It is with pleasure that we introduce to you the the Michigan District’s incoming Superintendent of Schools (effective August 1).
Travis was born and raised Michigan. As the son of a Lutheran educator (who later became a pastor), Travis literally grew up all around Michigan, living in five different towns throughout the state. Through all the moving, he had the pleasure of attending five Lutheran schools, graduating 8th grade from St. John’s, Waltz. After graduating from Carleton Airport High School, he began his freshman year at Concordia College Ann Arbor in the fall of 1996.
Grulke’s years at Concordia were richly blessed. He played baseball for the Cardinals, served on the school senate and, most importantly, met his wife Lori. During that time, he also had the privilege of working at Wedgewood Christian Youth and Family Services on the campus of St. Joe’s hospital, an adolescent home for troubled youth. Grulke credits that experience as the most significant influence on his approach to teaching/leading.
He graduated in 2000 with a degree in elementary education and received his first call to Redeemer, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to serve as their 7th grade teacher. His wife Lori also served at Redeemer teaching kindergarten. During his time as a teacher, Grulke graduated from the synod’s educational leadership program (SLED). He stepped into the role as principal at Redeemer in the 07/08 school year. Shortly after, he chose to enroll in Concordia University Wisconsin, graduating with a master’s degree in administration in 2013.
It was also in 2013 that he received and accepted the call to serve as the next superintendent of the Ohio District Lutheran schools, where he served until accepting the call to be Michigan District’s new Assistant to the President – Superintendent of Schools.
Grulke and Lori have three daughters—Mallory (11), Elise (7), and Abigail (4). Despite raising them in Ohio, Grulke has created little Detroit sports fans out of his daughters, and he is a proud supporter of everything Michigan State. Go Green!
Grulke will be installed on July 12, 2017, at The Chapel of the Holy Trinity on the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor. Also being installed that evening is Rev. Todd Jones, Assistant to the President – Mission Education and Support. Prior to the installation, a barbecue dinner will take place honoring outgoing Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bruce Braun. If you wish to attend the dinner, price per person is $25. Please make your reservation for the dinner here by June 30, 2017.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Event Coordinator, Debbie Hughes, at debra.hughes@michigandistrict.org or 734.213.3234.
May God’s blessings rest upon the Grulke family during this transition into Michigan District mission and ministry.
