Teera Wilkins serves as the Director of the Adult Recruitment Department at GRCC, where she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to enhancing educational access for the adult population of ages 21 and older. In her role, Teera is responsible for overseeing the college’s efforts to engage, recruit, and support adult learners as they pursue their educational and career goals. With a strong commitment to educational access and opportunity, she provides leadership for initiatives designed to connect adult students with GRCC and help them successfully navigate their educational journey from initial interest and recruitment through enrollment.
Teera brings extensive experience in higher education administration, student services, community outreach, program development, and grant management. Prior to becoming Director of Adult Recruitment, she served as the Director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at GRCC, where she led efforts to increase postsecondary access for adult learners and individuals who historically experienced barriers to higher education. With a strong background in educational administration and student services, Teera has a proven track record of fostering environments that encourage academic achievement and personal growth. She is adept at securing funding, managing program budgets, and developing strategic partnerships that expand the reach and impact of the EOC.
As a passionate advocate for educational equity, Teera is dedicated to empowering students through mentorship, advocacy, and tailored support services. Her leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, ensuring that her team is motivated and equipped to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
Teera’s connection to GRCC began long before her professional career. A graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools, she participated in the GRCC Upward Bound program while attending high school. After graduating, she returned to GRCC and Upward Bound as a Summer Residential staff member, giving her an early opportunity to support students as they explored their own educational possibilities.
She continued her education at Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Currently, Teera is in her last semester of her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Social Justice program at Central Michigan University. Her initial passion for science and medicine led to a 10-year career at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Over time, however, Teera discovered that her greatest professional passion was working with students and communities that have historically faced barriers to higher education. That realization ultimately led her back to education and to a career focused on helping individuals recognize and achieve their academic potential.
Teera’s work extends beyond the walls of GRCC through community engagement, partnership development, and outreach designed to bring higher education directly into the communities the college serves. She believes that colleges must meet adult learners where they are, provide clear access to enrollment, and demonstrate how education can connect to their personal, professional, and economic goals.
I’m committed to helping adults see that there is no expiration date on their educational goals. Higher education can open doors to new careers, greater opportunities, and possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Our responsibility is to help them find a pathway forward.” Through her leadership of Adult Recruitment, Teera continues to champion GRCC’s commitment to educational access while building stronger educational journeys for adult learners to begin, return to, and complete their education.
