Grand Rapids Community College President Resigns

News Summary

President Charles Lepper of Grand Rapids Community College has resigned unexpectedly after just two years in his role. His resignation followed a period of administrative leave and has raised concerns among the campus community about transparency and communication from the college leadership. In his absence, Lisa Freiburger has stepped in as interim president while the board seeks new leadership to guide the institution through this transition period.

Grand Rapids Community College Welcomes Change as President Charles Lepper Resigns

In a recent twist for Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College said goodbye to President Charles Lepper during a special meeting on April 14, 2025. Lepper, who just stepped into the role of president in September 2023, served for a brief two-year stint as the college’s 11th president, marking his tenure as one filled with anticipation yet ending unexpectedly.

A Sudden Shift

In an event that caught many by surprise, Lepper’s resignation came on the heels of his being placed on paid administrative leave on March 14. This action occurred a mere eight days after Lepper was announced as a finalist for the presidential position at Madison Area Technical College. Notably, there was no explanation provided to either the campus community or to Lepper himself regarding his administrative leave, leaving a shroud of mystery around the circumstances.

The Board’s Response

During the special meeting, the board members opted for a quick closed session lasting just 15 minutes, where they moved to accept Lepper’s resignation without delving into details concerning his leave. The chairperson of the board, Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, chose to refrain from commenting on the situation, reinforcing the standard policy of not discussing personnel issues.

Interim Leadership in Place

Since Lepper’s leave, Lisa Freiburger, the vice president for finance and administration, has been fulfilling the role of interim president. Freiburger is anticipated to hold this position until her retirement at the end of May, paving the way for further leadership transitions within the college. The GRCC Board has indicated plans to appoint a new Interim President shortly, as they strive to guide the college through this evolving landscape.

Curiosity and Concern Among the Community

The uncertainty surrounding Lepper’s sudden departure has prompted significant chatter among students and faculty members alike. Many have expressed concern over the lack of transparency and communication from the college’s administration, questioning why they weren’t kept in the loop regarding significant changes that affect their community.

Building Trust through Communication

Students have voiced their sentiments, calling for a more open line of communication from college leadership. Many believe that enhanced transparency would help to build trust and diminish speculation surrounding the transition. There is a strong desire for the next president to be more accessible, responsible, and reliable. Students want to engage directly with leadership to better understand their vision and approach.

Emphasizing Collaborative Leadership

With all these changes afoot, it is clear that faculty and students alike are hoping for a leader who can inspire and engage effectively with both staff and students. The Faculty Association President pointed out that it will be essential for the new president to model collaborative problem-solving approaches as they navigate through the challenges faced by the college.

A Commitment to Continuity and Success

As the college makes these significant administrative adjustments, the Board of Trustees has reiterated its commitment to ensuring continuity and fostering student success during this transitional period. The college community remains hopeful that through fruitful leadership, they will overcome the hurdles posed by the recent changes and re-energize their commitment to education.

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Additional Resources

• The Collegiate Live
• MLive
• Wood TV
• Detroit News
• Wikipedia: Grand Rapids Community College
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids