Zimmerman, Gregory

Dr. Gregory Zimmerman began his role as Associate Dean of The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University in the fall of 2019.  In addition to his primary role leading operations of the college, Dr. Zimmerman serves as Ex-Officio College representative to the University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Chair of the College Curriculum Committee, College Scholarship Committee, and College Strategic Planning Committee.  He also presides over the faculty reappointment, promotion and tenure actions of the college and is active on numerous university committees.

He was born and raised in Michigan.  As an avid follower of health and education advancements while in high school, he pursued and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Public Health Education (minor) from Central Michigan University (CMU). Upon settling into his career, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Administration-Health Services Degree from CMU and Doctorate Degree in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He is also a former combat medic in the U.S. Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1988.

In addition to his current position, he has 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. He has experience providing acute care for sports related injuries from secondary school students to professional-level athletes. He was also one of the founding members of the sports medicine "industrial athlete" concept, having been one of the first certified athletic trainers in the nation to be employed in the corporate/industrial environment to treat and rehabilitate employee injuries within the worksite.

Throughout his career, Dr. Zimmerman has served on various committees, task forces, councils, and boards. He was appointed by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (confirmed by the Senate) and more recently re-appointed for a second term by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, to serve on the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists Licensing and Regulation. He also serves on the Board of the American Conference of Academic Deans.  His research interests include international cross-institutional partnerships, inter-professional collaboration, process improvement in academia, program innovation, and leadership development. He has been a featured speaker at several state, regional, national, and international conferences and symposiums.

Greg resides in Big Rapids, Michigan with his wife Celia and two sons, Tyler and Caleb.