Sheila Jones has been named the new Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, ending the 15-month search to fill the job at Grand Rapids Community College.
Jones has been serving as the Interim Provost since August 2023, following the initial provost search where GRCC decided not to hire any finalists suggested by the search committee. Jones spoke in a forum last month on why she would like to continue in the position. Other finalists included Dean of Academic Initiatives at Queensborough Community College Dr. Micheal Pullin and Vice President of Academic Success at Northwest Vista College Daniel Powell.
GRCC President Lepper announced his decision to appoint Jones in an email sent to faculty and staff on Thursday, April 11.
“Based upon feedback from across the college, Dr. Jones was clearly the obvious choice for this position,” Lepper stated in an email to faculty and staff. “She has provided stability to academic and student affairs and provided leadership with our strategic plan and accreditation reaffirmation process which will place us in good standing with the Higher Learning Commission for the next decade.”
Jones has been at GRCC since 2016, and came in as the Dean of Instructional Support before assuming the role of Associate Provost for Instructional Support and Institutional Planning in 2022. Prior to her time at GRCC, Jones was the District Director of the Robert Elmore Honors College at Broward College where she was also an Associate Professor of History.
The Collegiate reached out to Jones via email but she could not be reached.
President Lepper also addressed campus concerns regarding Jones’ spouse, Assistant Professor of Humanities Dr. Chris Johnston, working at GRCC as well.
“In alignment with the College’s Conflict of Interest Policy, alternative arrangements will be put into place to ensure no conflict of interest shall arise as the result of Dr. Jones becoming the Provost and Executive Vice President,” Lepper stated.
