By Ava West
On May 19, the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees announced that they had hired Academic Search, Inc. to aid in the college’s search for a new president.
On July 10, The Collegiate obtained the contract between the college and the search firm after filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The contract, totalling more than $60,000, was broken up into four parts: Professional Services, Fee and Expenses, General Considerations and Billing Contract.
The contract outlines that Academic Search, Inc. will “facilitate reaching concurrence on Grand Rapids Community College’s needs and desired leadership characteristics for the new President.”
The contract also states that the conclusion of the search is set for early Winter 2025, although this is subject to change.
One of the main points addressed in the contract is the fees that the college will be issued. The professional services fee will be $63,750, paid in three installments. GRCC’s last presidential search, which happened around three years ago, had a smaller fee of $51,000, Although both contracts noted additional fees for travel, advertisement and other miscellaneous costs.
Under General Considerations, the contract notes that “Academic Search will create a secure website for Grand Rapids Community College and post all candidates and applicants to this website for Grand Rapids Community College to review…”
The contract then outlines that the “Finalist process by Grand Rapids Community College is not confidential,” meaning that anyone who wishes to tune into the finalist interviews is welcome to.
If the college is not satisfied with the candidates chosen, “Academic Search will conduct either an extended search or a second search (to be launched within 12 months of the date of the contract) without charge, except for expenses and an administrative fee of $10,000.”
Another stipulation of the contract is that, “in the event Grand Rapids Community College chooses to hire candidates from amongst the applicants or candidates within 12 months of posting, for any other positions which are not the subject to this Agreement, Grand Rapids Community College shall pay Academic Search a fee for each additional person hired at the rate of 25% of the first year’s annual base salary at the time of hire,” Although current GRCC employees are exempt from this section.
There will be leaders on both sides spearheading the search. For the school, GRCC Board of Trustees Chairperson Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, and Department Head of Language and Thought Mary Lucas, will take charge. For Academic Search, Inc., Shirley Robinson Pippins will serve as “the primary contact and Senior Consultant for this search.”
Mitchell stated in an email to The Collegiate that “a typical presidential search begins with selection of a professional search firm to help promote the position nationally and to identify strong candidates from across the country…The Board will then establish a Presidential Screening Committee, which includes representation from across the college, including faculty, staff, students and community members…A Presidential Profile will be created, which outlines the qualities, experiences, and leadership attributes the Board of Trustees and College seek in the next GRCC president… A timeline and selection process are then put in place to identify, interview and evaluate finalists, ultimately leading to the Board’s selection of the next president.”
“Transitions in college presidencies occur for many reasons and are not uncommon. In fact, the average tenure of college presidents has been trending shorter nationwide, including in Michigan, in recent years.” Mitchell addressed the quick turn over rate by saying, “while the timing may feel abrupt, leadership changes are a reality in higher education. The Board’s responsibility is to remain flexible and forward-looking, ensuring the college remains focused on its mission, values, and Strategic Plan and continues to make progress on student access and completion of quality post-secondary education regardless of leadership transitions.”
Mitchell stated that, “A strong partnership between the president and the Board, one that is grounded in shared purpose and mutual respect, is also essential to long-term success.”
“Dr. Triezenberg and GRCC’s faculty and staff play a vital role in maintaining momentum and stability while also preparing the groundwork for the successful launch of our next permanent president. The Board is confident in this leadership,” Mitchell concluded.
Shirley Robinson Pippins wrote in an email to The Collegiate that “we believe the student voice is an important part of the presidential search process. Andrea Cowsert and I, the consultants for this process, will be meeting with students specifically at 12 pm on August 28. Our goal is to discuss the search, answer questions and learn more about what students are looking for in the next president. We hope you will be able to attend.”
“A website has been created for the search… It currently houses the names of the members of the screening committee, an overview of the timeline for the search (which gives you a brief description of the steps involved in the process) and a list of frequently asked questions. As the search progresses, additional messages from the screening committee chairs will be posted to this site as well as the final search profile once the search has officially launched,” Pippins stated.
“As the search firm, we have been retained to inform, advise, and help facilitate the search process. We will work closely with both the members of the screening committee, as well as the Board of Trustees. A comprehensive and multi-faceted process will be undertaken to identify, evaluate and ultimately select the individual who will assume the role of president. A dedicated screening committee has been formed with representatives from various stakeholder groups to ensure diverse perspectives and a thorough evaluation process. The Board of Trustees is the selection committee and ultimate hiring authority,” Pippins clarified.
If GRCC staff or students have any questions, they can visit the Presidential Search website or email presidentialsearch@grcc.edu.
