Grinnell College appoints JC Lopez Vice President of Student Affairs

Following an extensive national search, JC Lopez has been appointed vice president of student affairs at Grinnell College. 

Lopez was selected for this leadership position from a pool of finalists after dedicated and sustained engagement by a search committee and the campus community over the 2023-2024 academic year. Co-chaired by Myrna Hernández, vice president of administration and chief of staff, and Vrinda Varia, associate chief diversity officer for intercultural student life, the search committee included Mark Peltz (Career Life and Service), Dennis Perkins (Residence Life), Holly Roepke (Athletics), Andi Tracy (Academic Affairs), Sarah Smith (Community Partnerships, Planning, and Engagement), and student representatives Alyson Won, ‘24 (Student Government Association Vice President of Student Affairs), and Hayden Davis, ‘25 (Concerts Chair). Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Marc Reed, served as the equity advocate for the search.

In this role, Lopez is charged with demonstrating purposeful leadership motivated by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student engagement to advance the strategic vision of Grinnell as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. Working in close partnership with students, faculty, staff, and leadership, he will cultivate a vibrant student life program and partner with academic affairs to cultivate academic well-being.

“I am humbled by my selection and grateful for the relationships I have built with students, faculty, staff, and alumni over the past year.  Grinnellians have a passion for the College and the student body, and care deeply about students’ experience and success,” he said.

Search committee members praised Lopez’s selection.

“JC has demonstrated, across campus, that he is an astute listener, problem-solver, and relationship-builder. His student-centeredness, positivity, and overt optimism about the compelling opportunities at Grinnell set him apart from the other very qualified finalists,” said Peltz.

“Throughout the interview process, JC demonstrated the qualities of the student affairs leaders you want to have.  He is mindful of the needs of the contemporary college student, and keenly aware of best practices across the division’s broad portfolio. As an authentic, humble, and kind leader, JC naturally fosters a sense of belonging with students and colleagues that celebrates value, inspires development, and invites partnership,” said Varia.

Lopez explains his approach, saying, “This generation of students has encountered a lot of change during their lifetimes. Understanding their challenges and world view is essential to supporting their development.  I look forward to more opportunities to listen carefully to their experiences and continue to innovate so that all Grinnellians go forth with the skills and confidence they need to succeed,” said Lopez.

Lopez’s career includes experiences ranging from director of campus living and community development to dean of student success, working collaboratively with multiple student affairs and campus professionals. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive environments within multiple departments, enhancing the first-year experience, and developing strong collaborations with campus and off-campus offices and organizations. Lopez’s ability to connect with students, faculty, staff, and alumni has been instrumental in creating opportunities to build community and in supporting the holistic development of students.  

Originally from Pittsburgh, Penn., Lopez spent time in Aguadilla and San Juan, Puerto Rico as well as Boston, Mass., during his childhood. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Media Arts/Graphic Design at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He worked as an Educational Leadership Consultant for Kappa Delta Rho National Fraternity and had experiences at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA.), University of South Florida (Tampa, FL.) and DePauw University (Greencastle, IN.)

“I am grateful to the search committee for their thoughtful and thorough conduct of this search, and to campus community members for participating in multiple stages of the search. JC’s integrity, work ethic, and willingness to partner with students, faculty, and staff were repeatedly cited by all who participated in the interviews as key attributes for the permanent vice president.  Please join me in welcoming JC to this exciting next chapter of his leadership. We all look forward to all that is possible for student life at Grinnell College,” said President Anne F. Harris.