Board of Trustees

Ms. Mathews has been a lifelong resident of Lansing for over 30 years. She is a proud Alumni of Lansing Community College where she earned a degree in Human Services from Lansing Community College. She is also a graduate of Siena Heights University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Human Services, August 2020, the Inaugural Class of the Pandemic! Ms. Mathews established her career in Lansing and dedicated herself as a long-standing Community Activist in the Lansing area. Throughout her career, she has served the Ingham County Register of Deeds’ office, Lansing School District, Hope Central Academy, and several nonprofits, including the former Youth Development Corporation and March for Justice. Ms. Mathews serves as the Executive Director of the Connection TV Show and is a Lead Correspondent and Producer for Urban Interest News Program.

She is a staunch advocate for seniors, youth, and children who are amongst the most underserved and voiceless, in communities. Her advocacy has helped displaced seniors obtain safe and affordable housing, in Michigan and Arizona. Ms. Mathews believes in supporting community events where you will find her attending and/or volunteering. She believes in righteous leadership thus she has served on committees such as MRJEA (co-lead for Arts and Culture), and Lansing Juneteenth - Director of Communications, Media, and Promotions.

Among her many achievements, Angela received the 2018 Global Women’s Dialogue/IChange Nations Awards – in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition, she received the Community Service Award from the Greater Lansing Area Club (GLAC) of The National Association of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) in April 2020.

Her priorities as a Trustee are increasing outreach to future prospective students, keeping tuition affordable, and educational goals attainable, and strengthening LCC relationships with other educational institutions. To Trustee Mathews, LCC truly is a college like no other! She was elected to office November 8, 2016, and re-elected November 8, 2022. Her term expires December 31, 2028.

Dr. Terrence (Terry) Frazier holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Higher Education, both earned at Ohio University. His academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University, where he wrote his dissertation: African American College Men Holding Leadership Roles in Majority White Student Groups. Dr. Frazier has a distinguished career in higher education administration, Student Affairs, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Frazier has made significant contributions at various institutions, including Michigan State University, Alabama A&M University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Iowa State University, Ball State University, and Ohio University. His professional trajectory reflects a passion for fostering educational environments that empower students, faculty, and staff.

Beyond academia, Frazier, alongside his wife Nikki, embarked on an entrepreneurial venture, co-founding Sweet Encounter Bakery Café in Lansing, MI. This enterprise specializes in gluten-free sweets and treats, showcasing its commitment to economic empowerment and community engagement. They are blessed with two amazing daughters.

On January 29, 2024, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Frazier to fill a vacancy on the Board. His appointment ended on December 31, 2024.  Dr. Frazier was elected to office on November 5, 2024. His term expires on December 31, 2030.

Mr. Proctor is an attorney, arbitrator, and mediator. He is a retired administrative law judge for the Michigan Department of Civil Service and served as legal counsel for the Labor Committee of the Michigan House of Representatives. Mr. Proctor serves and has served on various boards in various capacities within the community such as the following: former board member and chairperson for the American Red Cross; current Treasurer of the Black Child and Family Institute; former Board member of the Lansing Fair Housing Center; and mentor and tutor for the Lansing School District. He was elected to office in June 2003. He was re-elected November 3, 2009, November 8, 2016, and November 8, 2022. His term expires December 31, 2028.

LaShunda Thomas is a native of Lansing, MI. She is an author, poet, mentor, community leader, organizer, political activist, and social worker. Mrs. Thomas embarked on a journey to educate area youth in the community and instill pride in their heritage. Wearing these hats has allowed Mrs. Thomas to fulfill her God-given purpose to touch and encourage individuals to reach their highest potential by changing their mindset.

La’Shunda transferred from Lansing Community College to Central Michigan University, where she acquired a B.A. in Public Administration, with an emphasis on community development. She also graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2021 with her Master’s in Social Work. She is the proud owner of Empowerment Therapy Services LLC, where she offers counseling services to individuals who are in need.

She was elected to office November 3, 2020, and her term expires December 31, 2026.

Noel Garcia Jr. is a native of Lansing, Ml. He is a retired Lansing Police Department Lieutenant and currently works as an instructor at the Wilson Talent Center in Mason, Ml. He has served in many community service roles including as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cristo Rey Community Center, the Chairman of the Hispanic-Latino Commission of Michigan, appointed by Governor Snyder, the Commissioner of the Ingham Change Initiative, and as a member of the Greater Lansing Alliance Against Hate Crimes and the Lansing Mayor's Committee for Drug-Free Youth. Most recently, he served as City Councilperson for the City of East Lansing.

Noel earned an Associate degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice at Lansing Community College, eventually finishing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. Noel hopes to help Lansing Community College provide non-traditional students an opportunity to begin a career, helping students find their academic selves, and developing the confidence to pursue their next career or college goal.

On January 29, 2024, the Board of Trustees appointed Mr. Garcia to fill a vacancy on the Board. His appointment ended on December 31, 2024.  Mr. Garcia was elected to office on November 5, 2024. His term expires on December 31, 2028.

Hope Lovell is a transformational leader who believes in empowering education and career growth at every phase in life and every opportunity given.

Hope graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in finance and earned her master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. As a lifelong learner, she also became a certified organic farmer through the Michigan State University Extension organic farming program.

For over 15 years, Hope has been the Executive Director of LoveJoy Community Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs. Before founding LoveJoy, Hope worked in investment banking and portfolio management at some of the world’s largest financial institutions.

Hope has significant experience in board governance. She served as the Board Chair of the Ingham Community Health Centers for three years, a position appointed by Ingham County. This center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the largest primary care providers in Mid-Michigan. Additionally, Hope is a member of the board of directors for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), a statewide coalition of community and economic development organizations. In 2023, she received the Excellence in Governance award from Modern Healthcare.

In her role as Trustee of Lansing Community College, she aims to increase access to education, provide financial assistance, offer mentorship to support students through to graduation, and create clear pathways to successful careers in skilled trades and certifications.  Trustee Lovell was elected to office on November 5, 2024. Her term expires on December 31, 2026. 

Chatum Taylor, a native of Lansing, Michigan, is an alumnus of Lansing Community College and has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry. She has been a dedicated community advocate in various roles, including her past service on the Sparrow Women’s Working Wonders Committee and the Lansing Community College Alumni Committee. Additionally, she served as the Treasurer on the Board of Hospice of Lansing and is currently the Treasurer on the City Rescue Mission Board. Through these roles, she is able to fulfill her passion for helping people and her community through ministry work.

Ms. Taylor has a passion for supporting our youth, as she is a mother to a 21-year-old daughter. She has established a unique connection with LCC and its students. Previously, Chatum oversaw the Credit Union branch, Case Credit Union, located in LCC's Gannon Building for several years. During her time there, she made a significant impact on students, building meaningful connections and gaining insight into their wants, needs, and various aspects of their lives.

Ms. Taylor successfully launched her own financial practice as a dedicated financial advisor after many years of experience at State Employees Credit Union and Case Credit Union. Following the pandemic, Chatum returned to Lake Trust Credit Union, where she is currently employed as a Member Experience Manager, continuing to assist members on their journey toward financial success.

Chatum earned her Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Phoenix. She also obtained her Series 6 and 63 licenses in financial planning. Chatum believes that education is the key to success. She feels honored to have the opportunity to serve the students and the community and wants to extend her voice to the college that paved the way for her.

Ms. Taylor was elected to office on November 5, 2024.  Her term expires on December 31, 2030.

Benita Duncan received her bachelor's in Business Administration from Howard University.  She has been employed full-time at Lansing Community College (LCC) since 1995 and was appointed by the LCC Board of Trustees to serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Board in April 2006.  In June 2015, Ms. Duncan was promoted to Executive Assistant & Liaison to the Board.  Ms. Duncan manages the day-to-day operations of the board of trustees’ office and is the primary contact person for individuals seeking to communicate with the board.   Ms. Duncan also works as a bridge-builder between the Board and the Administration. 

Benita led the effort to transition from a paper to paperless system for Board meeting materials saving the college time and money.  She is actively involved in many college committees, mentors, volunteers, and served on many interview panels.  Ms. Duncan has had the honor to serve four LCC Presidents.

In March 2008 and March 2021, the Board of Trustees adopted resolutions honoring Ms. Duncan for her service as lead support to the Presidential Screening and Search Committee for the hiring of the sixth and seventh college President.  In October 2014, she received the 2014 Central Regional Professional Board Staff Member Award given annually by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), and a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan for exemplary service and dedication to the college, her family, her church and community. In 2021-2022 Benita served as the first African-American President of the ACCT Professional Board Staff Network. ACCT is a national association that governs board leadership at community, technical and junior colleges.