Dr. Richard Shrubb appointed as Interim President at Gogebic Community College
The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the interim subcommittee of the Board of Trustees, appointed Dr. Richard Shrubb of Ruston, LA as the interim President, with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026. “The subcommittee was impressed with his background, responses to the interview questions, and prior administrative experience,” said Susan Beals, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Shrubb brings decades of leadership experience across higher education, public
service, and private sector consulting, with a career defined by institutional advancement,
fiscal stewardship, and student success.
Dr. Shrubb previously served as associate professor and graduate faculty member at Louisiana Tech University from 2016 to 2022, where he coordinated the Doctor of Education program, mentored doctoral candidates, and taught courses in finance, governance, law, and research. He also served in key institutional roles including the Institutional Review Board, Graduate Council, and as President of the Faculty-Staff Association.
From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Shrubb served as President of Minnesota West Community and Technical College, leading a multi-campus institution serving approximately 5,500 students. During his tenure, he successfully guided the college through the 2009 economic downturn, managed complex labor environments, and achieved full accreditation with no citations from the Higher Learning Commission.
His career also includes leadership roles as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Terra State Community College and Dean at Southern State Community College, along with faculty and program leadership at Milwaukee School of Engineering, where he received the Falk Award for excellence in teaching.
A Fulbright Scholar to Russia, Dr. Shrubb remains active in professional service and consulting, with expertise in institutional leadership, fiscal management, accreditation, and student success. He currently consults in banking with a focus on liquidity early-warning indicators and crisis management, while continuing research in gender equity, student retention, and teacher mentoring.
Following his retirement, Dr. Shrubb continued in a leadership role as Interim Vice Chancellor for South Louisiana Community College.
Dr. Shrubb also serves as a Certified Lay Minister in the Global Methodist Church.
“The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees, want to reaffirm that the College remains steadfast in its mission and deeply committed to the success of the students and communities we serve. We have great confidence in the strength of our institution and the collective expertise of our team. Together, we will continue to build on a strong foundation while pursuing opportunities that promote growth, innovation, and excellence for our college and region,” said Beals.
