News Summary
Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg has been appointed as the Interim President of Grand Rapids Community College, stepping in during a transitional period marked by challenges in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. His leadership aims to improve communications and enhance student services, aiming for a stable environment amid changes to student employee wages and technology upgrades. With a strong educational background, Triezenberg is set to guide GRCC towards ambitious enrollment goals while maintaining a focus on inclusivity and support for all students.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg has officially taken on the role of Interim President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) as of May 12, 2025, stepping in following Lisa Freiburger, who served as acting president after the abrupt exit of former president Charles Lepper in April. Triezenberg’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the college, as it navigates several challenges during the transition from winter to summer semesters.
One pressing issue facing GRCC is the looming threat of federal funding loss tied to changes in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This situation is prompting concerns among faculty and staff about the college’s stance on DEI initiatives, signaling a need for clearer communication from the leadership. In a broader context, college presidents across the nation have rallied together in a “Call for Constructive Engagement” regarding government intervention in DEI programs; however, GRCC’s former interim president chose not to participate in this initiative. Triezenberg has yet to determine his position on signing the letter as he leads the college in a temporary capacity.
Despite these challenges, GRCC has recently recorded an unusually high faculty retention rate compared to previous years. This positive development may signal stability within the college’s faculty body that Triezenberg aims to build upon during his interim presidency. He underscored the importance of reinforcing the college’s mission and addressing the needs of all students, not just specific demographic groups, as he works to lay a stable foundation for his successor.
Dr. Triezenberg is an esteemed educator with a deep background in the academic landscape. Before joining GRCC, he served as the president of the Van Andel Institute Graduate School, where he played a key role in developing its cell and molecular biology graduate program. He has a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan and previously spent nearly 20 years as a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University. His extensive experience reflects a commitment to fostering educational excellence, particularly within community colleges.
Since retiring from the Van Andel Institute in June 2023, Triezenberg has engaged in leisure activities like reading, golfing, and participating in volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. His fresh perspective as an interim president includes the adoption of the personal motto “Do the next right thing,” which he intends to embody in his leadership approach during this transitional period.
As he delves into his responsibilities, Triezenberg has prioritized enhancing services for all students and focusing on equipping them with essential skills for their future pursuits. Ongoing discussions among GRCC leadership include addressing recent changes to student employee wages and continuing support for marginalized student programs, signifying a commitment to an inclusive educational environment.
At a recent board meeting, GRCC set an ambitious enrollment target for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year at 12,800 students. Additionally, the college is making strides in its technology framework by transitioning its online class management system from Blackboard to Canvas, set to launch in the upcoming fall semester. These developments align with Triezenberg’s vision for improving the educational experience and responsiveness of the college.
In his first month, Triezenberg has shifted focus from being a newcomer to actively engaging in advancing the goals of GRCC. Staff feedback emphasizes the need for improved communication from leadership concerning ongoing issues within the institution. Recognizing this, Triezenberg is committed to ensuring transparency and collaboration as the college navigates through its current challenges. As he leads GRCC, the emphasis will remain on fostering a supportive educational environment within West Michigan’s higher education landscape.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Interim President’s Priorities
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Community College
- MLive: New Interim President at GRCC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- Detroit News: GRCC President Resigns
- Google News: GRCC President Resignation
- Wood TV: GRCC President Resigns After Leave
