Lansing Community College's Benita Duncan earns historic win in recent election
Benita Duncan, executive assistant and board liaison for the LCC Board of Trustees, was recently elected as President for the Executive Committee of the ACCT Professional Board Staff Network. She is the first Black woman to be elected to the position.
At the 2021 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress in San Diego, Benita Duncan was elected President for the Executive Committee of the Professional Board Staff Network (PBSN). Duncan, who has been the executive assistant and liaison to the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees since 2015, is the first Black woman to be elected to the position. The college announced Duncan's win in a news release November 19.
During her time as executive assistant and liaison for the Board, Duncan has been the primary point of contact for anyone with Board business. She also piloted the transition to a paperless system, saving money and resources, and has served on multiple committees, personnel searches, and interview panels.
LCC Board of Trustees Chair Ryan Buck applauded Duncan's work for the Board and her recent election win. "Congratulations to Ms. Duncan on her recent election as President of the ACCT Professional Board Staff Network. The PBSN has elected a gifted professional and leader in Ms. Duncan and they will now benefit from the same exemplary work she has used to help make Lansing Community College a national leader in student success initiatives. She represents the very best of what makes LCC the place where success begins," said Buck.
In reaction to the win, Duncan said, "Behind every great CEO there is an exceptional Executive Assistant serving, but more importantly, leading and working confidently with their CEO and peers with diplomacy and influence. I am extremely humbled and honored to serve as the first Black President. Being the President of the PBSN allows me to serve my peers on a national level. Part of my responsibilities will include leading our team with the planning for our upcoming conference in New York City next year."
Benita Duncan was born in Lansing and graduated from Howard University. Since the beginning of her time with the Board in 2006, Duncan has received multiple awards and recognitions.