Provost Mathews announces interim leadership team for health professions

Nancy E. Mathews, Provost and Executive Vice President, has announced an interim leadership team for The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, as Dean Tom Masterson prepares to step down this summer. After leading the college for nearly 11 years, Masterson will serve as dean through June 30 and then plans to return to a faculty role in the spring semester of 2025.

In preparation for this transition in college leadership, several appointments will take effect July 1, including Dr. Greg Zimmerman as interim dean, Dr. Blaine Long as interim associate dean, and Dr. Rachael Nelson as assistant dean.

Dr. Zimmerman began his role as Associate Dean in the College of Health Professions in the fall of 2019. Prior to joining CMU, Dr. Zimmerman served in numerous roles in healthcare and higher education over the past 35 years including the Atlanta Braves National Baseball Club, General Motors University, Metaldyne University, Mercy Medical Center-Trinity Health, and Ferris State University. Dr. Zimmerman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and a Master of Science in Administration in Health Services from CMU, as well as a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Blaine Long currently serves as the Representative Chair of the School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, as well as Professor and Director of the Athletic Training Program. Dr. Long earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Millikin University, a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Science with a Specialization in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Rachael Nelson is a professor of Exercise Science and current chair of CMU’s Institutional Review Board. Dr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Eastern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan.

Mathews said the university will begin the search for the next leader for the College of Health Professions this fall.