GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Charles Lepper has resigned as President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), effective immediately. The college’s Board of Trustees accepted his resignation in a special meeting held on Monday, though the specific reasons behind his departure remain unclear.
GRCC issued a brief statement expressing gratitude for Lepper’s contributions during his tenure. “We are grateful for the work that has taken place over the last 2 years, and we wish Dr. Lepper the best in his future endeavors,” the statement read.
Lepper’s resignation comes one month after he was placed on paid administrative leave pending a review of his contract. While GRCC declined to provide further details regarding the circumstances of his leave or resignation, the decision has sparked questions from both the local community and beyond.
Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s Vice President for Finance and Administration, has been appointed as the interim president, stepping into the role immediately. Freiburger, who had been serving as acting president since Lepper’s leave, was praised by the college for her leadership skills and institutional knowledge. In a statement, a GRCC spokesperson noted that Freiburger would continue in the position through her planned retirement at the end of May.
The Board of Trustees also announced plans to select a new interim president to serve after Freiburger’s retirement. The search for a permanent replacement will likely follow later in the year.
While the exact reason for the contract review has not been disclosed, it is notable that Lepper was named earlier in March as one of four finalists in the presidential search at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin institution began its search following the retirement announcement of its longtime president, prompting speculation about whether Lepper’s resignation at GRCC is connected to this opportunity.
Lepper, who began his tenure as GRCC’s 11th president in early 2023, joined the college from Salt Lake Community College. His resignation marks a swift departure after less than two years at the helm, and the community will likely continue to follow the unfolding leadership transition at the institution.
