Dr. Jason Grindstaff became Interim Dean, Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions, in 2024. He began at Cumberland University in fall of 2010 and over the years has taught courses across the undergraduate and graduate programs in Exercise & Sport Science. He served as the Program Director for the Master Sport & Exercise Science, Executive Director of Honors Program, and Chair of the Academic Integrity Board.

Prior to arriving at Cumberland, Dr. Grindstaff was a Post-Doctoral Associate for two years with the University of Florida where he provided mental health and sport psychology services for the Gator’s athletic department.  In addition to clinical experiences in university mental health, substance abuse counseling, gambling addiction, and biofeedback, Dr. Grindstaff has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Tennessee and University of Florida in sport psychology, physical education and deaf education.

Dr. Grindstaff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both psychology and sports medicine.  His graduate education is cross-disciplinary and includes degrees in mental health counseling and sport psychology with primary training and emphasis in peak performance in sport and exercise. He holds multiple national certifications and licenses in sport psychology, strength & conditioning, and counseling. Dr. Grindstaff has published scholarly articles in peer-reviewed professional journals and has presented his research at a number of state, regional and national conferences across the health professions.