President

President

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Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees

2025 Presidential Search Profile

Together, we've got this.


Approach to New Leadership

The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees invites applications and nominations for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the next president. This is a pivotal opportunity to champion an institution with an extraordinary 111-year legacy Michigan's first community college nationally recognized for innovation, workforce development and equity.

GRCC seeks a leader who is: Brave, visionary, unafraid to make significant moves that advance student success and institutional excellence. A unifier and a catalyst, strengthening both credit and non-credit pathways, affirming GRCC's critical role in education and workforce development. Visible and authentic, serving as the face and voice of our institution in West Michigan and beyond. Be present, authentic and engaged on campus and in our community. A builder of community and opportunity, guided by equity, innovation, and inclusion to create a future-focused learning environment.

A Legacy of Access, A Future of Possibility

Founded in 1914, GRCC has consistently led with innovation and access. Over the past several years, GRCC has earned national recognition for academic excellence, equity-centered initiatives and strong workforce partnerships.

Recent accolades include: Reaffirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, maintaining continuous accreditation since 1917. Designation as a Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School (2024-25) by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, marking the third consecutive year having earned this prestigious status. 2024 Clery Compliance Program of the Year from the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers & Professionals (NACCOP). $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for workforce development initiatives. Selection as Michigan's only participant in the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) from Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation (WMH). $5.5 million Strengthening Community Colleges grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the only college in Michigan to receive this award.

These achievements reflect our deep culture of excellence and a commitment to serving students and the community.

Mission, Vision and Values

At GRCC, our mission, vision and values aren't words on a wall. They are the foundation of our institution.

Mission

GRCC is an open access college that prepares individuals to attain their goals and contribute to the community.

Vision

GRCC provides relevant educational opportunities that are responsive to the needs of the community and inspire students to meet economic, social and environmental challenges to become active participants in shaping the world of the future.

Values
Excellence - We commit to the highest standards in our learning and working environments. Diversity- We create an inclusive welcoming and respectful environment that recognizes the value, diversity and dignity of each person. Responsiveness - We anticipate and address the needs of students, colleaguesand community. Innovation - We seek creative solutions through collaboration, experimentation and adaptation. Accountability - We set benchmarks and outcomes to frame our decision-making, measure our performance and evaluate our results. Sustainability - We use resources in responsible ways to achieve equity across our social, economic, and environmental practices and policies. Respect - We treat others with courtesy, consideration and civility. Integrity - We commit to GRCC values and take personal responsibility for our words and actions.

Strategic Plan

Our strategy is student-centered and future-focused, emphasizing five key goals:
1. Teaching and Learning: Building world-class educational experiences.
2. Completion and Transfer: Improving pathways for all students.
3. Equity: Creating a climate where all students thrive.
4. Community Impact: Expanding our role to create a stronger workforce.
5. Infrastructure and Sustainability: Investing wisely in our people, places and systems.

GRCC's 2023-28 Strategic Plan acknowledges the following overarching principles:
1. Equity encompasses all five goals.
2. There is also interconnection among the goals.
3. Every GRCC faculty and staff member is an educator.
4. Enrollment is a focus of all GRCC stakeholders.
5. Continue to advocate for all programs to lead to living-wage jobs.

The next president will champion the achievement of measurable results tied to these goals, setting a bold course for GRCC's next chapter.

What We Seek in Our Next President


Organizational Expectations

GRCC is and will remain: A student-centered institution committed to access, success and satisfaction. A leader in innovation across teaching, learning, workforce development and continuing education. A collaborative and trusted partner with businesses, industries, K-12 districts, higher education institutions and community organizations. An inclusive community where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are foundational. A financially robust institution expanding our impact through thoughtful stewardship of philanthropy, grants, public-private partnerships and public and private resources. A mission-driven college whose decisions are guided by our mission, vision, values and strategic plan.

Opportunities

The next president will have the opportunity to: Build on a Strong Legacy as Michigan's first community college with a rich 111-year history. Deepen Existing Community & Workforce Partnerships with West Michigan's business, industry and education leaders. Advance Student-Centered Innovation by expanding transfer, workforce, apprenticeship and non-credit pathways. Secure Philanthropy & Public Resources through GRCC's foundation, strong grant portfolio and state and federal support. Increase Regional Impact as an anchor institution in economic mobility, social equity and lifelong learning. Lead in Technology & Integration to adapt to change and prepare students for the future of work.

Challenges

The next president must also navigate: Leadership Transitions - Providing stability after recent executive turnover. Enrollment & Demographic Shifts - Addressing the enrollment cliff and changing student needs. Internal Culture - Strengthening morale, retention and shared governance. Balancing Demands - Maintaining operational excellence while being highly engaged in the community. Equity & Inclusion - Sustaining commitment to success and well-being of students, faculty and staff amid national challenges and local disparities. Financial Stewardship - Managing fiscal health, recent organizational restructures and long-term sustainability.

Presidential Priorities

The Board has identified six priorities:
1. Strengthen Trust & Culture
- Continue to foster transparent, collaborative and ethical leadership.
- Continue to prioritize equity and shared governance.
- Promote belonging and recognition across all roles.

2. Champion Student Success
- Prioritize access, retention and completion for all students.
- Balance support for transfer and technical/workforce programs.
- Expand holistic student supports and services.

3. Expand Workforce & Community Impact
- Deepen partnerships with employers, K-12 districts and higher education institutions.
- Advance apprenticeships, CTE and non-credit programs.
- Position GRCC as a driver of regional economic development.

4. Lead Innovation in Teaching & Technology
- Advance teaching excellence and faculty development.
- Integrate meaningful and productive emerging technologies in instruction and operations.
- Anticipate future educational and workforce trends.

5. Strengthen Equity & Inclusion
- Embed diversity, equity and inclusion in institutional practices and outcomes.
- Champion equity at local, state and national levels.
- Remove barriers for underrepresented students.

6. Ensure Operational Excellence & Sustainability
- Maintain financial health and manage risk.
- Advance the facilities master plan and sustainability initiatives.
- Streamline administrative processes for efficiency and transparency.

Desired Leadership Traits

Our next president will be a transformational, equity-centered leader who acts, innovates, and inspires across the College and community. The Board seeks someone who demonstrates: Visionary, bold and strategic leadership rooted in the community college mission. A proven record of executive leadership with measurable outcomes. Student-centered and inclusive approaches engaging students, faculty, staff and partners. Skill in relationship-building across diverse constituencies. Financial and entrepreneurial acumen with success in securing public grants and philanthropic support, and building partnerships with public and private funders. Cultural competence and a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Capacity to balance innovation with operational excellence and practical execution.

Campus Community Focus Areas

The next president will strengthen GRCC's culture of transparency, collaboration and efficiency by:
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