News
Francisco Ramirez has been promoted to Vice President of Student Affairs at Montcalm Community College, marking an exciting new chapter for the institution and the students it serves.
Since joining MCC as Dean of Student & Enrollment Services in December 2023, Ramirez has made a lasting impression on the institution, its students, and the community.
MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said Ramirez has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, thoughtful leadership, and a clear vision for how enrollment and student support systems can work together to create meaningful impacts for MCC students.
During Ramirez’s tenure, MCC has also experienced steady growth in enrollment, reflecting the strength of this student-centered approach.
“From the moment Francisco joined MCC, he has brought energy, integrity, and a relentless focus on what matters most – our students,” Dr. Barrick said. “His dedication to strengthening the student experience and aligning our enrollment and support services has already made a measurable difference across campus. We have seen continued enrollment growth during his time here, which speaks to both his strategic leadership and the hard work of his team.”
Ramirez said he is proud of the progress that has been made and he is excited about the bold direction for what comes next.
“My passion is helping people thrive, both our students and our employees,” Ramirez said. “When individuals thrive, our institution thrives.”
Since joining the college’s team, Ramirez has led the development and implementation of MCC’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, aligning recruitment, retention and completion strategies across divisions.
He also secured membership in Rural Guided Pathways, an initiative to implement evidence-based, institution-wide reforms grounded in guided pathways framework.
“Rural Guided Pathways is helping reorganize how our academic offerings are presented to students through Meta-Majors to create clearer, more intentional academic pathways. This allows us to better support students through advising,” Ramirez said.
In addition, Ramirez has been at the forefront of expanding the college’s focus on data-informed decision-making, developing an enrollment forecasting model and student success strategies that are grounded in measurable outcomes.
In his new role, Ramirez will further support the growth of student life initiatives andpreparing the college for the launch of student housing, which will open in the fall.
“This is a transformational step for MCC. The growth in my position broadens my focus from operational leadership to institutional strategy,” Ramirez said.
“The expanded oversight of student housing ensures that residential life is intentionally aligned with academic success, student engagement, and institutional growth,” he said. “My vision includes programming and engagement opportunities that enhance retention, foster belonging, and serve as a compelling recruitment asset for prospective students.”
“From the reorganization of academic pathways, to enhanced workforce alignment, to the development of student housing, the college is positioning itself as both a regional workforce engine and a student-centered institution,” Ramirez said. “The Rural Guided Pathways work, in particular, is helping us move from isolated initiatives to integrated systems that support students from entry through completion.”
Dr. Barrick expressed gratitude for Ramirez’s leadership and collaborative spirit.
“Francisco approaches this work with both heart and strategy. He understands that student success doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional systems, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping every student reach the finish line. I am deeply grateful for his hard work, his steady leadership, and his unwavering belief in the potential of our students,” Dr. Barrick said.
“His promotion to Vice President of Student Affairs reflects the trust and confidence we have in his vision,” Dr. Barrick added. “I look forward to the continued impact he will have on MCC and the communities we serve.”
A first-generation college student, Ramirez’s educational journey includes transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Public Relations, and Advertising. His commitment to education continued with a Master of Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and specializing in Higher Education and The Adult Learner, also from Grand Valley State University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University with research interest focused on enrollment forecasting models and strategic enrollment management in community colleges.