Crain’s Grand Rapids Business named Richard J. Pappas, Davenport University president, as one of its Notable Leaders in Education for 2025. Pappas was also named one of Crain’s Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan in October.

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business subscribers can view Pappas’ profile here. It can also be found below:

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Leaders in Education

Richard J. Pappas,

President, Davenport University

Number of years in higher education

50

Education

Pappas earned his doctorate degree in higher, adult and continuing education and master’s degree in higher education and business management from the University of Michigan.

He also holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Eastern Michigan University.

Current scope of work

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., became president of Davenport University in 2009 and is one of the longest-serving presidents in Michigan. He has 50 years of experience in higher education, 36 as a college and university president.

Under his leadership, Davenport has implemented measures that have elevated academic programming, student support, market position and financial strength. Davenport’s graduation rate has increased 200% since his arrival. Student retention and satisfaction, and philanthropic giving are at all-time highs.

Big win

Pappas was instrumental in transforming Davenport University from what was known as a two-year business college to the largest private, not-for-profit University in Michigan, offering bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. This work earned Davenport University the National American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation in 2021.

Davenport’s graduation rate has increased 200% since his arrival at the university. The focus on outcomes earned Davenport the Michigan Performance Excellence Award, which recognizes high performance based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Davenport is the first university in Michigan to earn this recognition.

The university also received the Higher Education Excellence Distinction (HEED) Award in 2012-2017 and 2019-2022 and selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in:

West Michigan: 2019, 2023, 2024 & 2025

Metro Detroit: 2024 & 2025

Nation: 2024 & 2025

Other contributions:

Past boards

American Council on Education, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Council of Presidents for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic

Conference, Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities

Current boards

The Right Place, Inc., United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Michigan Education Trust

Affiliations: West Michigan Talent First initiative, Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities.