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Kalamazoo Valley Community College Student Success Center
Advocate--a definition
[From Old French advocate; from Latin: advocatus--to summon for counsel.]
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender. One that pleads on another's behalf: an intercessor.
Your personal Success Advocate is there for you. Whether you are an 18-year-old high school graduate, a returning student or someone who has been away from the educational environment for years, your Advocate is your personal mentor and guide through the complexities of the college environment. You will be given straight answers, efficient and timely information and all the support needed in order to help manage your way competently and efficiently through the college experience.
Our mission is to guide your success. We look forward to serving you!
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Ray Andres
I was born in the Great North Country of Traverse City, Michigan where the lakes are blue, the wooded countryside is beautiful and the winters are snowy and cold. I met my wife in Saline, Michigan and we raised five children. There are now 11 grandchildren with the 12th on the way. KVCC was my first college where I earned my AAS degree in Computer Science. I later received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, with a major in Computer Information Systems from Western Michigan University. I graduated ‘Magna Cum Laude’ and continued my studies toward a Master Degree in Educational Leadership. As life goes for all of us, I had a wide range of work experiences starting with McDonald’s, being a printer, retail tire salesman and store manager, retail stereo salesman and mall store manager, computer programmer and Director of Technology Service in the K-12 education system for over 23 years. I have retired but decided to help the next generation of students achieve their goals. Things that keep me going: Family, grandchildren, friends, traveling, remodeling, landscaping, playing games, watching movies and just having fun. It would be a privilege for me to help you achieve your dreams and goals at KVCC. Stop in and say “HI”. Go to the top
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Marsha Perkins
I was born and raised in Aurora, Ohio, and attended Wittenberg University, graduating with a BS degree in education. My early teaching experience was in the Ohio public schools and following a move to Michigan, in 1987 began my career at KVCC in the Reading Center. In 1999 I began working in Special Services providing accommodations and guidance to students with disabilities and now continues as Special Services Advocate/Advisor. I enjoy my work as I have a strong belief in, and dedication to, helping those with disabilities achieve success. I have two grown sons and enjoy traveling, reading, gardening, the arts-plays, concerts, exhibits,- and spending time with friends and family.
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James Tucker (Jamie)
I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI, where I matriculated my formal school years with the Kalamazoo Public School system, graduating from Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, class of 1989 (Go Knights!!). Upon graduation from High School, I joined the United States Army, and conducted my Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Ft. Benning, Ga. After completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training, my next assignment was to Ft. Stewart, GA, where I was deployed overseas to serve in the Gulf War, known as Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
After serving eight years as an Infantry soldier, elevating to the rank of Sergeant, I ended my active duty career and joined the Army National Guard, where I became an Army Guard Recruiter. While Recruiting in Kalamazoo, I began taking classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, in which I attained my Associate of Arts and am currently working on my Bachelor of Theology Degree at Apex School of Theology. Presently, I am still with the Army Reserve as a Drill Sgt and Training NCO, as well as local Pastor in the City of Kalamazoo. I have been married to my AWESOME wife for 14 yrs, and have three WONDERFUL children. It is my hope as a Success Advocate, that I can assist you in everyway, to help you achieve your dream of academic success. Go to the top
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Haley Crites
I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. From there I taught Spanish at Hopkins Middle and High Schools, until the birth of my daughter in 2004. When I decided to return to work, I knew that I still wanted to be in education but that I no longer wanted to teach full time, which is what lead me to Valley. I then worked in the Financial Aid Office for two years, before becoming a success advocate. I enjoy working with students and being able to help people determine and achieve their goals.
On a personal note, I am married and have both a son and a daughter. I also have a part-time photography business. I love to read and play soccer, and have a passion for the beach. Go to the top
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Ken Barr Jr.
I was born in Muskegon, Michigan. I attended the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. My career experience includes several years in hotel management at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Grand Rapids, MI) and advertising sales for the South Bend Tribune (South Bend, IN). I received my Master of Arts degree in counselor education & counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. As a career advisor I believe there is a niche for everyone - the key is having both patience and ambition to find that niche. I am a member of the Michigan College Personnel Association (MCPA) and keep current on career counseling and social class issues. Five things that Ken lives for: College football, pizza, soul/R&B music, spending time with friends & family, and helping people. Go to the top
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Patricia Sulier
I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, the eldest of 8 children. When I came to Kalamazoo to go to Western Michigan University, I found a place where I wanted to live and grow. I graduated with a B.S. in Applied Liberal Arts and have had many kinds of jobs, but for most of my work life, have been involved in community service, mostly working with people “at risk”. I have served on many volunteer community boards and presently volunteer as a reading tutor for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. Along with being a SSC Advocate, I also tutor writing and study skills for the KVCC Learning Center. I am married with one step-son. I subscribe to these words by Albert Schweitzer: “No one has the right to take for granted his own advantages over others in health, in talents, in ability, in success, in a happy childhood or congenial home conditions. One must pay a price for these special boons. What one owes in return is a special responsibility for other lives.” My interests include “hanging out” with family and friends, backpacking, kayaking, traveling, reading, going out to listen to great music and sports. I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Go to the top
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Juwan Watson
You may often hear me say,”Stay Motivated!” In fact, it has been my life adage since I grew up in Kentwood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. While completing my Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications & an Africana Studies minor at WMU I had a fantastic experience working at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Now as an Advocate, I am a Master’s candidate here at WMU in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program because I truly believe in developing student leaders that will inevitably and positively change our world. While you elevate as a student, I hope that you embrace the many opportunities and exalt all of the endless possibilities you’ll embark upon in becoming member of the Student Success Center. Congratulations on your fresh new beginning here at KVCC! Go to the top
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Lori Hatfield
I received an Associate of Arts from KVCC, a Bachelor of Arts from Thomas Edison State College and I am a Master’s candidate at National University. I strongly believe in the Student Success Center because, as a non-traditional student, I realize how much of life outside the classroom affects a student’s success and how beneficial having a mentor really is. I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the SSC. In addition to being a Success Advocate, I work as a Music Director in local theatres. I’m mom to two kids, a cat and a dog. Motorcycling and music theatre and writing are my passions. Go to the top
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Ritch Reynolds
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Diana Haggerty
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2007 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I took the long route to a bachelor’s degree, and attended Oakland University, Lansing Community College, The George Washington University and the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy before finishing at EMU. I worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader at Eastern, which encouraged a collaborative learning environment and taught me to work with many types of students. I have a diverse educational background and I love the collegiate atmosphere, and I am excited to be a part of the Student Success Center team. In addition to my work as a Success Advocate, I am a massage therapist at a local hospital. I have two cats and enjoy bike riding, horseback riding, yoga, weight lifting and reading. Go to the top
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Brandy Thompson
I began my educational journey by attending community college. The support and encouragement I received at my community college helped me to prepare both academically & mentally for my goal of completing a Bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University.
My definition of success is the ability to cope with and enjoy one life journey. I believe in a collaborative working relationship. I love being able to assist others in achieving their personal life goals. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to reach your life goals. Go to the top |
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