about learning makes them more excited about their own academic journey.
Perhaps what sets Dr. Grossoehme apart most is his deep appreciation for individuality. In a world that often pressures students to fit predetermined molds, he celebrates the fact that every honors student brings different strengths, interests, and perspectives to our community.
He believes that the best ideas emerge when diverse minds collaborate, and his leadership style reflects this conviction. Rather than trying to create cookie-cutter scholars, he works to help each student discover and develop their unique potential while building the collaborative skills that make great teams possible.
When you join the Winthrop Honors College, Dr. Grossoehme becomes more than your dean - he becomes your personal cheerleader and fiercest advocate, celebrating your victories, supporting you through challenges, and believing in your potential even when you're not sure you believe in it yourself. His scientific precision, mentoring heart, teaching passion, and genuine respect for who you are combine to create the kind of leadership that doesn't just manage a program, but inspires a community.
Ready to be part of something special? Dr. Grossoehme can't wait to meet you and discover what unique contributions you'll make to our honors family.
