Diversity & Inclusion at Kalamazoo Valley

Diversity & Inclusion at Kalamazoo Valley

Intersectionality: Same Struggle - Different Difference

Kalamazoo Valley values the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff as an institutional asset.


Upcoming Events

Sign up to learn about events: https://forms.gle/2g3R8ntxqKGZHkbL8

 

Poster for a diversity event titled 'Respecting Differences - From Friction to Fuel: Leveraging Strengths in Intergenerational Work Teams', featuring Dr. Jennifer Bott. Event details: Wednesday, April 8, 9:00 to 10:30 am and 1:30 to 3:00 pm at Miller Auditorium, 1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. There is a QR code to scan for free parking locations and more event information, and a group of sponsor logos at the bottom.

Respecting Differences
The annual Respecting Differences event will take place on Wednesday, April 8. This year's theme, "From Friction to Fuel: Leveraging Strengths in Intergenerational Work Teams," will focus on how generational differences can be leveraged to strengthen collaboration and connection across teams and the communities we serve.
Two sessions are available: 9:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. The event takes place at Miller Auditorium and is free to attend, no registration is required, and complimentary parking will be available.
Additional details can be found here: https://wmich.edu/hr/respectingdifferences.

 

Promotional flyer for the 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium. On the left, a portrait of keynote speaker Chef Abang Brian is overlaid on a vibrant background image of vendors in boats at a floating market. The center text displays the event name, dates of April 10–11, and notes that the event is free with no registration required. The right side lists the event schedule, detailing a Friday evening session at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and a Saturday day-long culinary event at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is at the bottom right.

Southeast Asian Foodways
The 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium is a free, two-day event in downtown Kalamazoo celebrating the food culture of Southeast Asia held on April 10 and 11. April 10th at 6pm-7pm are samples of Southeast Appetizers and Seed Share from Kalamazoo Seed Collaborative, followed by a Keynote panel with Chef Abang Brian at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (230 N. Rose St.). Saturday April 11th from 10am -3pm is a full day of culinary demonstrations, classes, and family-friendly activities at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building (418 E. Walnut St.). No registration is required to attend, and you can find more details and the full schedule at kalamazoofoodways.org..


About the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusive environments strengthen critical thinking, reduce bias, and enhance communication across difference - 21st century skills essential for student success in our community and beyond.

We are dedicated to providing equitable access to success through quality education which includes an inclusive intellectual community where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. Every member of our community shares responsibility for upholding fairness, dignity, and accountability.

Through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the college collaborates with campus and community partners to provide resources, leadership, and support that advance inclusive excellence.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College believes that inclusivity encompasses, but is not limited to, race, religion, color, gender, weight, height, marital status, veteran status, disability, national origin, handicap, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, economic circumstance, physical or mental ability, physical or mental characteristic, or philosophy in its programs, services, or activities.



For more information contact:

Trice Batson

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

| 269.488.4119

Dr. Chris Whitsel (He/Him)

Program Coordinator

| 269.488.4314