Abood, Buck resign from LCC Board

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

The last LCC Board of Trustees meeting of the year took place Monday, Dec. 11 and, while the meeting was shorter than some, there was a lot of noteworthy news.

Most memorably, two trustees were recognized for the last time as board members. Andrew Abood and Ryan Buck both resigned, effective Jan. 1, 2024, citing a better work-life balance as the driving force.

Abood, having served nine years in total, said he would always remember his time at LCC. 

"I'm grateful to have been twice elected by my fellow citizens to serve on the Board of Trustees,” Abood said. “When I started in 2015, the college was in a strong position, and I hope I have done nothing to leave it worse off."

Buck also expressed great appreciation for his time spent fighting for all past, present and future LCC students.

"I am thankful for my time with Lansing Community College,” Buck said. “It is an institution that fosters belonging in all who connect with it. I wish President Robinson, the board, and the college community all the best, and to keep living the dream."

The LCC Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications for the two open board positions. The application is Jan. 16, 2024, at noon. For more information, go to www.lcc.edu.

In other business, the 2024 Audit Committee meeting calendar was approved. A blanket purchase order with 911 Safety Equipment to rent self-contained breathing apparatus and turnout gear for the LCC Fire Academy was also approved.

There was a resolution naming Chelsea Ditz as executive director of Human Resources, and Mara Fisher, current HR employee benefits coordinator, to the West Michigan Health Insurance Pool   Board of Trustees.

A renewal blanket purchase order with Consumers Energy to provide utility-specific training for LCC’s Lineworker Training Program was approved as well.

In other news, a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be released by Dec. 31. The new and improved version presented is said to be easier, shorter and less inquisitive.

LCC Massage Therapy students will be giving 10- to 20-minute free massages outside the Success Coach Offices in the Gannon Building every Thursday mid-morning starting Jan. 11.

LCC gained eight new employees in an assortment of departments and officially welcomed each new hire warmly. Four employees were also given best wishes as a recognition of their departures.