Walker-Griffea to ‘create a pathway’ for residents to get better jobs as new MiLeap director

FLINT, MI – It didn’t take long for Beverly Walker-Griffea, the former 10-year Mott Community College president, to find her next career step.

One day prior to her last day on Mott’s campus in Flint, Walker-Griffea was selected by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to lead a new state education agency.

Walker-Griffea was appointed to lead the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential on May 23.

The first female and Black president in Mott Community College is looking forward to the new opportunity. She will be able to use her education in early childhood development and her background in postsecondary education.

Walker-Griffea has a doctorate degree in child development and has worked in childcare centers in her past.

“This really opens up for me the ability to create a pathway so that it’s clear for Michiganders to be able to get better jobs because they are prepared better,” Walker-Griffea said.

Looking back on a decade at Mott Community College, the longtime president said improving the college’s retention and completion rates was something she was most proud of.

She recommended the next president of Mott Community College, whoever it may be, embrace the Flint community.

“Get to know your community, be in your community and support your community,” Walker-Griffea said.

Walker-Griffea said the future of community colleges in Michigan is a bright one. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have accepted Whitmer’s appointment.

“I think that community colleges are the lynchpin of really helping people to rise and to get better jobs that are going to sustain themselves and family members,” Walker-Griffea said.

Walker-Griffea said she enjoyed her time in Flint and plans to continue to advocate for the community when working in Lansing.

Under her tenure, Mott Community College implemented new student support programming, developed and executed a college master plan, opened the downtown Culinary Arts Building and the Lenore Croudy Family Center, established new funding streams, developed a Mobile Learning Lab and implemented collegewide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion measures.

Walker-Griffea, known to many as Dr. Beverly, is the only president in Mott Community College’s history to be named President Emeritus.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Flint” daily newsletter.