Contacts: Suzanne Higgins
suzanne.higgins@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3808
George A. Martinez
george.martinez@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3605
Dr. Velvie Green is New President of Glendale Community College (GCC) in Arizona
A promising new chapter of history has started for one of Arizona's largest higher education institutions with the approval of Dr. Velvie Green as president of Glendale Community College, Glendale, Arizona. Green will begin her duties as president on July 24 after serving as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A lifelong educator and student advocate, Green was approved unanimously by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) Governing Board on May 23, 2006, capping a year-long, intensive national search for a new president.
"Dr. Green is passionate about the mission of the community college. She is devoted to maintaining and enhancing excellence in teaching and learning. She is student-centered and committed to faculty and staff," said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Rufus Glasper. "I'm very excited about joining the Maricopa Community Colleges family and the faculty and staff of Glendale Community College. It will be a great opportunity to pick up where former presidents have left off and move forward based on the college's strategic plan," Green said.
Green earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in business education, both from Western Michigan University.
She taught for five years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools and for 15 years at Grand Rapids Community College. She held several progressively responsible positions at Grand Rapids Community College before appointment to her current position, having served as Business Division Chair overseeing one of the largest academic divisions of the college; as Assistant Dean; and as Associate Provost/Dean for the School of Workforce Development.
Green has a track record of active service to her profession and her community. She is a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. She has served on the boards of Goodwill Industries and the World Affairs Council, and on the executive committee of the Michigan Community Colleges Chief Academic Officers. Green is a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc. She has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as an Athena Award nominee, by the YWCA with the Tribute to Women of Achievement Award, and by Grand Rapids Community College with the Salute to Women Award.
Green will succeed GCC Interim President Jean Ann Abel and President Emeritus Dr. Phil Randolph. She is now the fourth president of GCC after the college's initial leadership by two executive deans. For 41 years, Glendale Community College has kept pace with the constant growth of the Phoenix area, offering breadth and depth of educational opportunity. Each year, more than 40,000 students enroll in dozens of courses and degree and certificate programs at one of three GCC locations. More than 319,000 alumni worldwide have completed associate degrees, certificate programs, industry-specific training and university transfer courses.
