August 20, 2025

GRCC Board Approves New Faculty Contract and Policy Updates

News Summary

The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees held a meeting where they approved a new five-year faculty contract that includes significant salary increases. The board also revised its purchasing policies to streamline asset purchase approvals. Interim President Dr. Steven Triezenberg introduced new administrative members and honed in on the recent achievements in enrollment and the transition to the Canvas learning management system. Additionally, the board continues to search for a permanent president following the resignation of Charles Lepper.

Grand Rapids, Michigan – The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees convened on August 18, where they approved a new contract for the Faculty Association and implemented updates to their purchasing policies, amid ongoing leadership changes within the institution.

During the meeting, the board unanimously endorsed a five-year contract proposed by GRCC General Counsel, which includes a 9.5% salary increase for faculty over the initial three years, along with a one-time additional 4% raise for overload rates, adjunct staff, and hourly employees. Coaches will also receive a one-time 5% salary increase as outlined in the agreement. The contract features a ‘wage reopener’ clause, allowing for salary adjustments after the three-year period, providing an ongoing avenue for faculty compensation evaluation.

In addition to the faculty contract, the board also discussed significant changes to their purchasing policy, which had remained unchanged for a decade. Trustee Kathleen Bruinsma proposed revisions intended to streamline the approval process for large asset purchases, specifically those ranging from $10,000 to over $40,000. The updated procedures are designed to facilitate the launch of a new health clinic and the modernization of campus devices, receiving unanimous approval from the board.

The meeting, which began with the approval of the agenda, included a public comment session; however, no comments were made. Interim President Dr. Steven Triezenberg introduced new key administrative members, including John Globoker, Vice President of Finance & Administration, and Wesley Fox, Dean of the School of Business and Industry.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Triezenberg honored the legacy of the late Steven Ray, an instructor at the M-TEC, who passed away on August 10. Furthermore, the board announced that GRCC has achieved 92% of its enrollment goal for the upcoming academic year, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year.

Dr. Triezenberg noted that the transition from Blackboard to Canvas for classwork management has necessitated substantial adjustments in course content. He has also been engaged in discussions with state legislators concerning budgetary changes impacting GRCC. Updates indicate that the institution has experienced higher-than-expected revenue for the prior fiscal year, alongside a need for renovations to parking facilities.

The presidential search for a permanent replacement continues as the board seeks input from the campus community through ongoing listening sessions and surveys. Following a special meeting, the board accepted the resignation of President Charles Lepper, who had been on paid administrative leave since March 2023. Lisa Freiburger was subsequently appointed as Interim President, having previously served as acting president. The board anticipates nominating a new interim president to succeed Freiburger upon her retirement at the conclusion of May 2024.

President Lepper’s tenure, which began in January 2023, focused on recruiting qualified faculty, enhancing partnerships, and promoting inclusivity within the college. However, the circumstances surrounding his leave and subsequent resignation have not been publicly clarified.

The GRCC Board of Trustees is set to gather again for a meeting on Monday, September 15, at 4:15 p.m. in the board library, to further discuss ongoing matters and initiate future plans.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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GRCC Board Discusses Financial Challenges and New Initiatives
Grand Rapids Community College President Resigns
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Grand Rapids Community College Announces Tuition Increase and Leadership Changes

Additional Resources

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GRAND RAPIDS STAFF 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.

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