Courtesy Photo-Ryan J. Smith Candidate for Lansing Community College Board of Trustees
Lansing, MI – Ryan J. Smith, a longtime community leader and lifelong resident of the Lansing area, has officially announced his candidacy for the Lansing Community College (LCC) Board of Trustees. Smith, a former Williamston Hornet and Michigan State Spartan, aims to bring his passion for education and leadership experience to the role, promising to serve students and the community with dedication and integrity.
Smith shared his thoughts on why he’s running for the position and highlighted his qualifications in a recent voter guide survey conducted by the League of Women Voters. He emphasized three key attributes that he believes are essential for successful leadership: listening, compromise, and hard work.
Key Leadership Qualities
Listening: "Successful leaders represent everyone, not just those who agree with them," says Smith. He believes a strong leader is open to new ideas and willing to listen to diverse perspectives in order to find better solutions.
Willingness to Compromise: Smith acknowledges the difficulty of making everyone happy but sees compromise as an essential tool for driving the community forward. He strives to mediate differences and find balanced solutions for all.
Hard Work and Leading by Example: "Time is our most valuable asset," Smith remarks. He is committed to investing the necessary time and effort to foster collaboration, develop ideas, and ensure their successful implementation.
Having served in various leadership roles within the Lansing community, Smith has consistently demonstrated these qualities. As a longtime neighborhood leader and an engaged community member, he pledges to continue applying these principles if elected to the LCC Board of Trustees.
Vision for Lansing Community College
When asked about his vision for LCC, Smith expressed a forward-thinking approach: "A successful community college acts like an educational Swiss Army knife," he explains. Smith believes LCC should offer students a wide variety of pathways to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Whether students are following traditional academic routes, pursuing vocational training, or seeking entrepreneurial opportunities, he aims to ensure that LCC remains adaptable to their needs and continues to provide comprehensive support.
In addition to maintaining current programs, Smith wants to explore new educational opportunities that align with the future job market. "We need to make sure we're preparing students for the careers of today and tomorrow," Smith emphasizes, adding that he is committed to helping students find the career path that best fits their talents and ambitions.
The Role of a Community College
Smith sees community colleges like LCC as vital institutions in local education systems. "The role of the community college is to assist the students of our community in finding the right career path that fits their talents and abilities," he states. His goal is to ensure that all students—whether they aim for a four-year degree, a vocational certificate, or entrepreneurial success—are equipped with the resources they need to thrive.
Smith also recognizes the importance of creating inclusive opportunities. "We need to supply every pathway for our students to find success," he says. His leadership style is centered on inclusivity and collaboration, working to ensure that the diverse needs of the student body are met.
Why Vote for Ryan J. Smith?
Smith's candidacy is rooted in his lifelong commitment to Lansing and his desire to contribute to the community’s future through education. As a proven leader who listens, compromises, and works hard, Smith is ready to bring his energy and vision to the LCC Board of Trustees. He promises to work closely with students, faculty, and the community to ensure LCC continues to be a place of opportunity and growth.
Election Day is November 5th, and Ryan J. Smith encourages the community to #VoteSmithonNov5th for Lansing Community College Board of Trustees. For more information, visit his campaign Facebook page, Ryan J. Smith for LCC Trustee, or reach out directly via phone at 517-881-8291.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Ryan J. Smith for LCC Trustee.