The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Monday, April 14, during which they voted unanimously to accept President Charles Lepper’s resignation and separation agreement.
Nearly immediately after the session began, the board transitioned into a 15-minute closed session to “consider a legal opinion” with GRCC’s General Counsel Brett Meyer, who declined to share the separation agreement immediately with The Collegiate.
Once reconvening, the board voted to accept Lepper’s resignation and the separation agreement. No reason for his leave or resignation was provided. Likewise, the board voted to appoint Lisa Freiburger, Vice President of Finance and Administration, interim president, effective immediately. Another president will be selected on an interim basis shortly, as Freiburger is set to retire at the end of May.
Lepper served as the 11th president of the college and began his tenure in November 2023. Less than two full years into his time with the college, Lepper was announced as a finalist for the president of Madison Area Technical College, a two-year institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. MATC is expected to announce its 10th president in mid-April. Shortly after he made the shortlist at MATC, Lepper was placed on paid administrative leave at GRCC.
Lovelady Mitchell declined further comment, but the board shared in an email to campus faculty and staff that “(the board is) grateful for the work that has taken place over the last (two) years and we wish Dr. Lepper the best in his future endeavors.”
Lepper did not respond immediately when contacted for comment.
An email sent to students on behalf of the board stated, “We have a strong leadership team in place, and they, along with faculty and staff, remain focused on what matters most — your success and experience at GRCC. Leadership changes can bring uncertainty, but please know we are committed to open communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.”
Coming just 10 days before the class of 2025 is set to walk the stage, the special meeting lasted less than five minutes.
