Dec. 23, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help!
Meet Dr. Eric Mullen. Eric is GRCC’s dean of Student Success and Retention, leading efforts to inspire and empower students to be lifelong learners and provide transformative opportunities for all learners to attain their personal, academic and career goals.
"We are here for their success," he said. "Our unit is solely focused on how to help students develop and cultivate skills that will bring them success in the classroom and in their professional goals."
A self-proclaimed “tech nerd,” Eric looks for innovative ways to leverage technology to connect with students, keep them informed and help them navigate their college experience.
"We help students figure out where they want to go, and who they have the potential to be, and surround them with the support to get there," he said.
Eric's career at GRCC demonstrates his love for helping others and his deep commitment to the transformational power of education.
"At GRCC we have the privilege and opportunity to transform lives, break cycles of inequity, and add to the vitality and health of West Michigan,” he said.
Eric has worked in higher education for more than 20 years in roles aimed at helping students thrive. At GRCC, he has worked in Student Life, Auxiliary Services, Admissions, Enrollment Management, and Financial Aid. He also served as Student Life director at Aquinas College.
Eric earned his doctorate in higher education leadership at Western Michigan University. He holds a master's degree from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor's degree from Aquinas.
He is recognized as a leader in the community, serving numerous roles in the American College Personnel Association’s Michigan Chapter, including as president.
He also serves as a member of the College Board’s Community College Advisory Board, and was recognized by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” Business Leader in 2013.