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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Feb. 13, 2026

Greetings,

We've nearly reached the middle of the semester. How are you doing? Remember that humor and well-being are key values at Kalamazoo Valley. If the Michigan winter has left you feeling drained, the college has activities to help you feel healthy in your mind, body and spirit. The Wellness and Fitness Center provides drop-in Pilates and yoga classes and is once again offering our Employee Winter 100 Challenge. If you are looking to experience something new, our museum exhibits, Visiting Writers series, gallery openings and campuswide activities can help you feel refreshed.

Later in the month, the college will host a special program, "Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action," on Thursday, Feb. 26,  from noon to 1:30 p.m., in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus in observance of Black History Month 2026. The event will feature an interactive discussion with Michael Harrison, executive director of Kalamazoo Black Male Alliance.

I know that, for myself, it gives my spirit a boost to see the transformative work we are all doing together. Thank you for the energy and care you put into your work. You are truly making an impact on the lives of our students, our visitors and our entire region.

Take care of yourself and remember that the groundhog indicated spring is about five weeks from today!

Sincerely,

signature: l. marshall washington

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
did you know?
Collage of photos showing students and staff participating in a campus event or workshop. Scenes include small groups seated at round tables engaged in discussion, students talking and networking in pairs and groups, and individuals exchanging items or participating in activities. One image shows a presenter speaking into a microphone, while another shows a staff member interacting with seated students. The setting appears to be an indoor event space with tables, chairs, and presentation areas, highlighting collaboration, conversation, and engagement among attendees.
Study Tables Are Integral Part of Valley's Athletic Program
Did you know that Kalamazoo Valley student-athletes from all of our 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, coordinated by Aaron Williams, assistant director of KVAAP, and Jeff Stone, a pathway advisor in Student Development Services. A big thank-you to the speakers and presenters, which included staff and students! Click here for all the photos.

Mark Your Calendars for Required Cybersecurity Training
The college's annual cybersecurity awareness training kicks off next week! Look for an email on Monday, Feb. 16 with information about this year's training. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the IT department to every individual across Kalamazoo Valley Community College. With this in mind, please make time to complete this important training within the next few weeks. Thank you for doing your part to help keep the college safe from cybercrime.

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.

LAST CALL! Distinguished Alumni Awards Deadline is Today
Today is the deadline to submit nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards 2026! Do you know a Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduate whose story deserves to be celebrated? Please consider nominating someone by clicking here.

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. On the left, a man in a suit presents an award plaque to a smiling woman identified as Rose Mary Wood, recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. A quote reads: ‘The instructors were very well-versed in their subject material and seemed to really care about their students’ success.’ On the right, text invites nominations for alumni who have shown career distinction or community impact. Nomination deadline is February 13, 2026. Instructions indicate to complete the nomination via QR code or visit https://bit.ly/KVAlumAward2026 . Contact information is provided for Sonya Hollins at shollins@kvcc.edu . Kalamazoo Valley Alumni branding appears at the bottom.
human resources
Employee Benefits
New Employee Assistance Program Webinars Available
Would you like to learn more about our Employee Assistance Program? Click on a date below to sign up for an informative webinar hosted by Reliance Matrix.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 6 p.m EST

You Are Not Alone ' Community Resources Available
Some of our students, coworkers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. We encourage you to share the list with others.

The Pool App
Employees who have our medical coverage will want to make sure to download The Pool App by clicking here. You will find resources for eligible employees.

Retirement Services
Would you like more financial information? Click here to register for upcoming webcast sessions offered for TIAA members.

Counting Down to Retirement 
Thinking about retirement and are a member of the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement Services? There may be some things you need to cross off your to-do list. MPSERS provides a Countdown to Retirement. Here's another resource: Voya Financial provides virtual appointments and webinars for employees who have an account with them. Click here for a complete listing of dates and times.

Save More for Retirement in 2026
Interested in saving more towards retirement? Kalamazoo Valley offers a Supplemental Retirement Plan for employees that would let them save more towards their retirement. After-tax Roth contributions are available for employees. To find out more information on after-tax contribution, click here. If interested, complete the Supplemental Retirement Plan Salary Reduction Agreement and turn it into Human Resources.

The Search Committee Process Training
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Human Resources Department collaborate to offer "The Search Committee Process," a two-hour training exploring the basics of how a search is conducted to fill full-time vacancies. It also explores how implicit or unconscious bias impacts the decision-making process, assessment of candidates' application materials and the interview process. The training is required for those who wish to serve on a search committee, but it is open to anyone wishing to learn more. To sign up for a training, click on the registration link below for your desired session.
 
Tuesday, March 24 | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Room 4520, TTC | Register here
Wednesday, May 13 | 9 - 11 a.m. | Room 4520, TTC | Register here
 
information technology
Important Notice: Traveling out of the Country?
If you're planning to travel abroad and will need to log in to any Kalamazoo Valley Community College resources (e.g., email, Canvas, MyValley) while away, please contact the IT department before you depart. For security purposes, we restrict access to Kalamazoo Valley resources from outside of the U.S. We can temporarily allow you access from abroad, but we will need to verify your identity before doing so. It is best to do this prior to your departure. This can be done in person either at the computer lab or via a virtual meeting. Either way, you will need to present a valid photo ID during your meeting. Please contact it@kvcc.edu with any questions. 
office of diversity and inclusion
Lunar New Year Craft Event on Feb. 16
What is the Chinese Zodiac? The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal. Each sign offers insight into your character and how you interact with the world. Legend has it that the order of the animals was decided by a "Great Race" across a river. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing spirit, strength and freedom. Come learn about your birth year's animal and make a custom zodiac craft to take home on Monday, Feb. 16, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Texas Township cafeteria.

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. 
Poster for ‘Disability Awareness Ribbons Make-Fest’ at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event times and locations: Tuesday, March 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Learning Center, TTC; and Thursday, March 12, from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 3180, TTC. Both events are free. Description: Participants are invited to help create 500 ribbons representing various disability awareness causes. The ribbons will be distributed to the campus community during the week of March 16 through 20. Attendees may come and go as their schedule allows. Visual design: A circular graphic made of colorful arrows includes icons representing different disabilities, such as mobility, vision, hearing, communication, and cognitive health. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding appears at the bottom.
higher learning commission
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Spotlight
HLC FAQs ' The HLC Site Visit Reviewers
Q: What is the role of the site visit reviewers?
A: Site visit reviewers are trained expert volunteers drawn from faculty, administrators and staff at external higher education institutions. They evaluate colleges and universities to verify compliance with accreditation standards and to assess the quality of institutional performance. During the visit, reviewers examine a wide range of evidence and engage in discussions with various college representatives to determine how well the institution meets the HLC criteria.

Q: Who are the site visit reviewers for Kalamazoo Valley?
A: The Higher Learning Commission site visit team joining Valley March 16-17, 2026 consists of experienced peer reviewers from accredited institutions across the region. Each member brings specialized expertise in higher education leadership, academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This overview introduces each of the reviewers assigned to Valley who will be leading the work during the upcoming site visit.
  • Valley's HLC site visit Chair is Sarah Robb, Ed.D. Her current role is vice president for student learning at Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas. Dr. Robb's doctorate of education, with an emphasis in education policy and leadership, was earned from Baker University in 2017. Robb's background includes a Master of Science degree, work in the role of coordinator of assessment, biological sciences faculty and Faculty Senate Chair.
  • Ryan Newton, Ph.D. joins the review team as a full-time psychology instructor from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Master of Arts degree from Southern Connecticut State University, both in psychology. Dr. Newton's additional teaching experience includes instruction in psychology at Linfield College and Chemeketa Community College.
  • LoShay Willis, Ed.D. is the dean of career programs at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois. Dr. Willis' educational path includes an associate of science and a Bachelor's of Science in health sciences, and a Master of Business Administration ' all from Indiana University Northwest. Her doctorate of education was earned from Olivet Nazarene University, with an emphasis in ethical leadership. Dr. Willis' roles at Moraine Valley Community College include a full-time faculty position, department chair of health sciences and assistant dean of career programs.
  • Jeremy L. Reece, M.S., is completing his doctorate at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and is an HLC reviewer from West Memphis, Arkansas. Reece is the vice chancellor for student affairs at Arkansas State University Mid-South. He holds two degrees from the University of Memphis ' a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in English and political science, along with a Master of Science with special focus on education policy and leadership, student personnel administration and higher education. As a vice chancellor of student affairs, he holds a specialization in adult learning and leadership. Reece has held positions at Arkansas State University, Mid-South as a counselor, part-time faculty, coordinator, director of enrollment services, associate vice president for enrollment services, vice chancellor for student affairs and athletic director.
  • Matthew Fowler, Ph.D., serves as president of Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois. He earned his doctorate in higher education and leadership from the University of Nebraska'Lincoln, following a Bachelor of Science in finance from Millikin University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Morehead State University. Dr. Fowler has led Wabash Valley College for the past 19 years, bringing extensive executive experience in institutional leadership and accreditation to the HLC review team visiting Kalamazoo Valley. 
As the Kalamazoo Valley community meets the HLC site review team together, the college has an opportunity to showcase the remarkable work of Kalamazoo Valley 'what Valley has achieved, what the college is building and the bright future everyone is shaping for Valley students and the community. Let's look forward to sharing the Valley story with confidence and pride.

Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the web page.
 
 employee training and development
February 2026 Events
Advance registration is required for the sessions below. In February, learn new workplace tools to boost your organizational abilities and sustainability practices. You can also learn how to sprout new seeds to thrive in the spring time.

Workplace Tools: Setting Up Your Digital Workspace
Friday, Feb. 13 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Register | Location: TTC 4380 or Zoom
Join your colleagues for this valuable session designed to help you be more efficient. Get started with essentials like the bookmarks bar, keyboard shortcuts and the software center - plus other tips to boost productivity and organization.
 
Successful Seed Starting
Friday, Feb. 20 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Register | FIC, Room 113 or Zoom
This workshop explores how to choose the right seeds and master the key elements - light, water, humidity and timing - to grow healthy seedlings for your home garden. The class provides seedlings to take home to nurture for a beautiful spring planting season.
 
Workplace Tools: Bullet Journals & Rocketbooks
Friday, Feb. 26 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | TTC, Room 4230 or Zoom
Looking for smarter ways to plan and organize? Join this inspiring event where you can see how bullet journals can help you customize your goals and notes in a flexible, unique and concise way. You can also explore Rocketbooks - reusable, wipe-clean notebooks that blend sustainability with digital convenience.

Note: Please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator at kdupree@kvcc.edu.
lead with your strengths
Explore Your Strengths
What are your strengths and how can they help you thrive at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and beyond? In this introductory session, employees will explore their natural talents through the CliftonStrengths framework and learn how to apply them for personal and professional growth. Before attending, you'll complete the assessment and bring your results. This is a great first step toward a strengths-based approach to success at Kalamazoo Valley! To sign up, click on your desired session below.

Thursday, Feb. 26 | 10 a.m. | Room 2540 (TTC) | Register
Friday, April 17 | 3 p.m. | Room 1350 (TTC) | Register

Questions? Email strengths@kvcc.edu.
wellness and fitness center

Poster promoting the ‘Winter 100’ cardio challenge with the headline ‘Ready, Step, Go: Complete 100 miles of cardio this winter.’ Description: Sponsored by the Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee and the Wellness and Fitness Center, the challenge encourages participants to stay active and complete 100 miles of cardio. Dates: January 1 through March 1 (60 days). Details: Participants can reach 100 miles by completing two miles per day for 50 days or 3.3 miles per day for 31 days. Additional information: A QR code is provided for registration. A note states that walking at 4 miles per hour for 15 minutes equals one mile. Visual design: Winter-themed graphics include snowflakes and mittens. Kalamazoo Valley Community College branding appears at the bottom.
Winter 100: How's Your Progress?
Keep pushing toward those milestones! Don't forget to submit your progress as you achieve your goals for the 2026 Winter 100 Employee Challenge. Whether you're walking, swimming or hitting the circuit, every bit counts toward your success.

Reset Your Mid-Day Routine
Beat the February "slump" by visiting the Wellness & Fitness Center. It offers 40+ pieces of cardio equipment and an easy-to-follow full-body circuit to get you in and out during your break. Looking for a different way to get those miles in? Jump into the heated pool for some lap swimming. Below are some quick stats for your visit:
  • WFC hours:
    • Monday - Thursday 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Pool hours:
    • Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.
    • Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.
  • Perks: Complimentary towels and lockers are available upon request
  • Requirement: Just bring your Kalamazoo Valley ID
Note: Ensure you've completed your brief WFC orientation at the front desk (Room 6060) before your first workout or diving into the pool.
upcoming events
Poster for ‘Intro to Papermaking’ workshop at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., held at the Food Innovation Center, Room 113. Cost is $30. Description: This introductory course teaches basic hand papermaking techniques, including pulp preparation, sheet forming, couching, pressing, and drying. Participants will also learn a brief history of papermaking and create their own mould and deckle. Additional information: Contact Charmelle Abdullah at cabdullah@kvcc.edu or 269-353-1268. A QR code is provided for registration. Visual: A close-up image shows hands lifting a screen frame covered with wet paper pulp from a vat.
Poster for ‘Everyday Knife Skills’ cooking class at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 15 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $20. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, Room 107. Instructor: Chef William Barrett. Description: This hands-on course teaches safe and effective knife skills and advanced cutting techniques. Participants will practice with a variety of produce and sample foods. The class is open to all skill levels, ages 12 and older, and focuses on building confidence in the kitchen. Registration and contact: A QR code is provided to register. For more information, call 269-353-1253 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . Visual: A close-up image shows a person wearing gloves slicing a red bell pepper on a cutting board with a chef’s knife.
Poster for ‘Lentils Three Ways’ cooking class at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: February 19 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $30. Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, Room 107. Description: This event explores ways to cook and enjoy lentils while highlighting their nutritional benefits. Culinary chefs will demonstrate recipes, and participants will sample three hearty, healthy lentil dishes. Registration and contact: A QR code is provided to register. For more information, call 269-253-1252 or email grovescenter@kvcc.edu . Visual: Three bowls of lentils—red, green, and yellow—are arranged on a dark surface.
Poster for the Visiting Writers Series at Kalamazoo Valley Community College featuring Mary Hatch and Elizabeth Kerlikowske. Event details: February 17 at 10:00 a.m., held in the Student Commons Lounge. Description: Elizabeth Kerlikowske is an author of poetry and fiction, including The Vaudeville Horse and Dominant Hand, and co-author of Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry. She is a former president of the Poetry Society of Michigan and Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry and continues to write and collaborate in the Kalamazoo arts community. Mary Hatch is a Kalamazoo-based artist and printmaker with degrees from Western Michigan University. She co-authored Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry and has exhibited widely, with work included in numerous public and private collections across the United States and Canada. Visual: Two images show Elizabeth Kerlikowske seated against a teal background and Mary Hatch painting in a studio setting.
Poster for the Community Mural Project at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Description: Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in pop-up events to color individual squares that will be combined into a larger collaborative mural celebrating the campus community. All materials are provided. The completed mural will be unveiled in April. Pop-up event dates and locations: Tuesday, February 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., CAH lobby Thursday, February 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., TTC cafeteria Tuesday, February 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., CNM lower level Wednesday, February 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., AWH lobby Thursday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., TTC cafeteria Tuesday, February 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., TTC cafeteria Visual: A colorful, abstract mural illustration on the left features ocean-inspired imagery including fish, jellyfish, flowers, and flowing water in shades of blue, pink, and green.
Poster for ‘DiversiTea! After Dark: Fasting and Faith’ event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event details: Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m., held at the Texas Township Campus cafeteria. Description: This evening event invites participants to gather after sunset for community and conversation. Attendees will explore the meaning of fasting through shared stories, reflection, and cultural exchange, with a focus on learning from one another and celebrating togetherness. All are welcome. Additional information: Halal refreshments will be provided. Website listed as www.kvcc.edu . Visual: Illustrated graphics show hands holding tea cups, pouring tea, and sharing beverages and desserts, emphasizing themes of hospitality and community.
Poster for the Black Artists Exhibit at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Center for New Media. Event details: March 6, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Location: Center for New Media, 100 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Description: This is the seventh annual Black Artists Exhibit, presented in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the NAACP Metropolitan Kalamazoo branch. Held in observance of Black History Month, the exhibit highlights the work of local Black artists and celebrates Black cultural heritage in the Kalamazoo area. Submission information: Artists can scan the QR code or email Alisha Richardson at arichardson0412@kvcc.edu for requirements and submissions. Additional details are available at kvcc.edu/artexhibits. Visual: A vibrant abstract painting with bold colors—yellow, green, blue, pink, and red—fills the left side of the poster.
libraries
News from the Libraries
Reserve Textbooks
Textbooks and other course materials are placed on reserve each semester at the request of faculty and students. Instructors may submit personal copies for the reserve collection or request a library purchase for reserve. Most reserve requests for library purchase are approved. To reserve materials for your course, contact Ashley Bergkamp (TTC) at ext. 4313 or abergkamp@kvcc.edu or Jim Ratliff (ACC/BHLC)  at ext. 7848 or jratliff@kvcc.edu.
 
Curious about the Curiosity Collection?
The Curiosity Collection is designed to support the exploration of new interests and trying new things! It is housed at the TTC Library near the circulation desk on the upper level. What are you curious about? We want to hear from you! Send suggestions for the collection to Ashley Bergkamp at abergkamp@kvcc.edu. 

Items in the collection include:
  • Podcasting microphone
  • Watercolor kit
  • Birding kit
  • Pickleball kit
  • Tennis kit
  • Basketball
  • SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp
  • Jump rope
  • Mini exercise balls
  • Digital camera

Wooden display cabinet labeled ‘Curiosity Collection’ at the top, with glass doors revealing a variety of items inside. The shelves contain objects including cameras, dishes, a folded green garment, a basketball, a small blue ball, and other assorted items arranged for display. The cabinet stands on short legs against an indoor wall, likely in a library or campus space.

Ask a Librarian
cougar cafe
What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus?
Cougar Cafe is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

This week's menu includes:
Monday | Feb. 16 | Tortilla soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Feb. 17 | Tortilla soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Feb. 18 | Tortilla soup; catfish, collard greens, fried potatoes
Thursday | Feb. 19 | Tortilla soup; fried chicken, mac n' cheese, cornbread

athletics

Team poster for the 2025–2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College men’s basketball team. The image shows a group of male players wearing black ‘Cougars’ basketball uniforms with teal and white accents, posed in two rows against a dark background with a basketball court floor graphic at the bottom. Player names are labeled above and below their portraits. Names listed include: Matt Anders, Lebron Campbell, Gerald Crawford, Louis Digrandi, Montgomery Holland, Josiah King, Byron Linley, Tyler Stokes, Jeremiah Palmer-Kirtdoll, Lucas Porter, Brody Schimpa, Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll, Rico Smith-Shepard, Tavaz Lawler-Showers, Mathew Swanwick, and Darren Varnesdeel. Visual: Players face forward with neutral or slight smiles, arranged in a team lineup format beneath a banner reading ‘2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball.’
Three More Home Men's Basketball Games Left!
Kalamazoo Valley's men's basketball season ends soon. Be sure to check out the players at their home game on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. (vs. Southwestern College) in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus! Below are the final two home games after this one. Remember, home games are always free! After defeating Kellogg Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with a score of 85-64, the Cougars are in a three-way tie with Lansing Community College and Lake Michigan College for second place in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference. Their conference record is currently 7-3, and overall 15-9. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. 
  • 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)
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
Students can attend these information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. The sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register here. Learn about the program here. The upcoming sessions to get into the summer semester 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.
Banner reading ‘What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.’ The graphic includes the Kalamazoo Valley Museum name and logo with a blue circle containing the letters K V. Small photos show people smiling together and a child looking upward at a red-lit exhibit. Text below states: ‘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 man standing in an open field holding the reins of a saddled horse. The man wears a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and chaps, and faces the camera. The horse stands beside him with a saddle and gear attached. In the distant background, faint figures and a fence line are visible across the landscape.
Major Black Cowboy Exhibit Now Open at the 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.

Poster for ‘Shape Shifting: The Touring Exhibition.’ The design features a modern, stylized blue electric guitar centered against bold vertical color blocks in red, yellow, and orange. Text reads: ‘Shape Shifting’ and ‘The Touring Exhibition,’ with additional text at the bottom stating ‘The guitar as modern artifact.’ A small guitar-related logo appears in the lower left corner.
'SHAPE SHIFTING' Exhibit is a Treat for Music 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 free exhibit featuring electric guitars now through April 26. 

Close-up of a hand gently touching and inspecting green leafy plants growing in a field or garden. The leaves are vibrant and healthy, filling the foreground and background, with soft natural light illuminating the scene.
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.
campus connections