Pace University’s Dean Tresmaine R. Grimes, PhD, National Nominee for the Jefferson Award

Award Recognizes Outstanding Public Service by an Employee

Tresmaine R. Grimes, Ph.D., dean of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education, and interim dean for the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University, was nominated for the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee.

Multiplying Good, the nonprofit organization that administers the Awards, announced the nominees at its National Celebration of Service earlier this month. Uniting over 200 service leaders from various media partners and corporate partners from across the country, the gathering was a testament to the organization's commitment to celebrating service, leadership, and excellence.

Nominated by Pace University, Dean Grimes was acknowledged for her work within her organization and community. Grimes has dedicated her career to improving the lives and mental health of others. In 2004, she had the opportunity to join a delegation of American mental health professionals who traveled to South Africa to study the impact on mental health of the South African population as it relates to apartheid-related trauma, sexual assault, and HIV/AlDS.

Dr. Grimes has been actively involved in service to her community for much of her life. In 2012, she established her own nonprofit organization, Sarah's Daughters Ministries, which focuses on supporting local organizations that assist women who are recovering from relationship violence and providing ministry to women and men to help them grow spiritually and find the best path forward.

“It's a tremendous honor to be nominated for the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee,” said Dean Grimes. “Throughout much of my life, I've embraced the notion that it's important to serve others and give back to others. I am extremely honored that someone would consider the actions I take worthy of acknowledgment.”

Dean Grimes received a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University with a double-major in Afro-American Studies and Psychology, a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, and a M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Her teaching career began at South Carolina State University as a member of the Psychology and Sociology Department there. During her nine-year tenure at S.C. State, Grimes received promotion to the level of associate professor and served as chair of her department for four years.

She arrived at Iona College in 2000 as an adjunct professor of psychology and moved through the ranks again to become a tenured associate professor of Psychology. She was promoted to the position of assistant vice president for academic affairs at Iona College in 2007 and served in the position for 8 years. Dr. Grimes served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey from September 2015 until August 2019.

Dean Grimes has used her professional skills to assist many organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Educational Testing Service, and the College Board. She has received many awards, including Teacher of the Year from the South Carolina Psychological Association and the Standing on Their Shoulders Award from the Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Over the past five decades, the list of Jefferson Award recipients has included hundreds of national figures — both public and private —more than 65,000 unsung heroes, and tens of thousands of employees and young people that represent the good that is happening in communities across the country. The list of winners includes an impressive who’s who of cultural icons, political dignitaries and everyday community members and volunteers.

"For over half a century, the Jefferson Awards has been dedicated to changing the narrative by highlighting the incredible acts of goodness happening all around us,” said Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, CEO of Multiplying Good. “When we shine a spotlight on these acts of service on such a grand stage, their impact resonates throughout the nation, inspiring millions and prompting action."

"Jefferson Award recipients exemplify the pinnacle of selfless service," Mosley continued. ''Through sharing their narratives, we not only motivate them to continue their remarkable work but also ignite inspiration in others to create positive change."

In her remarks, Dean Grimes congratulated her peers and spoke about establishing a nonprofit that helps the faith community understand and get to the truth of domestic violence.

“Sarah’s Daughters Ministries is focused on helping women understand that love shouldn’t hurt,” Dean Grimes said. “If you find yourself or find a friend or someone you love in a relationship that's violent take a breath, control your rage, and figure out how you can help them.”

“I applaud Dean Tresmaine Grimes for this extraordinary honor,” said Joseph R. Franco, PhD, Pace University Provost, who attended the National Celebration Service event. “Her dedication to community and public service inspires our fellow colleagues in the Pace Community. She is truly deserving of this great honor.”

About Multiplying Good

Multiplying Good is a national nonprofit that believes in the power of service to others to unleash potential, inspire individuals, and transform lives. Multiplying Good fuels personal growth and leadership development through a continuum that starts with engagement and culminates in recognition. It has offices in 11 communities across the country, delivering on-the-ground impact where it is needed most. Founded in 1972 by Sam Beard, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., the organization has recognized the extraordinary public service of thousands with its Jefferson Award. To learn more, visit MultiplyingGood.org or follow Multiplying Good on Facebook.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.