Dr. Melinda M. Gruber Joins Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees

BENTON HARBOR, MI — Lake Michigan College is pleased to announce that Dr. Melinda M. Gruber joined its Board of Trustees on September 22, 2026. Dr. Gruber was appointed to the seat following the resignation of Brian Dissette of South Haven who stepped down in August.

Dr. Gruber is President of the Corewell Health Foundation, Southwest Michigan, where she leads philanthropic strategy and impact for the region. She previously served as Vice President of the Medical Group and Rehabilitation Services at Corewell Health, South Region, and as President of Caring Circle, overseeing primary and specialty medical practices, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, home care, long-term care, palliative and hospice care, and chaplaincy and bereavement services.

"Dr. Gruber's depth of leadership in health care and philanthropy makes her an exceptional addition to our Board of Trustees," said Dr. Ken Flowers, President of Lake Michigan College. "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."

"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," said Gruber. "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 brings an extensive record of board leadership to the college. She has served as Chair of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the PACE of Southwest Michigan Boards of Directors, and as Vice Chair of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors. She currently serves as a board member of Community Healing Centers and as Chair of the Healthy Berrien Consortium.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Aquinas College and holds an MBA and Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. She was a 2018–19 Health and Aging Policy and ASPA Congressional Fellow and is a Certified Nursing Aide.

About Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive community college serving Berrien County and surrounding communities from its main campus in Benton Harbor, Michigan. LMC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to help students reach their academic and career goals. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.