Retirement bio of Jim Holyfield

Jim has enjoyed a nearly 30 year career at GRCC. The last 20+ years he spent as Grant Accountant.

Jim worked in a variety of roles within the Accounting/Budgets/Finance area: Financial Services – Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Grant Accounting.

As for his upcoming retirement plans, Jim shares that he has a tax practice in Belding to keep him busy. He just moved to a seven acre property in Belding surrounded by the Flat River State Game area with Dickerson Creek running through it — lots to explore!

Additionally he has acreage in Alabama. He looks forward to some softball and travelling, mainly in Alabama.

Congratulations and best wishes Jim!

Learn From the Best: GRCC Professor Raves about Culinary Program

Grand Rapids Community College professor Bill Gayle enjoys challenging students in his culinary and business classes with critical-thinking questions. 

“Challenging intelligent minds is always one of the most enjoyable elements of teaching GRCC scholars,” he said.

Gayle said his culinary students are always particularly engaged. 

Gayle also believes one of the biggest strengths of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is its experienced faculty, with many members who have worked in kitchens around the world. 

“We have some of the absolute best instructors in the country who are willing to not only teach, but also willing to share real world experiences,” Gayle said.

Gayle received his bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in mathematics, his master’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance, and specialized training which certifies him to teach online and hybrid courses. This was especially helpful during the last few years. 

Gayle has learned a lot about leadership through his career. In owning multiple restaurants, including presently owning The Florentine Ristorante in Grandville, he is proud to share his mistakes and failures with his students to encourage them to make their own and then learn from them. 

He is able to share his experiences with students while teaching about topics including hospitality management, sanitation and safety, business communication, business leadership, and food science. 

More information about the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education can be found here.

GRCC in the News 12/02/2022

University of Michigan researchers discover way to recycle PVC plastic

12/1/22 WDIV

ANN ARBOR – PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a prevalent plastic in the United States and is the third highest plastic produced in the world by volume.

… But one team of researchers at the University of Michigan say they have found a way to recycle the material by chemically breaking it down.

University of Michigan football player Mazi Smith charged with carrying a concealed weapon

12/1/22 WILX

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) – A key University of Michigan football player is in trouble with the law.

Michigan State University students are working with MSP to help crack cold cases

12/1/22 WDIV

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University students are working with Michigan State Police to help solve murders through a new pilot program at the school.

Eastern Michigan University establishes new scholarship for refugee students

12/1/22 WDIV

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University in partnership with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County has announced a scholarship for refugee students.

Monroe apprentice wins electric championship

12/2/22 The Monroe News

Gabe Roberts is getting a free trip to Florida this spring.

Roberts, a Monroe resident and an electric apprentice at Monroe County Community College, won the regional electric trade apprentice craft championship, held recently at the main campus of Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) in Madison Heights.

GR Promise Zone Mentorship Program: Looking for mentors


We are looking for local community members and professionals to serve as mentors to our Promise Zone students.

Our goal is to help create and grow a student’s career and life skills, as well as expand their professional networking opportunities.

We want to focus on career-oriented support and coaching by our mentors and provide Promise Zone students with real-life experience to prepare them for their future beyond college.

For more information on the mentor requirements and objectives, visit our mentorship webpage.

Student Life seeking Student Organization advisors

Looking to get more involved on campus? Ever considered advising a student organization? 

The Office of Student Life and Conduct values and promotes student engagement opportunities, and we believe student involvement increases the chance of completion, persistence and the number of students transferring from our college to a four-year university.

We are looking to collect a list of potential candidates for student organization leaders in need of an advisor!

Curious? Let us know by submitting your interest on Raider Connect. 

Go to Raider Connect , login using your GRCC credentials, go to forms and click Student Organization Advisor Interest.