Board of Trustees
Community-Grounded Leadership
At Glen Oaks Community College, the Board of Trustees provides steady leadership rooted in local service and long-term community commitment.
The Board is composed of seven at-large, publicly elected trustees who live and work in the region Glen Oaks serves. Collectively, they bring decades of experience in education, healthcare, business, public service, and community leadership. Many have long-standing ties to the college and to southern Michigan, giving them a deep understanding of the students, families, and employers who rely on Glen Oaks.
Acting in a governance and policy-making role, the Board oversees the college’s mission, financial stewardship, and strategic direction. Their leadership helps ensure Glen Oaks remains accessible, accountable, and focused on student success, workforce preparation, and regional growth.
Select a trustee below to learn more about their background, professional experience, and service to the Glen Oaks community.
Meet the GOCC Board of Trustees
- Bruce Gosling - Chairperson
- Carol Higgins - Vice-Chairperson
- Kimberlee Bontrager - Treasurer
- Rod Lopez - Secretary
- Elizabeth Datkovic - Trustee
- Joe Haas - Trustee
- Rick Cordes - Trustee
Board Responsibilities
The Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees is responsible for:
- Setting college policy and governance standards
- Approving the annual budget and overseeing financial stewardship
- Hiring and evaluating the college president
- Supporting the college’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities
- Representing the interests of the public and the communities Glen Oaks serves
This section helps differentiate governance from day-to-day operations, which are managed by the President and executive leadership team.
Trustee Elections and Terms
Board members are elected at-large by voters within the Glen Oaks Community College district. Trustees serve staggered terms to ensure continuity in leadership and governance.
Board Meetings and Public Participation
Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public and follow Michigan Open Meetings Act guidelines. Agendas, meeting dates, and official minutes are available through the college’s public records.