Celeste Grossi

Hello, my name is Dr. Celeste Grossi.

I have had an amazing nursing journey that began over 30 years ago and has taken me through a wide range of clinical and academic experiences. I’ve had the privilege of working in both large university medical centers and small rural hospitals, with much of my clinical focus in adult health—particularly in neurological care involving spinal cord injury, stroke, and brain injury—as well as case management and nursing supervision, which taught me the fine art of staying calm while multitasking.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been deeply committed to nursing education, supporting students in both campus-based and online programs. I joined Adtalem 14 years ago as a Visiting Professor in the prelicensure program and have since served in various faculty and leadership roles within pre- and post-licensure education. I've also collaborated with curriculum design and development efforts in both traditional and virtual learning environments, contributing to the advancement of strong, evidence-based academic programs. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the vital role nursing plays—not only in delivering direct patient care but also in advancing healthcare outcomes through education and leadership.
I earned an associate degree in nursing from Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin, bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University, and my doctorate in nursing practice from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Illinois. Along the way, I’ve collected not just credentials, but valuable lessons from students and colleagues that continue to shape who I am as an educator and leader.
Outside of work, I live just outside of Chicago with my husband—my high school sweetheart and the guy who still makes me laugh when I’m grading papers at midnight. We’re proud parents of two amazing children who regularly (and graciously) remind us how much we still have to learn about the current generation—from ever-evolving slang and lightning-fast technology to the way the world continues to shift and grow. As recent empty nesters, we’ve embraced a love for travel and the outdoors, with a goal of visiting as many U.S. national parks as possible.
I am truly excited to join the Walden University team as Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs. I look forward to working alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and students in advancing scholarly practice, fostering innovation in nursing education, and supporting the next generation of nurse leaders.