Grinnell College Welcomes Exceptional Des Moines Area Community College Transfer Student with a Passion for Neuroscience

Grinnell College proudly announces the admission of Addison Smith of West Des Moines, an exceptional honors student transferring to Grinnell from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Smith, a proud Iowan, stood out among a pool of over 13,000 students from around the world who initiated an application to earn her well-deserved admission to Grinnell in the fall of 2023. 

Smith’s life path took an unexpected turn when, as a high school freshman, she suffered a concussion during wrestling. What initially seemed like a temporary setback turned into a profound experience that would later spark her interest in the human brain. “I didn’t know what post-concussion syndrome was or how the brain could have such an impact on behavior and everything else,” Smith shared. 

Motivated by her own recovery process and a fascination with psychology, Smith is excited to delve deeper into the workings of the brain, specifically neuroscience. Her enthusiasm for understanding the brain’s potential led her to choose psychology as her major at Grinnell. Grinnell’s Department of Psychology offers a range of courses that acknowledge the interconnectedness of biology, cognition, and behavior. She plans to concentrate in neuroscience and ultimately to pursue advanced degrees and a career in neuropsychology, specializing in brain injuries. 

Joe Bagnoli, Grinnell College’s vice president for enrollment, dean of admission and financial aid, said, “Iowa students like Addison inspire us with their passion and drive. We are proud to provide them with an environment where they can explore their interests, pursue their dreams, and make a meaningful impact on the world.” 

Smith’s discovery of Grinnell College began with a recommendation from her father. Intrigued, she explored the college’s psychology department and liked the diverse array of courses offered. “The neuroplasticity course caught my attention,” Smith shared. “It teaches how the brain recovers from injuries and changes over time. I was eager to learn more about the brain’s ability to adapt and how it affects various aspects of our lives.” 

“Grinnell College is proud of our partnership with DMACC and to welcome students like Addison,” said Grinnell College President Anne Harris. “She will bring in-depth experience that informs her academic goals as she joins a truly global community on our campus this fall.” 

Reflecting on her time at DMACC, Smith said she had the opportunity to pursue projects that aligned with her interests. One notable project she undertook was in her ethics course, where she analyzed a company’s code of ethics and evaluated the alignment with its business practices. This independent research allowed Smith to explore her passion for business ethics and write a paper on the subject. The Honors Program at DMACC provided Smith with the freedom to pursue projects outside of her coursework and receive credit for her efforts.   

In addition to her academic achievements, Smith’s dedication and well-rounded approach to learning earned her the distinction of being a Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Honors Scholar, a prestigious recognition in which she received the bronze award. This accolade recognized her accomplishments in academics, volunteer work, and her overall contribution as a well-rounded student.

Since graduating from DMACC in December, Smith has been working at MetroWest Learning Center in Clive as a registered behavioral technician where she works with autistic children. She also volunteers for the Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor and has been a counselor there for nearly two years. 

DMACC President Rob Denson shared, “Addison’s remarkable achievements at DMACC are a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional intellect, and commitment to making a difference. Addison’s success is a reflection of the supportive environment at DMACC and we are thrilled that our collaborative partnership with Grinnell College will make it possible for her to continue her education at one of the country’s finest colleges. Together, we are shaping the educational landscape in Iowa, empowering students like Addison to pursue their passions and create a positive impact in their communities.” 

Overall, Smith’s time at DMACC has been marked by academic accomplishments, the pursuit of personal interests, and a supportive environment that has fostered her growth and development as a student. With her well-deserved admission to Grinnell College for the upcoming fall semester, Addison is excited to embark on the next chapter of her educational journey. She looks forward to building upon the foundation she established at DMACC and further exploring her passion for neuroscience at Grinnell. 

Smith shared, “I think that teachers and faculty in Iowa schools, including Waukee and DMACC, are highly supportive of students' individual interests and are willing to guide them towards their passions. This support has been instrumental in shaping my educational path and has reinforced my desire to stay in Iowa.” 

Bagnoli added, “At Grinnell College, we are deeply committed to supporting Iowa students on their educational journeys. We recognize the exceptional talent and potential that exists within our state, and we strive to provide a transformative learning experience for each and every Grinnell student. Our partnership with DMACC (the only one of its kind at Grinnell) is a testament to our dedication to fostering strong connections within the community. We believe in the power of collaboration and value the unique perspectives and experiences that Iowa students bring to our campus.” 

As Smith prepares to transition from DMACC to Grinnell College, she envisions a future filled with research opportunities and personal growth. Her story showcases the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and the transformative power of personalized education. Grinnell faculty, staff, and students will welcome Addison to campus this fall and help prepare her to be the changemaker she aspires to be in the world. 

Grinnell’s Commitment to Iowa Students  

Grinnell College proudly supports Iowa students through the Iowa Scholars Program and Iowa Access Initiative--scholarships and financial aid programs that provide approximately $5 million annually in support of financial aid for students from Iowa.  

The Iowa Tuition Grant provides additional financial assistance to eligible Iowa residents, which helps to ensure that deserving students can pursue their educational aspirations without an undue financial burden. Through the Iowa Scholars program, Grinnell College offers merit-based scholarships to all students admitted from Iowa.  

The Iowa Access Initiative is awarded to students from qualifying Iowa households with annual incomes of less than $75,000.  This initiative provides a full-tuition scholarship for qualifying students, with additional need-based assistance for room and food costs to ensure that a Grinnell education remains available to every admitted student from Iowa, regardless of their financial resources. 

These programs reflect Grinnell’s commitment to Iowa and fostering a diverse and inclusive community on campus.