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Faculty Excellence at UMUC

	Faculty Interview Henry Grubb Psychology Henry Grubb has taught and worked as a Clinical Psychologist since 1986. With five years of teaching experience and twice that time in private practice, he joined the Asian Division faculty in the fall of 2000. Since that time he has used his energy and knowledge to lead students on their personal quests for answers, while simultaneously using the energy and questions of students to maintain his own love of Psychology and teaching.

Interviewer:	Please tell us about your chosen discipline—how long have you worked in or taught it? What made you interested in the area? What keeps you interested in the area?
Henry Grubb:	I was initially attracted to Psychology by taking an undergraduate course in college. That course made me seek a graduate degree and the rest is history. I love teaching and am probably somewhat of a "ham" when I get in front of a class. I try to be the teacher I always wanted to have in college: knowledgeable but also entertaining. I also enjoy the clinical part of the profession: aiding people and families in distress. And diagnosing is like detective work; a difficult case is also a motivating experience for me. Finally, I enjoy discovery and am always involved in some research project. Being in Japan, I'm able to engage my passion for Cross-Cultural research. Currently, I'm investigating the Japanese phenomenon of societal dropouts among usually the young, known as Hikikomori.
Interviewer:	How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?
Henry Grubb:	I guess the best way to describe my teaching style would be to call it thorough and entertaining. I like to cover all of the material (not always easy to do in the graduate classes) yet allow the students' voices to be heard and intersperse the discussions with real life examples and controversy. My philosophy is to get the student thinking about something new, in a different way, and how the subject matter affects them. All the bad, boring instructors in my academic career have served as a negative example and in that sense are the number one influence on my style and delivery. My major professor at Virginia Tech, Dr. Ollendick, is also another major influence. His wide knowledge of psychology and his depth of caring have been an inspiration ever since my first days in graduate school. Dr. Turner, my Internship Director at the University of Pittsburgh WPIC Psychiatric Hospital, is the other major influence. The first Black Ph.D. I ever knew on such a close level, he really acted as my mentor for several years as I became a professional.
Interviewer:	What do you find most satisfying about teaching in your chosen format(s)? What do you find challenging about teaching in your chosen format(s)?
Henry Grubb:	I only teach face-to-face right now. I really enjoy the classroom interaction. I love the give and take with the students. I like making the young person see something differently. I get a charge when the light goes off in one of their heads. The questions the students ask inspire me to continue learning. Just when I think I know everything about a subject and can field any question, I'm given one that just stumps me. And then I'm off on another quest for answers myself. I love the challenge. Some professors try to fake an answer because they believe they can't be human in front of the students. I'm energized by their wit and knowledge. And no one is an expert in all things; even all things psychological.
Interviewer:	Please explain if you do something special or unique in your approach and how you developed that approach. What do you think it is about your approach that appeals to students?
Henry Grubb:	I ask a lot of questions. I want the students to think. I encourage them to ask questions too. And I never belittle a query. Never! Even those questions which seem absolutely unrelated to the material at hand and seem the most divorced from the subject matter have significance to that student who is trying to re-order his mental universe; his world view. I think this atmosphere allows students to find their voice. Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of self-exploration. I hope my classes aid in this.
Interviewer:	What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?
Henry Grubb:	Get good grades in the undergraduate courses. Get some hands-on experience. Getting into a doctoral program is very competitive. Work hard now. And, know yourself before you practice. As far as teaching, keep fresh. Don't lose your love for the discipline.
Interviewer:	What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?
Henry Grubb:	Everything stated above. Keep your research life active too. Solve another question. Ask two more. Keep your interest in "the scientific study of behavior and mental functioning"* alive, and it'll be alive for the students. *definition of Psychology

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