Ep 241: Dr. Niah Grimes on Balancing Art and Academia

Niah Grimes

Ph.D. in Education

University of Georgia

We're thrilled to bring you an episode with a guest we admire enormously, Dr. Niah Grimes. She's a force to be reckoned with as an assistant professor at Morgan State University, an artist, and a vociferous advocate for social justice, mental health awareness, and higher education. Dr. Grimes generously shares her unique personal journey that has seen her balance art with academia, her struggles with chronic illness, and the centrality of self-care in her life. This episode is peppered with her passions - cooking, nature, and family heritage.

Our conversation takes an introspective turn as we delve into my experiences as a researcher and educator, a queer Black femme with chronic illness, and disability. I discuss the challenges I faced in my academic journey within the southeastern United States and the pivotal role played by mentorship and a supportive community at the University of Georgia. This episode will underline the importance of having a supportive community and serve as a testament to the power of resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Finally, we journey with Dr. Grimes as she shares her experience transitioning into her role as an assistant professor, meeting diverse student needs across different campuses, and the divine timing and resource utilization that led her to the perfect job. We lean into her strategies for navigating unfamiliar environments, bridging gaps, and being unapologetic in meeting her needs. As we wrap up, Dr. Grimes leaves us with empowering advice for prospective and current Black women and non-binary doctoral students. This episode is a testament to resilience, passion, and balance; indeed, a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex landscapes of higher education, identity, and personal growth.

About the cohort sistas podcast

The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women and femmes with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Cohort Sistas Podcast on your favorite podcast streaming platform, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.