6.21.18 – Dr. Bill Pink

In May 2017, Dr. Bill Pink became the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College. Dr. Pink was Vice President and Dean for Workforce Development at Grand Rapids Community College prior to becoming the president.

He has been an educator for over 25 years, and prior to his tenure at GRCC, Dr. Pink served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University- Oklahoma City. While Abilene, Texas is his hometown, Dr. Pink lived in Oklahoma City for 18 years prior to making Grand Rapids home and has taught and/or coached in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Oregon. He was a successful college student-athlete as a basketball player, earning awards for his athletic and academic achievements, including a 2016 induction into the York College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Pink has an Associate’s Degree from York College, Nebraska, a Bachelor’s from Oklahoma Christian University, a Master’s from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Pink contributes to his community through a variety of ways, including membership on the Board of Directors for Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids, Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, and the Heart of West Michigan United Way. Dr. Pink also serves on the boards of West MichiganWorks (the workforce development agency for seven counties in West Michigan), The Employers’ Association in Grand Rapids, Talent 2025, and The Right Place. In January of 2016, Dr. Pink completed a four-year appointment as a member of the National Selection Committee for the National Merit Scholarship Council. He is also a former national conference co-chair for Dream Deferred: The Future of African-American Education. Dr. Pink is a sought after public speaker, and has accumulated numerous invitations to speak at events across the U.S. His topics are usually associated with diversity, leadership, economic/workforce development, and faith-based presentations. As an educator, Dr. Pink teaches public speaking courses as well as athletic administration courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Along with a daily workout regimen, Dr. Pink enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. His wife is Lori, and their two children are Lance and Lydia. Lori, a Michigan native, is a retiree of the US Air Force and currently works for the Federal Aviation Administration. Lance, who is married to his wife Kayla, is a member of the United States Marine Corps, and Dr. Pink’s daughter, Lydia, is a high school freshman.