Aug. 16, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dr. Sheila Jones will serve as Grand Rapids Community College’s interim provost and executive vice president for the upcoming academic year, with the search for a permanent administrator resumes next summer.
GRCC President Charles Lepper announced the appointment, which goes into effect immediately, this week.
“Dr. Jones brings with her a wealth of experience, having served as a skilled administrator and former faculty member,” he said.
Provosts serve as colleges’ chief academic officers. Dr. Tina Hoxie, who retired in 2022 as GRCC associate provost and dean of Student Affairs, agreed to step into the interim role after Dr. Brian Knetl departed in January to become president of Waubonsee Community College. Jones agreed to temporarily take over the position until a nationwide search identifies a suitable candidate.
Jones, who joined GRCC in 2016, earned her bachelor’s degree in history and business administration from Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. She received master’s and doctoral degrees in history from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She completed the Michigan Community College Association’s Leadership Academy in 2019.
Before her move to West Michigan, Jones taught history at Broward College in Florida and served as district director of its Robert “Bob” Elmore Honors College. She started as GRCC’s dean of Instructional Support and became associate provost in 2022. She serves as GRCC’s accreditation liaison officer and is a member of the board of directors for the Michigan American Council on Education Women’s Network. Jones also teaches, as an adjunct instructor, in Ferris State University’s Doctorate in Community College Leadership program.
“Throughout her time at GRCC, Dr. Jones has provided strategic leadership in various capacities, including overseeing our Center for Teaching, Learning and Distance Education,” Lepper said. “She has also been integral to steering the college’s strategic plan and facilitating our accreditation reaffirmation process with the Higher Learning Commission.”
