GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees Monday, June 15 voted unanimously to appoint Daniel Williams to fill the seat of the late Deb Bailey.
Williams is president and CEO of the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT). He was one of 11 applicants from various sectors seeking to complete Bailey’s six-year term that expires Dec. 31 and a chance to run for the seat.
Hailed as a servant-leader, Bailey died April 27 from complications with cancer. The former director of global corporate relations at Steelcase Inc. was appointed in 2013 as a trustee and elected in 2014.
Related: Crowded field seeking appointment to vacant GRCC Board of Trustees seat
GRCC Trustee Kathy Crosby said it was a very strong field of a qualified candidates. She said Williams brings a unique perspective to the board and understands the role of the board of trustees and governance and strategy.
"He works familiarly with the young people in our community and knows what they will have to confront and overcome and learn and be to succeed at our college,'' she said.
"He also knows the expectations of employers who are building a workforce. He knows our community through his many collaborative efforts and the relationships he has built and the boards he worked with.''
WMCAT operates a Teen Arts and Tech Program for Grand Rapids Public Schools students and operates an Adult Career Training program.
“I am humbled to follow Deb Bailey, who I respected so much and who was respected by so many people in the community,’’ said Williams, about how that makes the appointment really special.
“The importance of a strong community college has never been more important to the region than it is right now, as we look to support seniors who just finished high school and are trying figure out their next steps and as the economy continues to change and shift.’’
Williams, who was the principal of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy before joining WMCAT in 2015, said we are in a very important inflection point in K-12 and higher education.
He said he will run for the seat because he thinks he can make a difference at this vital time in education.
“There were many, many great candidates, well-qualified candidates but I feel that Dr. Daniel Williams is the best candidate,’’ said Trustee Kenyatta Brame prior to the board voting.
Brame said that Williams was the candidate that checked all his boxes including:
- Someone with experience working with Kent County students and schools.
- Someone who understands the educational needs and requirements of current and future GRCC students.
- Someone who understands the barriers that prevents students from continuing their education.
- Someone capable of helping the college break down those barriers.
Trustee Cynthia Bristol said she was “greatly impressed’’ by Williams, who enjoys a great connection with the community.
“He is invested in preparing high school students for college, encouraging and engaging unemployed adults to pursue income security through career training and working with GRCC to build a strong dual enrollment,'' she said.
Trustee Kathleen Bruinsma was the only one the six board members to nominate someone other than Williams. She supported Brandy Lovelady Michell, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Kent ISD. For 20 years, she said Mitchell has been thinking about working on some of the same facets of the college’s strategic plan and college action projects.
The board interviewed the candidates virtually May 20 and May 27. Scott Urbanowski, president of Humanoid Digital, withdrew his name over the weekend.
Williams earned his doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Easter Michigan University, and bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Iowa.
The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation is currently working to continue the legacy of Bailey by endowing a scholarship in her name. Community members can donate through the foundation’s online donation page: grcc.edu/donate. Select "Deb Bailey Memorial Scholarship” from the drop-down menu under "Designation.”
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