AFIT Welcomes Kathryn Rogalski, President of Grand Rapids Community College

AFIT is pleased to welcome Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, President of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is one of the five community colleges that founded AFIT (originally called the Continuous Quality Improvement Network) in 1991, and we are thrilled that the College’s longstanding membership will continue under Kathryn’s leadership.  

Kathryn brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, serving students and communities as an adjunct faculty member, academic advisor, dean and senior academic leader. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to the community college mission and to creating opportunities for students to succeed. 

Before joining GRCC, Kathryn served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (also an AFIT member college), where she helped expand transfer pathways, strengthen workforce and industry partnerships, and develop innovative opportunities that prepared students for success while responding to the needs of employers and communities. 

As the 12th president of Grand Rapids Community College, Kathryn is the college’s first permanent female president—a historic milestone for the institution. Her leadership is grounded in listening, collaboration, transparency and a student-centered approach. She is focused on expanding access and opportunity, supporting students from enrollment through completion, strengthening partnerships throughout West Michigan, and fostering a college community where students and employees feel valued and connected. 

Kathryn’s own educational journey has shaped her belief in the transformative power of community colleges. A first-generation college student from Chicago, she initially left college after two years before returning as a new mother to complete her bachelor’s degree and continue on to graduate school.  

Kathryn earned her Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Northeastern Illinois University. 

AFIT is thrilled to welcome Kathryn and looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the Grand Rapids Community College team as she leads the college into its next chapter.