Zimmerman, Gregory

Biography

Dr. Gregory Zimmerman began his role as Associate Dean of The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University (CMU) in the fall of 2019 and was appointed Interim Dean in summer of 2024. 

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 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 currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for Mid Central Area Health Education Center (MI-AHEC).  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. His academic interests include international cross-institutional partnerships, inter-professional collaboration, process improvement in academia and concurrent/dual enrollment. 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.