Sept. 18, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The new executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus brings experience in technical education and strong ties to Ottawa County. Cameron Buck steps into his new role Sept. 18. He most recently worked for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, the past three years as executive director of career and technical education. He also served as an assistant principal at the Kent Career Technical Center and worked for the Ottawa Intermediate School District for nine years. Buck earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching, and a master’s in educational and instructional technology, both from Western Michigan University. He also holds K-12 Administrator Certification from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals’ Path to Leadership program. Buck said he’s excited about his new position. “GRCC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and community engagement, and I am eager to build upon that legacy,” he said. “My goal is to ensure that the Lakeshore Campus continues to be a beacon of opportunity and hope, providing an accessible education, a supportive learning environment for all, and innovative programs aligned to the news of Lakeshore employers.” GRCC consolidated programs offered at four Ottawa County sites at a centralized Lakeshore Campus in 2021. Students can complete programs at the Lakeshore for an Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences-Industrial Maintenance Technology, and certificates in Industrial Maintenance, Tooling and Manufacturing, and Welding. The 50,000-square-foot campus is at 12335 James St. in Holland.

Sept. 14, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Dr. Charles Lepper is formally the 11th president of Grand Rapids Community College. His investiture took place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, at Fountain Street Church and marked the official transfer of power to the new president, who began in January 2023. The ceremony is an important event for any college or university and among the oldest traditions in academia. Investiture comes from the Latin and means “dress in robe.” Fittingly, the investiture of Lepper saw a processional of robed academics from both GRCC and numerous other colleges and universities, all wearing the often-colorful regalia of academia, including cap, gown and hood. President Lepper also marched in regalia but without the medallion of office, which was presented during the ceremony.   The event began with words of welcome from Grand Rapids Chamber President and CEO Rick Baker, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella, GRCC Student Government President Alexis Miranda, and GRCC Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Sheila Jones. During his remarks, Lepper spoke about the importance of belonging and the role Grand Rapids Community College serves in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and accepted. “In the coming years, my vision for Grand Rapids Community College is clear: to recruit and retain top-tier faculty and staff that reflect the community we serve, to strengthen our partnerships with K-12 and business and industry, to foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging, to empower our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world, and to ensure that Grand Rapids Community College continues to be a national leader in innovation, education, and workforce development.” GRCC faculty and alumni provided music for the prelude, processional, national anthem, singing of the alma mater, and recessional. The GRCC presidential medallion and mace also were highlighted during  the event. The medallion, made by faculty members, is a recreation of the college seal and represents the scholarship and authority of the office. It includes three flames representing the highest and purest purpose of education replacing the darkness of ignorance and fear with the vision of truth, understanding and beauty. The mace, made by faculty and students, includes a rope of gold encircling the wooden handle that spirals upward emphasizing the strength of the institution. The hardwood column implies strength as it supports and elevates the silver globe which contains the college seal and encompasses a global awareness and diversity of the college’s mission. Lepper has more than 25 years of experience at universities and community colleges, and prior to his role at Grand Rapids Community College, he served as a vice president at Salt Lake Community College. Prior to his time at SLCC, he served as a vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College in southern Virginia. He has also been active with the National Academic Advising Association, serving as a consultant to two-year institutions around the country, and serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Community College Association, The Right Place and West Michigan Works!. 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. He also completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management in 2017 and earned a professional development certificate in trauma and resilience from Florida State University in 2021.

Sept. 13, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s Fall 2023 enrollment has increased 3.2% over the previous year – and that number could rise further with students still signing up for classes. As of this week, GRCC’s enrollment is at 12,157, with almost 4,000 new students. The college also saw double-digit growth in the numbers of Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American students: 11.3% and 11.89%, respectively.  “Our enrollment increase reflects our commitment to being a community college that is accessible, affordable and inclusive,” said Dr. Eric Mullen, dean of Student Success. “We believe that everyone has the potential to succeed, and we are here to support our students every step of the way.” The number of students taking classes online is now very close to in-person students: 7,549 and 9,082, respectively. “One of the many points of pride at GRCC, which is no doubt contributing to our fall enrollment figures, is the variety of our class offerings,” said Dr. Sheila Jones, the college’s interim provost. “GRCC faculty offer courses in ways that support student learning, goal achievement and scheduling needs. These include our in-person, online, hybrid and virtual offerings.” Virtual courses meet online at scheduled times; hybrid classes combine online and in-person instruction. The headcount figures do not include GRCC’s Workforce Training programs, which do not operate on a semester schedule.