Dr. Melinda M. Gruber joins the Board of Trustees at Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College's Board of Trustees recently added a new member in Dr. Melinda M. Gruber. The announcement of addition to the board was made on September 22, 2026. Dr. Gruber was appointed to fill the seat of South Haven’s Brian Dissette, who resigned his post back in August.

In addition to her position as Board Member, Dr. Gruber is also the President of the Corewell Health Foundation, Southwest Michigan. In that role, she is in charge of philanthropic impact and strategy for the area. She has served as Vice President of the Medical Group and Rehabilitation Services at Corewell Health, South Region in the past, as well as the President of Caring Circle, where she oversaw primary and specialty medical practices, chaplaincy and bereavement services, palliative and hospice care, long-term care, home care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

In an article posted on Lake Michigan College’s website, Dr. Ken Flowers, who serves as the President of Lake Michigan College, was quoted about the board’s new member, saying, "Dr. Gruber's depth of leadership in health care and philanthropy makes her an exceptional addition to our Board of Trustees. She understands both the workforce needs of our region and the power of education to change lives. Her experience guiding organizations that serve our community every day will be invaluable as Lake Michigan College continues to expand opportunities for students across Southwest Michigan. We are delighted to welcome her."

Dr. Griber was also quoted about her new role, saying, "Having led medical practices, rehabilitation services, and hospice care across Southwest Michigan, I know firsthand that the strength of our health care system and our entire regional economy depends on a skilled, well-prepared workforce. Lake Michigan College plays a vital role in meeting that need, offering training and education that respond directly to what local employers and our community require. I'm honored to serve as an LMC Trustee and look forward to helping the college prepare the nurses, caregivers, and professionals who will care for and strengthen our community for years to come."

Dr. Gruber has an extensive history in board leadership that she will utilize in her new role. She has served as the Chair for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as well as the PACE of Southwest Michigan Board of Directors. She has also served as the Vice Chair of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors. Currently she is also serving as Chair of the Healthy Barrien Consortium and as a board member of Community Healing Centers.

Dr. Gruber obtained her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College before going on to earn her MBA and Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. She was also named as a 2018-19 Health and Aging Policy and ASPA Congressional Fellow and holds a certification as a Nursing Aide.

More information about Lake Michigan College can be found on the school’s website.