About Dr. Velvie Green
A promising new chapter of history began for one of Arizona's premiere higher education institutions with the approval of Dr. Velvie Green as president of Glendale Community College (GCC) in May 2006. A lifelong educator and student advocate, Green began her tenure as president July 24, 2006. GCC enrolls more than 40,000 students annually in dozens of degree and certificate programs at one of three GCC locations, and has more than 319,000 alumni worldwide. Before her unanimous appointment to GCC, Dr. Green served as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There she held several progressively responsible positions in 24 years of continuous service. At Grand Rapids, she 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. She also taught for five years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Dr. Green earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Michigan State University. At Western Michigan University she earned both a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in business education.
She has a long track record of active service to her profession and community at national and local levels. 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. She 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. Many community organizations have recognized Dr. Green's leadership, notably the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce through an Athena Award nomination, by the YWCA with the Tribute to Women of Achievement Award, and by Grand Rapids Community College with the Salute to Women Award.
Dr. Green succeeds GCC Interim President Jean Ann Abel and President Emeritus Dr. Phil Randolph. She is the fourth president of GCC after the college's initial leadership by two executive deans.
