The Grand Rapids Community College Leadership Institute is a 12-month leadership program committed to strengthening new or emerging leaders from across campus. This program is geared to foster a broader understanding of the campus community, accelerate talent development and hone individual and team leadership skills. The Leadership Institute is designed for employees who have the capacity and desire to make a positive influence on our campus.
Testimonials from past Leadership Institute Alumni:
I was a member of the 2015 Leadership Institute team, and what an experience I had! Going into the start of the Leadership Institute I had reservations. Will this help me? Will I fit in? Do I want to put the time in that is required? The answer was yes! The Leadership Institute provided me with many opportunities to better myself professionally here at GRCC. Through the Leadership Institute I became comfortable with public speaking, where today I am comfortable interacting with anyone in any format. I was taught to express my thoughts and ideas, but probably the most gratifying aspect was to work on our project with my teammates. To be able to feel the accomplishment at the end, the bond we had formed, and most importantly the friends that I made along the way. I would encourage anyone that has any interest in the Leadership Institute to take the next step, and join as you will not be disappointed. – Thomas Vos
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As a member of the 2014-2015 Leadership Institute cohort, I was given the opportunity to meet many new people from multiple departments of the college. It also increased my awareness and appreciation for the work other GRCC employees do. Regardless of whether we work in Facilities, Information Technology, or the President’s Office; we all perform specific and valuable tasks. Our work can positively impact our students, faculty, and staff at GRCC, as well as the community around us. More importantly, the Leadership Institute allowed me to better understand the entire hierarchy of the organization; to see the big picture, and to comprehend how every one of us fits into this amazing GRCC family.
Professionally, the Leadership Institute enabled me to take the next step in my career. It gave me the extra knowledge and confidence to lead my very own team. Shortly after I finished the Leadership Institute in 2015, I accepted the Information Technology Desktop Support Team Coordinator position. If I had the opportunity to go through the Leadership Institute again, I would do it without hesitation. – Antonio Aguillon
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For anyone considering participating in GRCC’s Leadership Institute, stop considering and just apply. For those eager to learn and grow professionally, it is very difficult to find a better program!
Being a member of the 2016 Leadership Institute cohort allowed me the time to learn and incorporate leadership skills into my day to day practices. Having exposure to the inter-workings of the college including multi-departmental advisory boards gave a deeper level of perspective and understanding of the operations of GRCC Leadership and how decisions are made within the college.
The Leadership Institute experience is great for developing relationships with peers in other departments that I traditionally would not have the privilege to work with. Everything learned throughout the cohort, I knew I was capable of, but going through the process I developed the confidence and skills to tactfully implement the changes into my day-to-day routine.
The culmination of this experience has directly resulted in an increased confidence to lead, build collaborative relationships with others outside my team, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader and a resource for others.
For those interested and applying, the amount of energy and interest you put into the program is exactly what you will take away from it. Go in with an open mind and a willingness to learn! – Kelly Webber
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The Leadership Institute 2019 application deadline is this Friday, October 26, 2018. For more information visit the Leadership Institute webpage or please contact Jessica Berens in Human Resources at jberens@grcc.edu.