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Feb. 18, 2026
Greetings, students!
I appreciate you opening this newsletter, which is our main method of communicating important information to you. Please continue reading to receive some important information, including warnings about increased phishing emails, announcements about employment workshops and other opportunities, notices about dozens of campus events and updates on Kalamazoo Valley athletics.
Winter in Michigan provides its own joys and challenges. I hope that this break in the cold temperatures has helped you feel fresh energy for your studies.If winter has left you feeling drained, the college has activities to help you feel healthy in your mind, body and spirit. Did you know that as an enrolled student you have access to the Wellness and Fitness Center's pool, yoga room and extensive equipment? If you are looking to experience something new, our museum exhibits, campuswide events and student club meetings can help you feel refreshed. A calendar of activities is available on the homepage of the college website. I hope that you will take advantage of all that the college has to offer.
Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Stay Alert: Increase in Phishing Emails
Kalamazoo Valley has seen an increase in phishing emails targeting higher education institutions. These messages are designed to trick you into clicking links, sharing personal information or entering your login credentials on fraudulent websites. Phishing emails may appear to come from trusted sources ' faculty, staff, financial institutions, delivery services or even 'IT Support.'
Watch for:
- Unexpected messages asking for urgent action
- Requests for passwords, verification codes or personal information
- Links that don't match the sender when you hover over them
- Misspellings or unusual formatting
- Messages that create fear, urgency or offer something 'too good to be true'
Protect yourself by:
- Not clicking links or downloading attachments you weren't expecting
- Navigating directly to a website through your browser instead of using email links
- Verifying suspicious requests using known contact information
- If you receive a suspicious email, use the 'Report Phishing' button in your mail client. Please do not forward suspicious messages.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Your awareness is one of our strongest defenses.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) FAQs:
Student Involvement in the HLC Site Visit on March 16-17, 2026
Q: What are the key details I should know about the HLC site visit?
A: A team of reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission will visit Kalamazoo Valley's campus to examine how well the college passes strict national guidelines for excellence. The five reviewers that comprise the HLC assessment team are made up of faculty, staff and administrators from other colleges and universities in the Midwest region. The review team will primarily visit the Texas Township Campus and will be present at the college all day on March 16 and 17, 2026.
Q: Will there be an opportunity for students to be involved in the HLC site visit?
A: Although the exact schedule for the Kalamazoo Valley site visit is still being finalized, it is possible that reviewers will request a dedicated 'student session.' This type of session is an opportunity for current students to meet directly with the review team and share their experiences in their own words.
Q: What types of questions might the HLC site reviewers ask of students?
A: If there is a student session, reviewers may ask about the resources you use at Kalamazoo Valley, memorable or unique experiences you've had in your courses and any service-learning or hands-on projects you've participated in at Valley. The goal is simply to hear your perspective ' what is working well, what supports your learning and how Valley has shaped your academic experiences.




PTK Celebrates Winter 2026 Induction
Kalamazoo Valley's Alpha Rho Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, held its Winter 2026 Induction Ceremony for new members Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the Texas Township Campus Theater. L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, was the event's keynote speaker and provided words of encouragement and celebration during the ceremony. Click here to read more and click here to see more pictures from the ceremony.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: HAMEEDA FOIZ WASEEM SHERIFF

Hear from current KVAAP student Hameeda Foiz on what KVAAP means to her:
Entering nursing school with a 4.0 GPA is something I once thought was out of reach. Now completing my second semester in Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP,) I can say the experience has transformed me academically and personally. The consistent support and encouragement I received helped me stay grounded during overwhelming moments and reminded me not to give up. This journey has been a family effort. My husband and three children have made sacrifices alongside me, providing steady support through long nights and early mornings. Nursing is meaningful to me because it allows me to care for others during vulnerable moments in their lives. This milestone represents more than academic success; it reflects the resilience, growth and confidence I have gained along the way. Outside the classroom, I find connection in building community, including hosting a Friendsgiving for my cohort. I am grateful to KVAAP for helping me rediscover my strength and for showing that, with support and determination, goals that once felt impossible can become reality.
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
We are beginning to search for students for the Summer 2026 semester! Students can attend information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Students can sign up here. The upcoming sessions are:
- Thursday, March 5 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
- Thursday March 19 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
Black History Month Events Planned
Celebrate Black History Month with us at several events as we connect and honor the profound contributions that continue to shape our world. Learn about local Kalamazoo history in a fun and interactive way at 'Black History Trivia Bingo' on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. The 'Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action' lecture takes place Thursday, Feb. 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. Advance registration is requested for the lecture here, but walk-ins are welcome. Finally, scroll down for the 'Black Cowboys' exhibit coming to the college's Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
Fasting and Faith Explored at Feb. 24 DiversiTea! Event
Join us for "After Dark: Fasting and Faith" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria, an evening of community and conversation as we gather after sunset as part of the college's ongoing "DiversiTea!" series. We'll explore the discipline and reflection behind fasting through shared stories. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another's journeys and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that defines the season. Halal refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend.
KV Circle Center Hours
The KV Circle Center is open at the Texas Township Campus and available to support you with free fresh and nonperishable food, as well as hygiene products. You can complete a quick and simple application at the Market located in the Student Commons (4261), which allows you to shop once per week using a reusable shopping bag provided by the center. For more information, please contact Monteze Morales.
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 10 a.m. ' 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 4 ' 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. ' 4 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. ' 4 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Take a Study Break ' at the Library
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?
Kal the Cougar has favorite study spots at both Kalamazoo Valley libraries. Kal also heads to the libraries when taking a study break. You should, too!
At the Texas Township Library, you can take a break by:
- Adding pieces to the jigsaw puzzle
- Playing a game with friends
- Enjoying the view
- Browsing the new books
At the Arcadia Commons Library in Anna Whitten Hall, you can take a break by:
- Composing a tune on the keyboard
- Looking at cool oversize art and design books
- Choosing a free book to keep from the grab-n-go cart
New Book Alerts
New books on a variety of topics arrive in the library every month. If you would like to receive notifications when new books are added to the collection, subscribe to our New Books Blog. You may also suggest titles for purchase.
Hours and Contact Information
Food Service on the Texas Township Campus
Looking for a quick snack or something for lunch while on the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads and soup. Subway is also located inside the Cougar Cafe. The Cougar Cafe on the Texas Township Campus is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., serving breakfast items from 7:30 - 10 a.m.
This week's menu includes:
Monday | Feb. 23 | Broccoli soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Feb. 24 | Broccoli soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Feb. 25 | Broccoli soup; chicken stir fry
Thursday | Feb. 26 | Broccoli soup; beef burrito
Food Service Downtown


Time for 20% Off Tuesday on Feb. 24 at the Bookstore!
Don't miss the great deal in the Bookstore on Tuesday, Feb. 24! Get 20% OFF! It's a STANDING discount on the LAST Tuesday of every month at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only.
Bookstore Sells Cold Drinks and Snacks
Need something to eat or drink after the cafeteria closes? The Texas Township Bookstore now carries refrigerated items, including yogurt, overnight oats, Gatorade and soda.
LAST CALL ' Three More Men's Basketball Games Left!
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's men's basketball team has three more games left in the season! Don't miss your chance to see them in action! At 7:30 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 18), cheer on the Cougars at their home game vs. Marian University's Ancilla College in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus! Remember, home games are free. Up for traveling? Check the team out at their final away game on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at Grand Rapids Community College. Can't make it? Good news! The basketball team's last game of the season will be a home game on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Glen Oaks Community College). Keep up with the team's scores here.
Study Tables Are Integral Part of Valley's Athletic Program
Did you know that Valley student-athletes from all of the sports teams participate in a study table kickoff event at the start of every semester? They receive study tips, resources and more during these sessions. Above are a few photos from the Athletics Winter Study Table Kickoff on Jan. 16. A big thank-you to the organizers, speakers and presenters, which included staff and students! Click here for all 99 photos!
Have You Seen the 'Black Cowboys' Exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
Did you know that one of four cowboys who went on the Western trail was Black? Learn more fascinating facts about the Wild West from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's newest traveling exhibit, 'Black Cowboys: An American Story,' open now through July 26. Admission is free to the exhibit and to the museum. Read more here.

'SHAPE SHIFTING' is a Treat for Electric Guitar Lovers
Explore 40 instruments that embody the art of the guitar, displaying it as both an instrument and as a physical canvas for artists and builders, in the "SHAPE SHIFTING: The GUITAR As Modern ARTifact" traveling exhibit. The museum hosts the exhibit now through April 26. Admission is free to the exhibit and to the museum.
Spring Honorable Lecture Series 2026 Starts March 10
Enjoy weekly talks examining ways we restore the tenets of reciprocity with the natural world as a community and as individuals. Organized by Kalamazoo Valley Community College's ValleyHub in partnership with the museum, the sessions are held every Tuesday, from March 10 to April 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This drop-in lecture series takes place at the college's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. View the list of topics at valleyhub.kvcc.edu/events.
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