KVCC Advocacy program is a mentoring partnership between students and advocates. Advocates are responsible for providing one-on-one support to help improve students' academic performance, attitude toward school, and engage students to the community of KVCC.

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.

Students who join the Advocacy program are provided support to assure a balance between their personal and educational life. For more information on how to become a member of the Student Success Center please contact 269-488-4040. Office location click here.

Success Advocate Coordinator:
LaJoyce Brooks, MBA

Meet the Success Advocates:
Ray Andres, BBA
Byron Foster, BS
Diana Haggerty, BA
Jacob Johnson, BA
Shawna Smith, BA, MBA
Ebba Spyke, BA
Amy Triemstra, BA
Catherine West, BS

Other Links:

LaJoyce Brooks, MBA
Success Advocate Coordinator
lbrooks@kvcc.edu
I'm a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; I've lived here the majority of my life, moving from Missouri when I was 7 years old. My husband and I enjoy this part of the country and have no real desire to leave Michigan, although we're discussing a second home somewhere warm to escape the Michigan winters.
My professional career in higher education began at Davenport University over 11 years ago, where my role as an Academic Advisor in Battle Creek, Mi helped me realize what I wanted to do with the rest of my life; develop and implement processes that keep students engaged to the community of college, and equip students with the tools to be successful. Continuing in Student Services my role and responsibilities varied from Financial Aid Specialist to Assistant Director of Admissions. Upon completing my graduate degree, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management, I began classroom instruction for the School of Business of Davenport University, and currently for the Arts and Science Division of Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). I've also worked as a strategic consultant aiding non-profit organizations with strategic planning, and organizational change. I am a firm believer that learning requires active participation! Therefore, I encourage you all to channel your energy toward taking greater social and academic risks in the classroom so that your contributions have a dynamic impact on the college experience.
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Ray Andres, BBA
Success Advocate
randres@kvcc.edu 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”.
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Byron Foster, BS
Success Advocate
bfoster@kvcc.edu
Byron was born and raised in New York, and attended Howard University and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, from which he earned a BS Degree in Business Management.  He has also served his country in the U.S. Air Force (Vietnam Veteran). He is married to Nancy and has 4 children, all of whom are adults and engaged in their respective careers, and 6 grandchildren.

Byron Foster’s professional career has consisted of diversified industry human resources positions, executive search positions, management of a not-for-profit internship development organization affiliate in Chicago, and Student Advocate.  In addition he has managed independent consulting projects, focused on career transition coaching and training, professional staffing, valuing differences, diversity training and professional development program design and facilitation, and event planning project management.

Byron has had extensive involvement with several organizations including KHRMA (Kalamazoo HR Management Association), NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), GEM (National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science), NABA (National Association of Black Accountants), NBMBAA (National Black MBA Association), NSHMBA (National Society of Hispanic MBA’s), NAAAHR (National Association of African Americans in HR), NSN (National Sales Network), and Inroads.  He has served as committee chair/co-chair, on advisory boards, and workshop facilitator for several of these and other organizations.
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Diana Haggerty, BA
Success Advocate
dhaggerty@kvcc.edu
Hello! My name is Diana Haggerty. I am a Student Success Advocate here at Valley, and I love what I do. I graduated in 2007 from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Sociology, minor in psychology. I completed my Certificate of Field Epidemiology through the University of North Carolina's Center for Public Health Preparedness online program in December of 2009. I took the long way to get through school: I attended four schools for my Bachelor of Arts degree, and took a break to get my massage therapy certificate as well. I am a lifelong learner, and I have big plans for my future education.
I believe that education can be affordable and exceptional, and I have found that KVCC offers this combination. As an Advocate, I work to make students comfortable with the environment, and to ensure the students have access to the resources that make college an unforgettable experience.
I enjoy many hobbies, including Pilates, horseback riding, hiking, reading and school (yes, you might say school is a hobby). I can frequently be found out back on the AuSauble Nature Preserve's trails when I am on my lunch.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Jacob Johnson, BA
Success Advocate
jjohnson@kvcc.edu
Howdy! My name is Jacob Johnson, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. I am excited about working with the students of KVCC! I believe education benefits us in a number of ways, mainly in helping people develop their gifts and talents for future success. As someone once said, "If you can dream it, you can achieve it" which is why Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is my second favorite book! I am a 2001 graduate of the College of Wooster (OH)and an avid fan of The Ohio State University "GO BUCKS!" I have a BA in Political Science and I'm currently pursuing a Master of Divinity. At COW I was a seven time all conference athelete while holding two school records in Track. I also played basketball for two seasons. I've been blessed with the opportunity to coach basketball, football, and track at both the collegiate and high school levels. I also serve in various capacities in ministry on the local, state, and national levels. Hope to see you soon. And remember, dream BIG!
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Shawna Smith, BA, MBA
Success Advocate
ssmith1@kvcc.edu
I am originally from the “Megatropolis” of Bangor Michigan, also, known as Apple City.   I am in-deed a country girl! As a youngster I spent most summers slashing around in Lake Michigan as well as planting, picking and packing blueberries on very large blueberry farms. After graduating from Bangor High School I began my college career right here at the Happy Valley, that’s right… Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where the Learning Center has ever been my friend and ally! After changing majors and schools numerous times I finally graduated from Spring Arbor University with BA in Management and Organizational Development, and I recently completed an MBA program from Cornerstone University.
In addition to my education, the last fifteen years of my adult life have been spent in the wild world of Student Services! My first eleven years were at Western Michigan University where I helped high school and college students do everything from college preparation to career selection.
As you have read thus far I know all too well what it is like to have struggles with educational choices. Nevertheless perseverance is the key! It is my personal belief that education is a tool that students can use to open any door that may be closed to them. 
Furthermore, education is one of the great equalizers in our society!  It can make the difference between those who have choices and those who do not; between those who are in the know and those who are in the dark and; finally between those who are recession proof and those who are not.  As your advocate I am here to help YOU chose who you want to be!
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Ebba Spyke, BA
Success Advocate
espyke@kvcc.edu
I am originally from Okemos, Michigan (Just outside of Lansing). I graduated from Michigan State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I was raised in a college atmosphere and have always advocated personal growth through learning and higher education. My mother is a retired Professor of Fine Art and my father worked for thirty years in the Computer Center at Michigan State University. Prior to becoming an Advocate at KVCC, I worked for Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. I am inspired by meeting people from different walks of life and there is no better place for this than at a Community College. I believe that success is possible for every student here at KVCC, and I am excited to help equip you with the tools necessary to achieve your dreams. "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about CREATING YOURSELF!" --Unknown.
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Amy Triemstra, BA
Success Advocate
atriemstra@kvcc.edu
Attending college was a great experience for me. I loved the learning environment, the activities, and the opportunities earning my degree gave me. I graduated from Albion College with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education and History and with a minor in Political Science. From college I went on to work in the non profit sector and taught in an Alternative Education program until the birth of my first child. After staying home with my children for a period of time I accepted a position as a success advocate at KVCC. This role allows me to share my love of learning with students and help ensure their success and enjoyment of their experience at KVCC.
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Catherine West, BS
Success Advocate
cwest@kvcc.edu
Hello, my name is Catherine West. I am a native of Kalamazoo and attended my schooling from grade one through college within our community. Besides enjoying helping in our community, another one of my strengths is dedication to education. I put myself through college at both Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), and received a Bachelors of Psychology degree with honors from WMU. My outside interests include painting, writing, building furniture and taking care of my daughter and husband. Having dedication to education makes my position as a Student Advocate at Kalamazoo Valley not just a job but a passion. The work we do in the Student Success Center is an invaluable service that is designed for true success and helping students attain their educational goals. I look forward to meeting you in the future! This is a saying that has helped push me through getting to where I want to go: "If you don't make a decision a decision will be made for you." Choose passion. Choose education. Choose integrity.
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