Tiger Talk with Dr. Gradwohl- Business Department

Associate Professor and Chair of Business at Wittenberg University. I received my doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from The University of Akron in 1997.  The courses I regularly teach consist of: Business Research Methods, Managing Effective Organizations, Human Resource Management, and Leadership.  My most recent research interests include employee attitudes and turnover, and college student recruitment and retention.  My favorite course to teach is BUSN 365S – Managing Effective Organizations.  It surveys human behavior within organizations.  Most students might think the concepts are common sense, but human behavior is often far from common sense; it can be complex and difficult to predict.  Research, however, can help us determine best practices.

How have you seen participation in athletics help a student be successful in your courses and as a learner in your discipline?

The concepts I cover apply to everyday life (e.g., how personality and values affects behavior, interpersonal and team dynamics, motivation, leadership).  Athletes can easily relate to these concepts because they experience them within their teams trying to achieve specific goals.  Also, student-athletes may be used to receiving feedback from their coaches and thus may be more receptive to feedback in other realms of their life.  Seeking feedback, especially negative feedback, helps us develop personally and professionally. Sheila Heen, co-author of “Thanks for the Feedback”, says we all have approximately 3 blind spots; without feedback it will be difficult to know what those are and how to avoid letting them negatively affect our behavior, relationships, etc.  Research shows that individuals who seek negative feedback tend to experience higher work satisfaction, are more adaptable in new roles, and receive higher performance reviews.

What are your perceptions on the role athletics plays in our Wittenberg community and how does it help fulfill Wittenberg’s mission?

Athletics are vital to our community, mission, and tradition.  We tout diversity…diversity in views, diversity in interests, etc.  Athletics is one of many ways our student body is diverse.  And yet, most student-athletes are not just athletic.  They are musicians, philanthropists, Greek members, campus leaders, community builders, etc.  It is but one of many roles our students fill.

What is special about Wittenberg that makes it such an ideal University for our students to be a successful (insert) major and athlete?

I’ve been asked this question several times this semester, and I think it boils down to warmth.  Wittenberg students make the warmth in this place.  They are passionate and compassionate. They care about people and issues and want to connect (and stay connected) with other students, staff, and faculty.

Please share a personal success story of one of your former or current students that participated in athletics that you are most proud of?

This is a hard question to answer because there are so many student-athletes of which I am proud.  But the first student who comes to mind is Rachel Ross.  She excelled in the classroom and on the softball field as a pitcher.  Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and servant’s heart clearly embody Witt’s values and motto. She is currently working for Fifth Third.

Compiled By: Patrick Rittenhouse '17