News Summary
The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees convened to address crucial issues including state funding eligibility, employee compensation, and institutional growth. Reports highlighted progress in student retention and enrollment, alongside plans for participation in community arts events. The board also acknowledged employee feedback on workplace culture and the elimination of remedial math courses, while preparing for the selection of a new president.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees convened on September 19 to discuss pertinent matters regarding state funding, employee concerns, and institutional developments. This meeting focused on strategies to ensure the continued growth and support of the college in the face of existing challenges.
During the meeting, Vice President of Finance and Administration, John Globoker, reported that GRCC meets all necessary requirements to be eligible for state funding. He discussed the college’s “Local Strategic Value,” which evaluates its impact on the local economy and community welfare. President Steven Triezenberg stressed the need for sustained financial support from the state, reiterating GRCC’s advocacy for this funding and sharing concerns about certain state budget proposals.
GRCC acknowledged the importance of base funding along with additional programs like the Reconnect Program and Community College Guarantee initiated by Michigan. The board is committed to closely monitoring state aid as it awaits the final state budget, which is crucial for the college’s financial health and future planning.
In human resources discussions, Rayvene Farnum, Executive Director of Human Resources and Talent Development, highlighted the necessity for better compensation and benefits for contingent workers. To address employee concerns regarding workplace culture, a new Culture & Climate committee has been established. This committee was formed in response to a survey conducted in October 2024, which indicated staff dissatisfaction with communication, recognition, and belonging in the workplace. Additionally, the board approved a request from President Triezenberg for an extra holiday shutdown on January 2, 2026, for all faculty and staff.
The meeting also included positive updates, with the retention rates showing improvement from 47.42% in 2024 to 51.43% in 2025. Enrollment data revealed that the Lakeshore campus currently serves 1,037 students, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
The Art Department Head, Nick Antonakis, informed the board that GRCC will participate in ArtPrize, with two exhibit locations: the Paul Collins Art Gallery and GRCC’s Spectrum Theater, both showcasing student artwork. An artists’ ceremony for GRCC participants will take place on September 23 at GRCC Secchia Piazza, highlighting the college’s engagement in the arts.
Student Government President Eldin Causevic updated the board on various student leadership initiatives, including the Michigan Hunger-Free Campus program aimed at providing dining credits for students in need. Upcoming events announced include Constitution Day, which will focus on promoting voting awareness, as well as Homecoming Week scheduled for September 29 to October 3.
Concerns were also raised regarding the elimination of remedial math courses at the college. Deborah Perkins, a long-serving tutor at GRCC, expressed worries about how this decision could adversely affect students who struggle with fundamental math skills, particularly given the importance of tutoring support for their success.
Additionally, the board announced a forthcoming visit by a search firm tasked with aiding in the process of selecting a new GRCC president. This will be followed by community discussions to incorporate feedback in the selection process.
The GRCC Board of Trustees is scheduled to reconvene on October 20 at 4:15 p.m. on the fifth floor of RJF in the board library to continue its discussions on institutional matters.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Hosts Fall Festival
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids Community College
- MLive: ArtPrize SmartArt Competition Winner
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Community College 2025
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Volleyball Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- Detroit News: GRCC President Resigns
- Google News: Grand Rapids Community College
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
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.
