Calvin University’s Chief Diversity Officer Nygil Likely has been named the new Vice President for People, Culture and Equity for Grand Rapids Community College. Likely stated that he is looking forward to his new role and wants to help make GRCC a more inclusive and diverse community.
“I am excited about this position because it will allow me the opportunity to help GRCC become a place where all stakeholders have a strong sense of belonging and are thriving within the institution,” Likely stated. “I hope to lead GRCC to becoming a more diverse and equitable place where our systems and policies reduce barriers for all faculty, staff, and students.”
President Charles Lepper created this position after splitting the responsibility of the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to equally support both student affairs and the work environment of the college. He announced his decision to appoint Likely to this new role in an email to faculty and staff on May 23.
“He (Likely) is a seasoned higher education administrator with experience building and overseeing diversity programs,” Lepper stated. “A people-focused leader, Likely works to ensure access for all and to create a strong sense of belonging within an institution. He has an unwavering belief in the transformative power of people and education.”
Likely was one of three finalists for the role of Vice President for People, Culture and Equity. He was questioned by faculty and staff during a Q&A forum on why he was the best candidate for this position. Likely explained that he wanted to implement different training programs, policies and procedures to ensure that faculty are recognized for their work.
He also stated that he wanted to create safe space offices to allow faculty, staff and students to feel more comfortable reporting their concerns
“I see it as an opportunity to come into a space that has done a lot of great work on this area already and to be able to build on that and expand on that is very attractive,” Likely previously told The Collegiate when asked why he applied for this position.
Likely has worked in education for several years, serving in administration roles at institutions including Davenport University, Lake Michigan College, City Colleges of Chicago and currently Calvin University. He also spent time as a program director at the YMCA of the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Likely will start his work at GRCC on June 10.
