Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg began serving as interim president of Grand Rapids Community College in May 2025, bringing with him a distinguished career in education, student success and scientific discovery. Known for his commitment to access and excellence, he sees this role as an opportunity to support students in reaching their goals and to help foster a learning environment where every individual feels valued and empowered.
Dr. Triezenberg has spent decades developing future scientists and scholars. As a longtime faculty member at Michigan State University, he introduced innovative strategies to enhance student learning in medical and graduate education. His student-centered leadership has been shaped by his involvement in programs such as the Lilly Teaching Fellows and the Big Ten Academic Leadership Program, and by his deep investment in active learning and mentorship.
He is best known as the founding dean of Van Andel Institute Graduate School, where he led the creation of a distinctive Ph.D. program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in science and beyond. Built on a foundation of problem-based learning and individualized mentorship, the program consistently outperformed national benchmarks in student outcomes. He also led the Van Andel Education Institute, launching free, inquiry-based science programming for K–12 students and educators.
Following his retirement, Dr. Triezenberg remained active in higher education, serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Now, at GRCC, he is proud to lead an institution that reflects his lifelong dedication to student access, success and well-being. During this transition period, he is focused on affirming and supporting the GRCC community as it prepares for its next chapter.
Dr. Triezenberg and his wife, Laura, both grew up in Grand Rapids. They have two adult children, both of whom attended community colleges as part of their educational journeys. His volunteer service has included Habitat for Humanity, musical groups, the Cascade Parks Department and his church. In his free time, he enjoys reading, golfing, cooking and playing pingpong.
