Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus: News for kalamazoo Valley community college students
MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Jan. 30, 2026

Greetings Students!

In 1947, during his final year at Morehouse College, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in the college newspaper, "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." I urge you to think about ways that you can help us create a community of honesty, strong morals and a commitment to justice at Kalamazoo Valley. As you encounter new ideas in your classes, remember that part of your learning is considering how you can use that new knowledge to make this world better.

It takes commitment and character to persevere in your education - especially as assignments continue to put demands on your schedule. I promise that it will be worth it! You are working toward a true education, where you are growing both your intellect and your character. At the end of this winter semester, a glorious spring is waiting!

Sincerely, 

Signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President


Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) FAQs:
What to Expect During the Mock Site Visit

Q: What should I know about the mock site visit?
A: A 'practice' site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Kalamazoo Valley's Texas Township campus. This will be a rehearsal session to help the campus prepare for the official site visit by the Higher Learning Commission taking place March 16-17, 2026. 
 
Q: Why is the mock site visit important for Kalamazoo Valley?
A: Valley wants to take part in practicing for the official visit much like students study and prepare in advance before an exam or a class presentation - practice makes perfect! Preparation is the key to success for both employees and students.
 
Q: What should I be prepared to see during the mock site visit?
A: A team of faculty and staff from various other colleges and universities in the Midwest region will visit Kalamazoo Valley's Texas Township campus. This review team will help assess how well the college is prepared for the official HLC visit in March. During the team's visit, you may see the reviewers being escorted around the campus by Valley's Cabinet members as the reviewers attend various meetings. 
 

 

Student Development Services

Graphic titled “EmployU.” EmployU workshops are designed to provide knowledge and skills for students’ career and employment journeys. Topics include job searching, resumes, portfolios, employer spotlights, interviewing, and more. Informal Zoom discussions are open to all students with opportunities to ask questions. Upcoming sessions: February 11, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; March 10, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; April 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Email careercenter@kvcc.edu to pre-register and receive the Zoom link. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo displayed at the bottom.


Graphic titled “Discover Strengths.” Invitation to learn about CliftonStrengths and how to use your top strengths to improve academic performance, social interaction, and future career prospects. CliftonStrengths has been used for over 50 years by more than 1,000 colleges and universities, with 700,000 students participating annually. All students are welcome to attend this 30-minute session. Contact strengths@kvcc.edu or call 269-488-4040 for the Zoom link. Session dates and locations: Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. on Zoom; Thursday, March 12 at noon in AWH Room 128; Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. “Lead With Your Strengths” logo and Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo displayed.

Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associated Program (KVAAP)
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions 
We are beginning to search for students for the Summer 2026 semester! KVAAP is a program that offers free tuition and other resources, along with extra guidance on how to navigate college. 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 session is:
  • Thursday, Feb. 5 | 3 - 3:30 p.m. 
Student life and engagement
Graphic titled “Black History Month Events” from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Events listed: • Black Cowboy Exhibit: January 31 through July 26 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. • Black History Trivia Bingo: February 19 from 2 to 4 p.m., AWH Room 128. Learn about local Kalamazoo history in a fun and interactive way. Presented by the Society for History and Racial Equity. • Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action Lecture: February 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m., TTC Room 4240. Students, staff, faculty and community members are invited to join an interactive discussion exploring the meaning and power of Black history today. Text notes: “Scan the QR code to sign up for the Feb. 26 lecture.” Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo displayed.Flyer titled “Wellness at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.” Subheading: “Come learn about ways to take care of yourself and prioritize wellness!” All sessions are held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 4380, TTC. Schedule: • February 3 – Social Media and Your Health • February 17 – STI Testing and Education • March 3 – Ticks in Kalamazoo County • March 17 – STI Testing and Education • April 7 – Healthy Relationships • April 21 – STI Testing and Education • May 5 – Naloxone Training • May 19 – STI Testing and Education Logos displayed for Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Decorative icons show a head with a heart inside, a heart with an electrocardiogram line, and a person meditating.

Flyer titled “Valley Food Share” with a green produce logo. Text reads: “Valley Food Share is an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students. Distribution is currently a drive-thru service alternating between the Food Innovation Center and the Texas Township Campus every Thursday from 2–4 p.m. Students will receive an email on Thursdays that includes a link to sign up for a share as well as instructions for pick up.” Distribution schedule and locations: January 22 – Food Innovation Center January 29 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance February 5 – Food Innovation Center February 12 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance February 19 – Food Innovation Center February 26 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance March 12 – Food Innovation Center March 19 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance March 26 – Food Innovation Center April 2 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance April 9 – Food Innovation Center April 16 – Texas Township Campus, Tower Entrance April 23 – Food Innovation Center Logo for Kalamazoo Valley Community College appears at the bottom.
KV Circle Center Grand Opening Rescheduled
The grand opening for the KV Circle Center will be rescheduled due to inclement weather, but the center is currently open and serving you. Watch our social media and newsletters for the new date. You can obtain free fresh and nonperishable food, plus hygiene products, from the KV Circle Center at the Texas Township Campus. You can fill out a simple application that allows you to shop once weekly with a reusable shopping bag. The center opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday's hours are 4 to 6:30 p.m. Contact Monteze Morales at mmorales@kvcc.edu for more information.
 
libraries

Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?

A student with short, curly hair sits alone at a small round table beside a large window, resting their arms on the tabletop and looking outside. Sunlight streams through the glass, illuminating green trees and foliage beyond. A smartphone lies on the table in front of them. The student wears a short-sleeve shirt, shorts, and wireless earbuds. They are seated in a patterned upholstered chair in a quiet indoor lounge area with brick accents and large potted plants nearby.        Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s blue cougar mascot stands in a library aisle between tall bookshelves filled with books. The mascot has bright blue fur, a white muzzle, black eyebrows, and visible fangs, and is wearing a black T-shirt with a circular “Kalamazoo Valley Community College” logo and the letters “KV” in the center. The mascot faces the camera and gives two thumbs up. 
Texas Township Library, TTC 3120              Arcadia Commons Library, AWH 321

Visit the Libraries for: 
Peaceful atmosphere
Excellent views
Individual and group study furniture
Computers and printers
Help from librarians
Access to books and electronic databases
Study rooms (TTC)

Ask a Librarian
Did you know that librarians can help with research and citation? Evaluating information? Or finding a book on a topic of interest? Ask a Librarian!
Cougar Cafe
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. 2 | Potato soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Feb. 3 | Potato soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Feb. 4 | Potato soup; pulled pork sandwich
Thursday | Feb. 5 | Potato soup; meatloaf, mashed potatoes and vegetables
 
Food Service Downtown
Promotional graphic for 418 Restaurant (Four One Eight) at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The image reads: “Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 22 – Feb. 19. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (last seating at 12:15 p.m.). Please call 269-548-3239 for reservations.” The 418 logo appears prominently on the left, and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.Promotional graphic for Havirmill Cafe at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The image reads: “Havirmill Cafe will be open Monday – Thursday, Jan. 20 – Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch service only – no reservations needed.” Contact information at the bottom reads: “Facebook: KVculinaryeats | 269-548-3200.” The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right. Watercolor illustrations of a red pepper, yellow pepper, and red onion decorate the top of the image.
 
get involved on campus
Promotional flyer titled “Taps on Tuesdays Guided Tasting.” Event dates and details read: “Feb. 24, March 24 | 5–6 p.m. | $15 fee.” Schedule includes: “Jan. 27 – German Beers and Food; Feb. 24 – English Beers and Food; March 24 – American Craft and Food.” Description states that Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building will host guided beer and food pairings led by trained chefs and brewers from the “Taps on Tuesday” menu. Participation is limited to those 21 and older; IDs will be checked at the door. Contact information: Groves Center at 269-353-1253 or grovescenter@kvcc.edu . The Kalamazoo Valley logo and “Sustainable Brewing” icons appear on the right, along with a QR code for more information. Images at the bottom show a bartender pouring beer from taps, diners seated inside the restaurant, and a flight of beers with food pairings.Promotional graphic titled “Visiting Writers Book Talk.” Event dates and speakers are listed as follows: “Feb. 13 | 10 a.m. – ‘Read Local,’ Poet Elizabeth Kerlikowske and Artist Mary Hatch, ‘Falling Women.’” “March 13 | 10 a.m. – Lyanda Lynn Haupt, ‘Rooted.’” “April 10 | 10 a.m. – Ross Gay, ‘The Book of (More) Delights.’” The flyer invites attendees to join in the TTC Library for an informal discussion of books by visiting writers. The event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Book cover images shown include “Rooted,” “New American Monarch,” “Falling Women,” “The Book of (More) Delights,” and “DoggereL.” Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
Promotional graphic titled “Visiting Writers Series.” Featured speakers: Mary Hatch and Elizabeth Kerlikowske. Event details: Feb. 17 at 10 a.m., Student Commons Lounge. Left side features a portrait of Elizabeth Kerlikowske. Text states she is the author of “The Vaudeville Horse” (Etchings Press, 2022) and “Dominant Hand” (Mayapple Press), and co-author of “Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry” (Kazoo Books, 2018) with artist Mary Hatch. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in journals and anthologies including “Cincinnati Review,” “Passager,” and “Poemeleon.” She is a former president of both the Poetry Society of Michigan and the Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry, retired from teaching at Kellogg Community College, and continues to write and collaborate in the Kalamazoo arts community. Right side features a photo of Mary Hatch painting. Text states she is a Kalamazoo-based artist and printmaker who earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Western Michigan University. She co-authored “Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry” (Kazoo Books, 2018) with Elizabeth Kerlikowske. Her work has been featured in more than 30 solo exhibits and is part of over 300 public and private collections across the United States and Canada. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.Promotional graphic for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Design features a large rainbow pride flag background with a black-and-white illustration of a hand holding a megaphone on the left, decorated with colorful symbols including gender icons and abstract shapes. Text reads: “LGBTQ+ diversity club.” Meetings are held every Thursday from 2–3 p.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus, Room 4550. Contact information: Club Advisor Misti Mahon, mmahon@kvcc.edu . Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.Promotional graphic for the Gaming Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The design features a retro, pixel-art video game theme with blue sky, clouds, trees, a treasure chest, three red heart icons, and a score display reading “Score: 18500.” Text reads: “Gaming Club. You’re invited to play a variety of games, from TTRPGs and board games to video games, and everything in between! Club will meet on Thursdays, 4–9 p.m., TTC Room 4510. Everyone welcome.” Contact information: Email club advisors Mary Cox at mcox@kvcc.edu and Beth Brandon at ebrandon@kvcc.edu with questions. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.


Promotional flyer titled “Everyday Knife Skills.” Event details: February 15, 5:30–7 p.m., cost $20. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Room 107. Instructor: Chef William Barrett. Description: This hands-on course teaches safe and confident knife skills and advanced cutting techniques for home cooks. Participants will practice with a wide variety of produce and enjoy tastings. Open to all skill levels, ages 12 and older. For more information, call 269-353-1253 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . A QR code is included to register. Image shows a close-up of a person wearing gloves slicing a red bell pepper on a cutting board with a chef’s knife. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
Promotional flyer titled “Lentils Three Ways.” Event details: February 19, 5:30–7 p.m., cost $30. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Room 107. Description: A culinary demonstration featuring lentils and their health benefits. Kalamazoo Valley Community Culinary Chefs will prepare and serve three hearty, healthy lentil recipes. The event highlights creative ways to use lentils in everyday meals. For more information, call 269-253-1252 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . A QR code is included for registration. Image shows three wooden bowls filled with different types of dry lentils—red, green, and yellow—on a dark wooden surface. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
Promotional flyer titled “Intro to Papermaking.” Event details: February 13, 5:30–7 p.m., at the Food Innovation Center, Room 113. Cost is $30. Description: An introductory hands-on course covering the basic techniques of hand papermaking, including pulp preparation, sheet forming, couching, pressing, and drying. The class includes a brief history of papermaking, and each student will learn how to make their own DIY mould and deckle. Contact: Charmelle Abdullah at cabdullah@kvcc.edu or 269-353-1268. A QR code is provided for registration. Image shows a close-up of hands lifting a wooden papermaking frame with a newly formed wet sheet of paper from a water-filled vat. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
Promotional graphic titled “Breaking Down the Screen.” Event details: February 5, 6–7 p.m., online. Cost is $25. Description: A research-informed virtual workshop led by author and media analyst Nicholas Jordan examining anti-Black representation in film, television, comics, and gaming. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in civil rights and media literacy, the session uses curated visuals, media excerpts, and discussion to help participants build media literacy skills and explore ways to identify, challenge, and reimagine harmful tropes in contemporary storytelling. Registration: Visit kvcc.edu/community. Questions: Contact Charmelle Abdullah at cabdullah@kvcc.edu or 269-353-1268. A QR code is included for more information. Visual elements: A blue background featuring a circular arrangement of floating digital screens displaying images related to technology, media, and global communication. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
 

the official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
Wide composite photo of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College bookstore entrance inside a campus building. The storefront features brick walls and large glass windows covered with blue “KV” graphics and student images. Above the door, a sign reads “bookstore.kvcc.edu.” A posted hours sign states the store is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended summer hours listed below. An A-frame sign with a blue KV logo stands near the entrance. Inside the windows, posters display photos of students. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding is visible on the window graphics.

Graphic with teal background reading “Welcome to Ready Day One.” Centered is a simple illustration of a textbook with a yellow label that says “E-BOOK” and a small blue circle featuring the letters “KV.” Below the image, bold text reads “Save money on textbooks!”
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes 
Did you know you automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for your classes? It's called Ready Day One! The cost is charged to your tuition bill. E-books tend to be at least 50 percent cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks. Please note that electronic materials are ONLY available in classes where the instructor selected the option for the course and many do! 
 
What you need to know: Within 24 hours of registering for a class with the electronic materials option, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus Bookstore sends an email indicating that you are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in your Canvas account on the first day of class. It's important to watch for the email.
 
If you wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from your tuition bill (it will be itemized there as 'Inclusive Access'), you must act within two weeks from the first day of class. Students have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via your Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030.

Bookstore Now Accepting Winter Financial Aid for School Supplies
Monday, Jan. 5 was the first day that students could start using winter financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. However, online orders can be placed anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders can be mailed to one's home or other address, or held for pickup at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. Shipping is $5.

NEW! 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. 

Athletics

Are You Ready for Some Basketball? 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's men's basketball season is now underway! Cheer the players on at their home game on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. (vs. Glen Oaks Community College). Remember, home games are FREE! Invite your friends and family. Below are the remaining home games for the season. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. 

Team photo graphic titled “2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball.” The image shows 16 players wearing black “Cougars” jerseys with light blue accents, arranged in two rows against a dark background. Player names are displayed above and below their images: Matt Anders, Lebron Campbell, Gerald Crawford, Louis Digrandi, Montgomery Holland, Josiah King, Byron Linley, Tyler Stokes, JareMiah Palmer-Kirtdoll, Lucas Porter, Brody Schimpa, Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll, Rico Smith-Shepard, Tavaz Lawler-Showers, Mathew Swanwick, and Darren Varnesdeel. At the bottom, six coaches and staff stand in front of a basketball court graphic. Their names and roles are listed: Josh Ryan, Assistant Coach; Jackson Bushu, Assistant Coach; Jim Horn, Head Coach; Larry Patrick, Assistant Coach; Kobe Clark, Assistant Coach; and Jessica Morin, Athletic Trainer.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Kellogg Community College)
  • Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. (vs. Southwestern College)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Marian University's Ancilla College)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Glen Oaks Community College)
 Banner graphic with large teal text reading, “WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” The word “Museum” appears in large black letters with “Kalamazoo Valley” above it, and a circular blue “KV” logo to the right. To the left of the text are three small photos: a smiling older woman and a young man together, the exterior of a modern building, and a child’s face illuminated by red light while looking upward. Below, smaller black text reads: “The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its board of trustees.”

Black-and-white historical photograph of a Black cowboy standing in an open grassy field, holding the reins of a saddled horse. The man wears a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeve shirt, leather chaps, and boots, and looks toward the camera. The horse stands beside him facing right, fitted with a saddle and bridle. A second rider on horseback appears faintly in the distant background against a flat horizon.
Major 'Black Cowboys' Exhibit Opens 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,' opening on Jan. 31. The free exhibit will be on view through July 26. Read more here.

Promotional poster titled “Shape Shifting: The Touring Exhibition.” The design features a modern, minimalist blue electric guitar centered against bold vertical color blocks in red, yellow, and orange. The guitar has a sleek, sculptural body and a long black fretboard. Text at the bottom reads, “The Guitar as Modern Artifact.” A small Guitar Foundation–style logo appears in the lower left corner.
New 'SHAPE SHIFTING' Exhibit Explores Instruments
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 Jan. 31 through April 26.