The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg as the college’s interim president, effective May 12, 2025. Dr. Triezenberg will guide the institution through a critical period of transition as the Board begins a national search for GRCC’s next permanent president.
Dr. Triezenberg brings more than three decades of experience in higher education, research and academic leadership. He most recently served as President and founding Dean of the Van Andel Institute Graduate School, a position he held until his retirement in June 2023. His career has been marked by deep commitment to academic excellence, innovation and student success.
“Dr. Triezenberg’s experience and strong West Michigan roots make him uniquely suited to lead GRCC during this important time,” stated Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Chair of the GRCC Board of Trustees. “His leadership will help ensure continuity and continued progress as we search for the college’s next president.”
A Grand Rapids native, Dr. Triezenberg earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and education from Calvin College (now Calvin University), and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan. He completed postdoctoral training at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and later served as a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University from 1987 to 2006.
In 2006, Dr. Triezenberg joined Van Andel Institute where he helped establish and lead the graduate school. From 2009 to 2015, he also served as Director of the Van Andel Education Institute. His laboratory research, which concluded in 2018, focused on gene regulation during herpes simplex virus infection. He remains active in higher education through his work as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. In 2012, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Central Michigan University.
GRCC will begin the search for its next permanent president this summer. Dr. Triezenberg’s leadership will provide stability and momentum as the institution continues advancing its mission of providing accessible, high quality education to the community.