Nov. 25, 2025
Three higher education leaders from Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin have been selected as finalists in the search for the next president of Grand Rapids Community College.
The college has scheduled opportunities for the campus and community to meet each finalist during the first two weeks of December. Finalist bios and interview schedules are available on the Presidential Search webpage.
“These finalists reflect the kind of bold, student-focused leadership our community expects and deserves,” said GRCC Board Chair Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell. “We’re excited for our campus and community to meet them, hear their perspectives and be part of this important step in shaping GRCC’s future.”
GRCC is conducting a national search to replace Interim President Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg. The Board of Trustees hopes to name a new president by the end of this year.
Nerita Hughes, Ed.D.
President
Bay de Noc Community College
Escanaba, Michigan
Dr. Nerita Hughes currently serves as the President of Bay de Noc Community College, a role she has held since July 2023. She brings extensive experience in academic leadership, workforce innovation and organizational development across higher education and the public sector. Dr. Hughes is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator and has deep expertise in strengths-based leadership, cultural competency, racial equity and talent development.
Jason Rivera, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of University College
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Dr. Jason Rivera is a mission-driven higher education leader with nearly three decades of experience championing student success, institutional transformation and community-anchored innovation. He currently serves as Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of University College at Ball State University, where he has set the strategic direction for student success and led a comprehensive redesign and coordination of student supports throughout the university.
Kathryn Rogalski, Ed.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Dr. Kathryn Rogalski is a student-centered community college leader with more than 25 years of experience serving learners at both comprehensive community and technical colleges. Dr. Rogalski has served students directly as both a faculty member and an academic advisor, experiences that continue to shape her authentic, student-first leadership approach. Her career is grounded in a deep belief in the community college mission and in the power of accessible, high-quality education to transform lives, strengthen families and support thriving communities.