Just over a week before the Grand Rapids Community College class of 2025 was set to walk the stage, the GRCC Board of Trustees called a special meeting to accept the resignation of Charles Lepper. As the 11th president of the college, Lepper held his position for just two years.
Presidential turmoil became apparent on campus on March 6, when Lepper was announced as a finalist for president at Madison Area Technical College, and eight days later, the BOT sent an email to faculty and staff announcing that Lepper had been placed on paid administrative leave.
No reason for the leave was provided to the campus community in the March 14 email. Likewise, no reason for the leave was provided to Lepper in a letter sent to him by Board Chairperson Brandy Lovelady Mitchell the day prior.
Mitchell declined to comment further, stating that the board “does not comment on personnel matters” in an email to The Collegiate.
Many around campus remain curious as to what led to the separation between Lepper and GRCC.
Child development major Samara Kuhtic, 18, of Wayland, said, “I think if they did give a reason, that would stop a lot of people from speculating the worst of the worst. It would certainly feel better if they gave us a reason because, even though I didn’t know the man, he still held a pretty important position.”
Bryson Webb, 20, of Grand Rapids, agreed that more communication would help ease the minds of the campus community, especially due to the timing.
“I feel like it should be more than just a last-minute thing. Let the students know beforehand,” he said. “…I feel like more communication would be good.”
Lisa Freiburger, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Interim President, is set to hand out diplomas at commencement.
Freiburger acknowledges that the college will be undergoing “some changes” in the future, but regards GRCC as “an amazing institution filled with faculty, staff that care deeply about students and their success.”
A focus on student success was identified as an important characteristic for the next president of GRCC by many.
“To be successful here, our next President will bring that same passion about the students we serve, and be ready to support the faculty and staff team that works so hard to do just that,” Freiburger stated.
As an aspect of student success, many would like to see the next president be more involved on campus.
“I think that more interactions with students would maybe boost a relationship he or she would have,” Kuhtic said.
Twenty-year-old Grand Rapids native Gabriella Berber agreed, saying, “I would hope that I would at least know their name, definitely need more communication.”
In addition to more communication, 23-year-old Ben Holt of Grand Rapids would like to see the next president have a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.
“I think a president should be responsible, should represent the students, staff and college, and do what they think is best for them,” he said. “I think that’s the most important thing. You have to be a leading force that people know is responsible.”
Alex Lautner, an 18-year-old English major and Wyoming native, said that to be involved with students “seems like a daunting task.”
“Which students do you involve yourself with?” He asked. “…It seems almost impossible to be equally involved with every group, every major, etc.”
Holt acknowledges that communication requires effort, but believes that it is worth the payoff.
“I know that sometimes people can be very busy and that can make it difficult but overall I think putting some effort into getting in contact with people who have important things to say or need help from the president should definitely be considered,” he said.
Student leaders at GRCC had a variety of experiences with Lepper. During the April 9 Student Leaders Townhall, Campus Activities Board President Brayden Smith expressed that CAB didn’t interact with Lepper often.
“He showed up when he first started and kind of made his presence known and then kinda disappeared a little bit,” Smith said during the meeting.
Smith and Student Government President Maria Choi could not be reached for further comment.
During the recent town hall, many students expressed the desire for leadership to be more involved with the students. One student suggested the idea of pancakes with the Provost, similar to the “Lunch with Lepper” events that GRCC has hosted in the past.
“Our Director of Student Life and Leadership, Valerie Hargraves, and I are collaborating to offer a chance to meet with ELT in the future,” Provost Sheila Jones stated. “I know that our students expressed a desire to do so in a recent town hall… We are currently planning these events and will be able to announce dates as soon as we finalize all of the details. I anticipate that the details will be posted in Raider Connect.
While the college begins the search for a new president, Faculty Association President Mike Light “would like to see a leader who is able to inspire both students and staff” while remaining true to the mission and values of GRCC.
“I think the best leaders are those who model collaborative approaches to problem solving, who are committed to shared governance, and committed to empowering those around them. We all work best when we feel respected, valued and listened to,” Light stated.
He continued, “My message to students is the same message I would share with my faculty colleagues. The core mission of GRCC is teaching and learning. Faculty at GRCC remain committed to helping students achieve their dreams and goals. That core of who we are has not waivered.”
Collegiate Managing Editor Vanessa Hewitt and reporters Rosalia Jimenez, Grace Howard and Mackenzie Davis contributed to this report.
