Thomas E. Grier Journalism Scholarship

Dr. Tom Grier came to Winona State University in 1987 after working in professional radio for 12 years. He graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication-advertising and a minor in business administration. Grier earned a Master of Arts in English language and literature from WSU in 1997 and doctor of education in education policy and administration from the University of Minnesota in 2001. He was hired as WSU Director of University Communication as an undergraduate and served in that role from 1989-2006, overseeing the university’s marketing and communications plan. In 2006, Grier moved to a faculty position as an associate professor of mass communication. He was named WSU Professor of the Year in 2007-08 and 2013-14 and WSU E-Professor of the Year in 2005-06. Grier founded the Navajo Oral History Project in collaboration with Diné College in 2005. The documentary films, focusing on the lives of Navajo elders, are archived in the Smithsonian Institution of the American Indian. He co-authored four books for the Winona State University press and numerous articles for local, regional, and national publications.

Scholarship contacts are Tom and Robbie Christiano.
This scholarship was established to honor the most selfless individual and best teacher I’ve had the privilege of knowing. Dr. Tom Grier has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in his profession. He helped me straighten my life out and believed in me even when I couldn’t believe in myself. Because of his mentorship, I’ve been able to reach the goals I’ve set for myself. Tom thinks he’s just doing his job, but I’ve seen him help change the lives of many of our students. Tom cares about his students, taking the time to listen and provide thoughtful, productive advice for their future. Tom’s passion for Mass Communication inspires students to learn and become better communicators and professionals. Tom’s Navajo Oral History project has provided students with an incredible opportunity for learning and personal growth while also bringing recognition to Winona State University. If one could accomplish half of what Tom has in his lifetime, I know they’d be doing very well.