From the Dean of Academic Support and Operations

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bonnie Grohe as the new Associate Dean of Teaching Excellence and Faculty Support at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Grohe is deeply committed to the belief that faculty are powerful drivers of student success. Her career has focused on developing systems, programs, and resources that empower faculty to deliver high-quality, equitable, and engaging learning experiences—because when faculty are supported, students thrive.

She most recently served as Executive Director of Faculty Development and Online Education at Fayetteville State University, where she led a wide range of initiatives to support teaching excellence and innovation. These included faculty communities of practice focused on effective instruction and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI); robust onboarding and orientation programs for both faculty and students; mentoring initiatives; instructional technology integration; and programs, resources and support for online teaching and learning.

Through the strategic use of Title III funds, she brought the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) programming to the campus, expanding faculty access to nationally recognized credentials in effective college instruction. Dr. Grohe also oversaw the university’s participation in and annual compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) and played a central role in institutional accreditation efforts.

Dr. Grohe holds academic credentials in urban and public administration and criminology and criminal justice. Throughout her career, she has served in dual faculty and administrative roles, allowing her to apply evidence-based teaching practices in the classroom while remaining closely connected to the evolving needs of students and educators alike.

She is excited to join the SWTCC community and contribute to the important work already in place. With deep respect for the efforts and accomplishments of the current team, Dr. Grohe looks forward to building upon that strong foundation—collaborating with faculty and staff to further advance a culture of teaching excellence and shared commitment to student success.