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

Jan. 30, 2026

Greetings!

We're experiencing an especially cold and challenging winter, but the storms outside can't diminish our care for our students and our communities. At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, the values of caring and respect burn brightly and steadily. Our Board Policy 402 indicates that 'civility, service, collegiality and social justice' shall guide the policies and practices of our college.
 
As we join with others from across the community to celebrate Black History Month, I hope that you will take advantage of opportunities to participate in events and activities designed to help us honor civility and social justice. You might enjoy the Black History Trivia Bingo on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. We also welcome students, staff, faculty and community members to join an interactive lecture discussion, 'Reclaiming History as a Tool for Liberation, Identity and Action, on Thursday, Feb. 26 at noon in TTC, Room 4240.

These times may not be easy, but our values can motivate us to make it through the hard days. As you continue to press ahead, I am here to support you.

Sincerely,

signature: L. Marshall Washington

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Human Resources
Portrait of an older adult with short white hair sitting on a porch in a wicker chair, smiling warmly at the camera. They are wearing a dark denim jacket over a gray top, jeans, a black belt, a wristwatch, and bracelets, with their hands clasped together. The background shows the exterior siding of a house and a neighboring home in soft focus.
In Memoriam: Gloria 'Glo' Larrieu, Ph.D. | Sept. 1, 1946 - Jan. 15, 2026
The college community is mourning the loss of Gloria 'Glo' Larrieu, Ph.D., an English faculty member who passed away Thursday, Jan. 15. Larrieu began teaching at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 2004 and inspired students for over 20 years. Those who knew, loved and appreciated her would appreciate this excerpt from her obituary: 'A beloved mother, gifted professor and extraordinary musician, Gloria had a rare ability to light up any room she entered. Her presence was magnetic, full of warmth, humor, passion and conviction.' A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, but you can view her obituary here. 


 
Photo collage from the 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College ‘MLK – Beyond the Dream Celebration.’ Images show a diverse group of community members and college leaders gathered indoors for a luncheon event. Scenes include attendees seated at round tables engaged in conversation; a speaker presenting at a podium with a projected event slide behind him; a panel of speakers seated on stage beneath a screen reading ‘MLK – Beyond the Dream Celebration: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy’; a posed group photo of featured guests and honorees; and participants networking one-on-one. The setting appears to be a conference or banquet room with black drapery, presentation screens, and informational signage.
Kudos on a Successful MLK Luncheon!
It is because of great employees like you that our annual MLK Beyond the Dream Celebration: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy luncheon was a success Wednesday at the Texas Township Campus. Whether you were an attendee or planning team member, a huge thank-you is extended to you! Interest continues to grow for the event, so much so we had overflow rooms as the community joined us in honoring seven extraordinary local citizens' dedicated service. Read more in the February edition of our print KV Focus newsletter arriving in Kalamazoo area households soon. Click here for more photos.
Did you know?
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 students. Watch the college's social media and newsletters for the new date. Students can obtain free fresh and nonperishable food, plus hygiene products, from the KV Circle Center at the Texas Township Campus. They fill out a simple application that allows them to shop once weekly with a reusable shopping bag. Contact Monteze Morales at mmorales@kvcc.edu for more information. Check out this article about the Circle Center here!

Watch for Wellness Gift Email
We're pleased to share some good news. As part of the generous wellness grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation, every employee has the opportunity to select a free wellness-related gift from an online catalog. Be on the lookout for an email from our gift vendor inviting you to select a gift. The email will come from AwardHeadquarters@spihq.com. Please do not delete it. The email will contain instructions and a link to make your selection. If you have questions, contact Amy Reynolds, director of human resources, at areynolds2@kvcc.edu or at ext. 4576. 

Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations Sought
Do you know a Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduate whose story deserves to be celebrated? See the graphic below. Help us recognize the leaders, innovators and quiet difference-makers among us by submitting a nomination by Feb. 13. For more information, click here.  See the graphic below.

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Distinguished Alumni Awards. On the left, a man in a navy suit and bow tie stands beside a smiling older woman holding a plaque that reads ‘Kalamazoo Valley Community College Distinguished Alumni Award 2024 – Rose Mary Wood.’ A quote appears above her: ‘The instructors were very well-versed in their subject material and seemed to really care about their students’ success.’ — Rose Mary Wood, Distinguished Alumni Award 2024. On the right, text reads: ‘2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Know a Kalamazoo Valley Community College alum who has shown career distinction or community impact? Submit a nomination today! Nomination deadline: Feb. 13, 2026. Complete the nomination form via QR code or visit https://bit.ly/KVAlumAward2026. For more information, email Sonya Hollins, alumni relations manager, shollins@kvcc.edu.’ Kalamazoo Valley Alumni logo appears at the bottom.
Public Safety
Managing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom
If a student in your class is distracting others, using profane language, appearing aggressive or presenting escalating behaviors, there are steps you can take to ensure safety for your classroom.
  • Be familiar with the RED SILENT public safety alert button on your media cart.
  • Include specific expectations for, and consequences of, student behavior during the first day introduction and in your syllabus.
  • Do not put yourself in a position where you could be injured or attempt to separate disruption.
  • Contact Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Safety immediately at ext. 4911 from any college phone or 911.
For more information, please refer to your yellow safety book located in your classroom or click here. For information on how to help a student in distress, click here.
Employment Engagement and Wellness Committee
Upcoming Employee Wellness and Engagement Events
Did you know there are wellness events for employees in February? Get ready to relax, laugh and connect, all for FREE! 
  • Scan the QR code below to register for these and other engagement and wellness events, or click here.
  • From massages to movie nights to bowling fun with food, there is something for everyone! Don't miss out ' spots are filling up fast.
  • Let's make wellness and fun a priority together! 
QR code to https://www.kvcc.edu/engagementandwellness/
Learn more at https://www.kvcc.edu/engagementandwellness/. These wellness events are being brought to you by the generous wellness grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation.
Human Resources
Notice: Change to Overtime Policy
The college is updating its overtime policies to align with changes to the federal definition of 'qualified overtime compensation' under new legislation. The law introduced a new federal income tax deduction for a portion of qualified overtime pay, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028. Please click here for a detailed description of the changes and how it may affect you. Click here for the Employee Handbook. While many things remain unchanged regarding the overtime policy, one key change is the following paid, non-worked hours will no longer count toward determining overtime eligibility, effective Jan. 1, 2026:
  • Scheduled college-observed holidays
  • Building closures (e.g., inclement weather)
  • Summer hours
  • These hours will be paid at the employee's base hourly rate but will not be included in the 'hours worked' calculation for overtime purposes

If you have questions, contact Aaron Hilliard, vice president for human resources, at ahilliard@kvcc.edu or at ext. 4409.

Employee Benefits
New Employee Assistance Program
We are pleased to introduce our new Employee Assistance Program, offering expanded support and resources for all employees and their family members. Employees will need to create an account before logging in.
Phone:  855-775-4357
Website:  https://reliance-matrix.mylifeexpert.com/
Company Code: RSLl1859

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.

Retirement Services
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.
 
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 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 about unconscious bias. 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
Finance and Business
Reminder: Upcoming Payroll Due Date Change
Feb. 13, 2026 Payroll:
  • Employee time sheets are due Friday, Jan. 30
  • Manager approval of time sheets is due MONDAY, Feb.  2
  • This pay covers the period 1/18/26 - 1/31/26; full-time hourly employees should enter time off paid (TOP) for the college holiday of Jan. 19
Please make the necessary arrangements to ensure that your time sheet approvals are completed prior to the deadline. As a reminder, the Banner Self-Service application can also be accessed off-campus by logging into your MyValley account at www.kvcc.edu. Contact the Payroll Department with questions. You may call Anita Gonzales at ext. 4872 or Megan Collins at ext. 4898 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu.
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.
Higher Learning Commission
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Spotlight
Reminder: Prior to the actual HLC site visit in March, a mock HLC site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Kalamazoo Valley's Texas Township Campus. (In the case of inclement weather, a back-up date for the mock site visit is scheduled for Feb. 5.) This will be a practice session for the HLC planning team and various members of the Valley community to interact with a group of external reviewers.

HLC FAQs ' Employee Role in the Official HLC Site Visit on March 16-17
Q: How important is the role of employees in the success of the HLC site visit?
A: Extremely important! The success of Kalamazoo Valley's reaccreditation is a collective achievement, and every employee plays an integral part. The foundation of our accreditation resides in the high quality of your daily work and commitment to Valley's mission and values.

Q: What should I be prepared to discuss with reviewers?
A: Be ready to discuss your role, how your work contributes to the college's goals and Kalamazoo Valley's dedication to student success. Focus on the specific ways you support the college's mission in your daily work. Be open about the amazing work in which you and your colleagues take part. If reviewers ask questions, provide a direct answer to their specific question. If you don't know something, it is best to indicate you are not the most qualified person to address that topic.
 
Q: What should I emphasize about Kalamazoo Valley?
A: Highlight the quality of Valley's programs and services, along with the college's commitment to providing innovative and equitable opportunities for students and employees to learn, grow and thrive. Share a specific example from your experiences if you have one.
 
Q: Are there any guidelines for professional conduct during the visit?
A: Continue to uphold Kalamazoo Valley's standards and values by adhering to our policies and procedures. These are designed to ensure fair and ethical behavior and support for our students, faculty and staff.

Q: What is the overall goal of the site visit?
A: The main goals of the HLC visit involve displaying our professionalism and positive engagement with students and the community. Kalamazoo Valley has the opportunity to emphasize its excellence in every regard. The stellar work you do every day will be in the spotlight- it is your time to shine!

Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the web page.
Information Technology
Help Available for Multi-factor Authentication Connection Troubles
Are you having multi-factor authentication connection issues? Click here to send an IT ticket for 'MFA help' and explain what you are experiencing. An IT staff member will work with you to find the right solution, such as setting up a six-digit code that doesn't require an internet connection or issuing a USB security key to carry with you.
 Faculty/Staff 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
Promotional graphic titled ‘Ready, Step, Go.’ encouraging participation in the Winter 100 cardio challenge. Text reads: ‘Complete 100 miles of cardio this winter. Winter 100, sponsored by the Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee and Wellness and Fitness Center, is a perfect chance to challenge yourself to stay active and achieve 100 miles of cardio this winter. The cardio challenge will run January 1 to March 1 – 60 days – just in time for spring break. If you can complete two miles every day for 50 days or 3.3 miles every day for 31 days, you can achieve 100 miles. To register, scan the QR code.’ A note inside a mitten graphic states: ‘Fun fact: If you walk at 4 MPH for 15 minutes, you would complete one mile.’ Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom.
It's Time to Register for the Winter 100 Employee Cardio Challenge!
To sign up, use the QR code above or visit this link on the Wellness and Fitness Center webpage. This wellness activity is sponsored by the Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee and the Wellness & Fitness Center.
Libraries
News from the Libraries
Request Library Instruction
Encourage students to use the library for research instruction or assignment-based exploration. Also, our librarians are available to visit classrooms to introduce information literacy concepts. They are ready to collaborate with instructors to meet the unique needs of students.  Ready to schedule or need more information? Contact Jim Ratliff (ACC & BHLC) at jratliff@kvcc.edu or Amy Brandt (TTC) at abrandt@kvcc.edu.

Students Study in the Library!
Many students don't know that the Libraries are the perfect place to study. Encourage students to check out the:
  • 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
Feel free to copy and paste the following information into a Canvas course:
 
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! 
The Office Kalamazoo Valley Community College Cougar Bookstore

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. 

Bookstore Now Accepting Winter Financial Aid
Please let students know that winter financial aid is now being accepted 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.


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. 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

Athletics

Team roster graphic for the 2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball team. The image features 16 players wearing black Cougars jerseys with teal accents, posed in two rows against a dark background with a basketball court floor at the bottom. Top row, left to right: Matt Anders, Lebron Campbell, Gerald Crawford, Louis Digrandi, Montgomery Holland, Josiah King, Byron Linley, and Tyler Stokes. Bottom row, left to right: Jaremiah Palmer-Kirtdoll (number 4), Lucas Porter (number 32), Brody Schimpa (number 11), Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll (number 1), Rico Smith-Shepard (number 20), Tavaz Lawler-Showers (number 13), Mathew Swanwick (number 44), and Darren Varnesdeel (number 10). Header text reads: ‘2025–26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball,’ alongside the Cougars logo.
Are You Ready for Some Basketball? 
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's men's basketball season is now underway! Cheer the players 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. 
  • 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)
Kalamazoo Valley Accelerate associate program (kvaap)
Upcoming KVAAP Info Session
Students can attend this information session via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. The session will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register here. Learn about the program here.
  • Thursday, Feb. 5 | 3 - 3:30 p.m.
Banner reading ‘What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.’ The Kalamazoo Valley Museum logo appears with a blue circle containing the letters ‘KV.’ Three small photos show museum visitors and exhibits. 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 Black cowboy standing in an open grassy field, holding the reins of a saddled horse. He wears a wide-brim hat, long-sleeve shirt, leather chaps, and boots. The horse stands beside him with a saddle and bridle. A second rider on horseback appears faintly in the distant background.
Major Black Cowboy Exhibit Opens at the Museum Jan. 31
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." The free exhibit will be on view Jan. 31 through July 26. Read more here.

Promotional graphic for ‘Shape Shifting: The Touring Exhibition.’ The design features a modern blue electric guitar centered on a vertically striped background in orange, red, and yellow. Text reads: ‘Shape Shifting — The Touring Exhibition’ and ‘The Guitar as Modern Artifact.’ A small guitar-themed 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.  
campus connections