Staff Writer- Annie Garbers
This week’s Gustie of the Week is Dr. Lucie Holmgreen, the Richard Martin, Timothy Robinson, and Barbara Simpson Endowed Professor of Psychological Science.
For Holmgreen, being a part of the community here at Gustavus is far more than just work: it’s her absolute dream job.
“My husband gets annoyed when I brag about how much I love my job.” Holmgreen said with a smile. “I always loved the idea of being a liberal arts professor, where I could teach and do my own research, but not with the same degree of pressure as a big research institution.”
After receiving her undergraduate degree in psychology at Ohio State University, followed by her masters and PhD in clinical psychology at Marquette University, Holmgreen secured her first faculty position at Gustavus and has never looked back. Today, she teaches a wide variety of psychology related courses; among her favorites are psychopathology and an upper level seminar focusing on the psychology of sexual assault.
In addition to her teaching and ongoing research responsibilities, Holmgreen serves as the co-chair of the Faculty Senate at Gustavus. While this major leadership role has required her to temporarily put her own research on the backburner, she views the sacrifice as well worth it for the good of Gustavus.
“It’s an important body, sort of a go-between for the administration and the faculty that helps with policy decisions and making recommendations to the provost.” Holmgreen explained. “There’s an interface with the board of trustees, which is, you know, sometimes intimidating, but really useful. It’s a great deal of meetings and planning, but it’s really, really good work.”
While not on duty, Holmgreen takes plenty of time to enjoy her favorite parts of the Gustie community, most of her interest revolving around intellectual conversation, such as weekly faculty shop talks and the Nobel Conference, of which she is involved in the planning committee and hosting a visiting speaker for her second year.
“I love that Gustavus is good at getting brilliant people in the same room, talking to each other, at such a personal scale.” Holmgreen said.
She also cherishes the tight-knit social fabric of the campus, Holmgreen said, noting that many of her closest friends are those she works with.“I know it’s such a cliche, but I love all of it. I love the community, I love that we all genuinely care about each other and try to get along,” she added.
Beyond her busy professional life on campus, Holmgreen jokes that she “used to have hobbies, and then became a parent!”
As an avid reader, cross-stitcher, and dedicated fantasy and sci-fi nerd, Holmgreen now channels the majority of her personal time into her family, whether that means coloring with her four year old or playing video games with her soon-to-be ten year old. These moments offer her a refreshing counterweight to her academic and social commitments.
In balancing rigorous academics, psychological research, campus governance, and family life, Dr. Lucie Holmgreen embodies the dedicated spirit of a true Gustie: a kind of leadership rooted in a genuine love for Gustavus.