News Summary
At a recent town hall meeting at GRCC, Interim President Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg discussed the ongoing search for a permanent president following the abrupt resignation of Charles Lepper. Engaging with student leaders, he emphasized the importance of gathering student feedback in the presidential search process. Various initiatives, including upcoming events and a survey aimed at understanding student needs, were also highlighted, showcasing the commitment to foster a supportive campus environment amid leadership changes.
Grand Rapids, MI – During an October town hall meeting at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), Interim President Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg addressed the ongoing search for a permanent president following the abrupt resignation of Charles Lepper in April. The town hall, which featured participation from student leaders associated with GRCC’s Student Government and Campus Activities Board (CAB), provided an opportunity for students to engage with the presidential search process and express their concerns.
Dr. Triezenberg acknowledged the history of quick presidential turnovers at GRCC and elaborated on the various reasons why higher education leaders might leave their roles. He pointed out that factors such as personal ambitions, dissatisfaction with the governing board, or misalignment with community expectations can contribute to these transitions. He highlighted a concerning trend, noting that the average tenure of college presidents has now dropped to under six years nationwide, indicating a broader issue within higher education leadership.
As part of the presidential search process, Dr. Triezenberg reassured attendees that the Presidential Search Committee is actively recruiting candidates and has already engaged in outreach to gather student feedback. Student Government President Eldin Causevic confirmed that feedback collected in previous sessions would be crucial in shaping the profile of the new president. The committee seeks to ensure that the selected candidate aligns with the values and needs of the GRCC community, emphasizing the importance of a president who is visible and involved on campus.
Upcoming events within GRCC’s student community were also highlighted during the meeting. The Student Government has been involved in several outreach initiatives such as Constitution Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in collaboration with the Woodrick Center. Additionally, an “Early Vote Day” event is scheduled for October 28, featuring complimentary hot chocolate and snacks to encourage student participation in elections.
The CAB announced an opening for the Secretary position, with applications being accepted through Raider Connect. Major events hosted by CAB include a “Murder Mystery” night on October 30 and a “Sugar Skull Painting” event on November 3. Furthermore, a co-sponsored “Friendship and Gratitude Dinner” is set for November 20, aiming to foster community among students.
Valerie Hargraves, Director of Student Life, announced the launch of a “Real College Survey” aimed at collecting critical data regarding emergency aid and support programs, with responses due by October 31. This initiative aims to better understand student needs and improve resources available on campus.
A recent student leadership retreat focused on fostering leadership skills through sessions on inclusive leadership and conflict resolution. In addition, the Foreign Affairs Club was allocated a budget of $3,569.32 to attend the Model United Nations Conference in Chicago, providing students with opportunities to enhance their diplomacy and research skills.
Looking ahead, the next Student Leaders Town Hall meeting is scheduled for November 19 at 4 p.m. in room 108 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. The timeline for the presidential search is designed to culminate with finalist interviews in December, followed by the announcement of the new president by the end of the year. The GRCC community aims to collaborate in this selection process to ensure that the next leader meets the expectations expressed through student feedback gathered during the listening sessions conducted in August.
In conclusion, the interim leadership at GRCC is focused on navigating the institution through its presidential transition while actively engaging students in the process. The involvement of the student body in the selection of the new president, along with an array of upcoming activities, reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic campus environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ArtPrize 2025 Awards Celebrate Artistic Talent in Grand Rapids
Safety Concerns Rise at Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College Kicks Off Fall Semester
GRCC Hosts Listening Sessions for New President Search
Labor Day Weekend Closures and Events in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Community College Seeks New President
GRCC Board Approves New Faculty Contract and Policy Updates
Grand Rapids Ranked 4th Best Family Vacation Spot
GRCC Board of Trustees Discusses Year-End Achievements and Search for New President
Fire Breaks Out in Grand Rapids Multi-Home Building
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Community College Presidential Search Update
- Wikipedia: Presidential Search in Higher Education
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Presidential Search Listening Sessions
- Google Search: GRCC Presidential Search
- WKOW: Madison College Names Finalists in Presidential Search
- Google Scholar: Higher Education Presidential Search
- Madison365: Madison College Names Presidential Search Finalists
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Presidential Search
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
