Dr. Grammer honored as UNMC’s Varner Educator Laureate

Shaun Grammer, DMSc, sees his interest in teaching as something ingrained within him.

Dr. Grammer, of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, attributes his broad understanding of various subjects in part to a lifelong commitment to learning. He couples that with an ability to not only understand other people’s perspectives but also to help learners understand things.

On top of that, he feels a strong empathy toward others – he cares about other people and has always wanted to help them.

Put together, they form the traits for an exceptional teacher.

Now in his seventh year at UNMC, Dr. Grammer is being recognized with UNMC’s top honor for educators – the Varner Educator Laureate Award. It honors faculty for significantly improving UNMC’s learning environment with outstanding educational experiences.

Dr. Grammer will receive the award, along with six other UNMC Impact in Education Award winners, at a ceremony today (March 14) at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium (DRC 1002).

Dr. Grammer said he is humbled to receive the award and understands its importance.

“Receiving this award is an honor, affirming the dedication we all bring to elevating education at UNMC and beyond,” he said. “It is a privilege to contribute lasting value to our students, programs and the academic community.”

In his UNMC career, Dr. Grammer has quickly developed into a leader and educator.

Dr. Grammer, who is a certified physician assistant (PA-C), joined UNMC in July 2018 as an associate professor in physician assistant education. By November 2019, he moved up to become program director of physician assistant education. Then in July 2020, he became chair of the Department of Medical Sciences in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.

While Dr. Grammer is in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, his instruction also reflects his broad health care background, with experience teaching endocrine physiology through courses in the department of cellular and integrative physiology within the UNMC College of Medicine. In 2024, he earned a Master of Science in biostatistics through the UNMC College of Public Health.

Even as he has grown as an allied health and campus leader, Dr. Grammer said connecting with students remains the favorite part of his work. Outside of the classroom, he said he often coordinates trips across campus so he can interact with students over their breaks in the Sorrell Center – a simple walk becomes an energizing, 50-minute trip.

His students have shown they appreciate his teaching.

In a course evaluation, one student wrote, “I always enjoy Dr. Grammer’s lectures. He did a great job of emphasizing the material we really needed to know and also provided real-life examples of the content.” Another wrote, “His teaching is incredible.”

Olivia Thompson, a student in UNMC’s physician assistant program, nominated Dr. Grammer for the Varner Educator Laureate Award.

In her nomination, Thompson said Dr. Grammer is informative, engaging and practical in his material delivery – and a true steward of education.

“He has an incredible power of instilling beliefs in his students, which allows them to develop into exceptional health care providers,” she wrote. “He has, indeed, significantly contributed to the educational community through outstanding experiences and mentorship.”

Dr. Grammer said he often is inspired to develop educational tools that engage students and build essential clinical skills. One rewarding example he cites is a “PA Simulation Escape Room” that his team created. The escape room immersed students in clinical scenarios, he said, sharpening their critical thinking, clinical reasoning and teamwork skills, all while under pressure.

He also believes in promoting students’ well-being. Through his leadership, UNMC physician assistant students received their first-ever fall break in 2024.

Knowing the physician assistant program is rigorous – and that students are under a lot of stress – Dr. Grammer said he particularly enjoys when he sees students experience a breakthrough in their understanding of the program.

“When you get to graduation, you just see the difference,” he said. “And you get to do that every year. It’s just seeing the growth in the classroom and excitement and energy, and when they understand, as things start to click, then you really see them start going.

“That’s pretty meaningful.”

Dr. Grammer said he believes strongly in the innovation happening across UNMC and believes it truly is an exceptional place for students to receive their health care education.

For his own future, Dr. Grammer has been asked where he sees himself and his career in five years. But he said he doesn’t look at his career that way, instead trying to put forth his servant’s attitude first.

“I just do my best every day,” he said. “And when you’ve put others before yourself and do your best, things will fall into place how they’re supposed to fall into place.”