Dr. Charles W. Lepper joined Grand Rapids Community College as the institution’s 11th president in January 2023, and is dedicated to elevating GRCC’s standing as a national leader in innovation, education, and workforce development.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education, President Lepper is leveraging his expertise to evolve GRCC’s offerings and align the college with the needs of current and future students.
His vision for GRCC revolves around four key pillars:
- Employing top-tier faculty and staff
- Strengthening K-12 education and business and industry partnerships
- Fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging
- Empowering students with the skills and knowledge essential for success in an ever-changing world
GRCC is adapting flexible curriculums and new technologies to better serve diverse types of learners. Additionally, GRCC is expanding its services to encompass the holistic well-being of students, examining what it means to be more equitable and inclusive, and expanding partnerships with employers to prepare students for high-demand careers in the community. President Lepper is actively involved in the boards of directors for the Michigan Education Trust, The Right Place, West Michigan Works!, and the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation.
He previously was the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), which serves more than 60,000 students across 10 campuses. He also held leadership positions at Tidewater Community College in Virginia and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.
President Lepper earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Personnel Management from Ball State University, a Master of Education in Secondary, Higher, and Adult Education from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Foundations from Indiana State University.
