Grand Rapids Community College President Charles Lepper notified faculty and staff in an email on June 13 that he plans to continue the search for a new provost after deciding not to select any of the final four finalists recommended by the search committee.
In the email sent to faculty and staff, Lepper wrote, “As you know, we conducted an extensive national search utilizing the services of Gold Hill Associates. Unfortunately, based upon feedback from the community and my own interactions with the four finalists, I have determined this pool of candidates did not meet the current or future needs of GRCC. As one of the best community colleges in the nation and with GRCC’s national reputation for innovation and quality, I believe we can develop a stronger candidate pool with individuals who better meet the needs of our institution and community.”
The Collegiate reached out to Lepper and were notified that he was unavailable for an interview on Wednesday.
Lepper’s decision to continue the search comes after each candidate did a presentation in front of faculty and staff, while also answering questions from the audience.
GRCC Faculty Association President Frank Connor, who was in attendance for all the presentations, explained in an email sent to The Collegiate why he agreed with Lepper’s decision to continue the search.
“While the candidates we brought to campus had varying positive qualities, the campus community was not overly enthusiastic about any of the four,” Connor said. “No single candidate had the comprehensive skill set we would expect as a provost at GRCC.”
Connor continued, “I did speak with Dr. Lepper about his decision, and he wants someone current in their leadership skills and innovative in their approach to our core purpose as a community college. I support his perspective and agree none of the candidates fully fit those criteria. President Lepper has high aspirations for GRCC and doesn’t want to settle for someone who is simply adequate.”
“By taking our time and working within the normal cycle of college executive-level hiring, combined with a more comprehensive outreach, we are all optimistic that with a second search, we will have a pool of candidates commensurate with the needs of an exceptional institution like Grand Rapids Community College.”
While the search continues, Tina Hoxie will continue to serve as Interim Provost and Executive Vice President until September 2023.
