Cameron Buck is the executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland. Born and raised in Battle Creek, Cameron is a first-generation college graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and an associate’s degree from Kellogg Community College. Cameron is a dedicated leader with a passion for bridging the gap between education and industry. With a career in education spanning over 20 years, Cameron has held diverse roles including middle school teacher, instructional technology specialist, assistant principal, program administrator, and executive director. In September 2023, Cameron assumed the role of executive director of GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus. In this capacity, Cameron continues his mission of connecting businesses with education to ensure that programming remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the community.
Cameron is passionate about empowering students to explore career pathways and he believes in providing opportunities for students to discover their potential and align their skills with real-world demands. His commitment to educational innovation and community engagement drives the work toward creating a brighter future for students and industries alike.
What about education as a career path captured your heart when you were a student; what key experiences shaped your career choices?
From an early age, the allure of education as a career path was deeply rooted in its potential to open doors and opportunities beyond what I had been exposed to in my family as a first-generation college student. A pivotal experience during high school Spanish class solidified my career path in education. Our class collaborated with a fifth-grade class to teach multiple lessons. Witnessing the excitement and engagement of the younger students as they found relevance in what they were learning was fulfilling. This experience highlighted the potential impact of education to inspire and empower others. Now, as I work within higher education, I see reflections of my journey in the students we serve, guiding them as they explore careers and discover themselves. This alignment of personal experience and professional purpose continues to drive my commitment to education as a pathway for growth and empowerment.
Can you share your perspective on the current trends and challenges in post-secondary education and how your role addresses these issues?
In the landscape of post-secondary education, several challenges and trends shape the current environment. Challenges such as non-resident tuition, which Ottawa County residents pay for classes at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus; the imperative to address students’ holistic needs including mental health and basic necessities; and a declining number of high school students pose unique challenges. However, there are also notable positive trends, including the expansion of Michigan Reconnect and other scholarship programs, a push for closer alignment in transferring credits to four-year institutions, fostering business partnerships, and promoting stackable credentials. In my role as executive director, I address these challenges and leverage these trends through several key strategies. First, I actively engage with the community to build relationships, ensuring our programming remains relevant and responsive to the needs of employers. Secondly, I align resources to minimize student debt. Thirdly, I foster partnerships with K-12 districts to facilitate career pathways. Lastly, I advocate for the cost advantages and smart choices offered by GRCC. Through these efforts, we strive to enhance access, affordability, and relevance in post-secondary education.
What about your work has you most excited right now?
I’m currently most excited about the opportunity to lead the strategic planning efforts for our Lakeshore Campus, especially as we approach the 2.5-year mark since consolidating four sites in Ottawa County. The foundation has been laid for the Lakeshore Campus and now we are set to grow and refine our identity, and I’m thrilled to be at the forefront of shaping its course. Additionally, the prospect of working closely with local employers to understand their needs and contribute to filling the talent pipeline is immensely gratifying. Ultimately, our efforts are not only about expanding the campus but also about making a substantial, positive impact in our community.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in West Michigan?
What’s not to love?! Whether it’s exploring local restaurants, participating in community events, or enjoying the outdoors, there’s always something to do. I feel so blessed to live and work where we have the blend of natural beauty and vibrant communities. My wife and I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially salmon fishing on Lake Michigan or walking the shores looking for beach glass. Working in the state’s fastest growing county, surrounded by a rich and diverse employer base, inspires me to push boundaries while fostering collaboration and community development.
Can you share why GRCC believes in investing in economic development?
In a recent economic impact analysis, it was shown that one of every 18 jobs in Ottawa County were supported by the activities of GRCC and its students. This equates to a total annual economic impact of $726.6 million or 10,010 jobs supported. By educating the talent pool and establishing robust talent pipelines, GRCC not only meets industry demands but also empowers individuals to become contributing members in society. By investing in economic development, GRCC stays relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. We must stay at the forefront of education, preparing students and current employees for the demands of the modern workforce. Investing in economic development isn’t just about the present for GRCC; it’s an investment in our collective future and success.