MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
March 2, 2026
Greetings College Community,
Our reaccreditation site visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is just two weeks away ' on March 16 and 17. This is our time to shine! We're looking forward to meeting with the peer reviewers so that we can showcase the impressive work we accomplish here at Kalamazoo Valley.
To prepare for the visit, consider how our mission motivates you ' think of the ways that your work helps us deliver innovative and equitable opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. The visitors want to see your passion for our work! Read the Assurance Argument. (Details for how to access it follow in the newsletter.) This is an inspiring document that shares some of the many ways we are fulfilling our mission. You will learn something new about what your colleagues are doing and the argument could give you an idea of what the HLC peer reviewers might want to discuss when they visit in two weeks.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Men's Basketball Team Finish Conference Champs for Fourth Year! Congratulations to the men's basketball team! They finished their regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 24 by defeating Glen Oaks Community College at a home game with a score of 93-59 (click here for more photos). This win puts them in a tie for first place with Lansing Community College in the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA), with an 11-3 record (overall is 19-9). However, thanks to the men defeating Lansing twice this season in head-to-head conference games, they officially are the winners of the Western Conference for the fourth year in a row!
This earned them a spot in the MCCAA Championship Tournament last week. The team won the championship semifinal game vs. Mid Michigan College with a score of 77-73 on Friday, Feb. 27, but fell the next day to Henry Ford College by one point (79-80). Next up, the men compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 12 District A Tournament at 1 p.m. March 5. If they prevail, they will advance to play at 1:30 p.m. March 7. Watch the free livestream here. Or, keep up with the scores here.
KV Circle Center Grand Opening to be Celebrated March 30 Join us for the Grand Opening of the KV Circle Center on Monday, March 30, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. This new campus resource is designed to promote wellness, provide free fresh and nonperishable food and hygiene products and give students access to community-based services. In partnership with MI-ACE Women's Network, the celebration will include a presentation exploring the historical and sociological significance of collective care and community support. The program will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Refreshments will also be available during the event. All are welcome to attend, but you must RSVP by registering here by Monday, March 23.
Register Now for the 2026 Women's History Luncheon Kalamazoo Valley Community College invites the community to the 2026 Women's History Month Luncheon, themed 'Leading the Change: Women Shaping an Enduring Future.' The college will honor four women whose leadership strengthens communities, advances equity and builds lasting impact at a luncheon on Thursday, April 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus. The event is free and open to the public, but all attendees must RSVP by March 25 by registering here. The honorees are Artrella Cohn, Dr. Valarie Cunningham, Mary Gustas and Chef Stephanie Hughes-Winfrey.
SPECIAL NOTICE: College Closed March 6 for Spring Recess Kalamazoo Valley Community College will be closed Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8 for the college's spring recess. Students will be on spring break from Monday, March 2 through Sunday, March 8, and no classes will be held during that time. However, the college will remain open to serve students Monday, March 2 through Thursday, March 5 with services closing at 5 p.m. during this time. The college will reopen and classes will resume on Monday, March 9. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be closed Friday, March 6 and will be open Saturday and Sunday during its regular business hours.
Valley Food Share Volunteers Needed The Valley Food Share committee is looking for more volunteers to pack, unload and distribute shares on Thursdays this winter semester. With supervisor permission, please volunteer to help. You can sign up by clicking here. To learn more about the Valley Food Share initiative, click here.
Think Before You Click: Keeping Kalamazoo Valley Secure We have observed an increase in phishing emails targeting higher education institutions, including Kalamazoo Valley. Below is a reminder of what to look for and how to respond. Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking links, sharing personal information or entering your login credentials on fraudulent web sites. These messages may appear to come from trusted sources, like faculty, staff, financial institutions, delivery services or even 'IT Support.'
Please remain vigilant and watch for:
Unexpected messages asking for urgent action
Requests for passwords, verification codes or personal information
Links that do not match the sender or destination when you hover over them
Misspellings, unusual grammar or inconsistent formatting
Messages that create fear, urgency or promise something that feels 'too good to be true'
A few simple habits can protect you:
Do not click links or download attachments from emails you were not expecting
If an email asks you to log in, open your browser and go directly to the website yourself rather than clicking the link
If something feels suspicious, verify using a known phone number or contact method ' not the information provided in the email
If you believe you have received a phishing email:
Report the phishing to your email provider
Do not forward the message to anyone, including IT
Reporting suspicious messages using the phishing button allows our security systems to analyze and block similar emails more quickly across campus. Cybersecurity is not just a technology issue ' it is a shared responsibility. Your awareness and attention are some of the strongest protections we have. Thank you for helping protect yourself and the Kalamazoo Valley community.
What To Do in a Medical Emergency In the case of a medical emergency, here are some steps you can take:
Call for help by calling 4911 from any college phone or by dialing 911
Check for pulse and responsiveness of the patient
If trained, locate and remove AED from the white cabinet and follow prompts
If trained, perform CPR as needed
Stay with the victim until Kalamazoo Valley Public Safety arrives
For more information, please refer to your yellow safety book located in classrooms and offices.
Employee Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees and their family members have access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering expanded support and resources. Employees will need to create an account before logging in. Click hereto see what resources are available.
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 clickinghere. 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 you 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 in to 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 Or use this link: https://forms.gle/v4XBu3t1VvSEtkwN8 Summer 2026 Employee Registration
Employee registration for the Summer 2026 semester will be March 5 - 8. Full and part-time employees may request access to online registration for themselves and/or their dependents through 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.
To request access:
1. Send a message from your Kalamazoo Valley employee account to arr@kvcc.edu. Enter 'Employee Registration' as the subject so we can easily find your request for early access to registration among all of the e-mails we receive from students. It must be from a '@kvcc.edu' address.
2. List the name and Valley number or birth date for each admitted person who will be registering.
3. We will add authorization to each person's record and reply to confirm.
4. Beginning March 5, each authorized individual may log into MyValley, select register or drop classes from My Links and register.
If you miss this opportunity, you may still register following the standard registration schedule for all students beginning Monday, March 9. Please email the Admissions, Registration and Records office at arr@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4281 with questions. Lecture Explores Path to Women's Rights Join us for the Women's History Month lecture, "For Whom the Liberty Bell Tolls: A Candid Discussion of Freedom in America," on Tuesday, March 10, from 1 to 2 p.m., in Room 128 Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. Guest speaker Rebecca Durkee will critically reflect on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. She will trace the delayed acknowledgment of women's freedom after "independence," especially that of Black, Hispanic and Indigenous women and examine the winding path toward full enfranchisement for women in the United States. Registration is not required. Payroll Time Sheet Spring Recess Closure Reminder Please note, that if you are a full-time hourly employee who is regularly scheduled to work on Friday, March 6 (when the college will be closed for spring recess), you would record this time on your time sheet at 'time off paid' (TOP). If you are not regularly scheduled to work on Friday or are a part-time employee, no hours should be entered for this date on your time sheet. Please 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.
Guidelines for Placing Amazon Orders Issued Amazon purchases made on behalf of the college should be placed using an Amazon account that is tied to your Kalamazoo Valley email address. Please avoid using personal Amazon accounts for college-related purchases. Keeping purchases under a Kalamazoo Valley-linked account helps with documentation, order history and audit tracking. Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Spotlight Reminder: The Kalamazoo Valley Assurance Argument is now available to all employees. To access the document, log into the Employee Portal (home.kvcc.edu), General Resources > Strategic & Unit Master Plans > HLC Assurance Argument 2026.
A few things to keep in mind:
Not all evidence appears in the document, but all evidence submitted is appreciated and important ' the planning team maintains a separate evidence repository that will be used during the site visit
There was a word limit for the college's submission
Use the "Find text or tools" search bar at the top of the PDF to locate specific programs or topics
Links within the document are not active; they are accessible only to the HLC review team
The downloaded report version has some odd formatting in different places; however, this is not what HLC reviewers see in the portal they access for the college's report
The Assurance Argument will also be available to students starting on March 9 when they log into their MyValley account.
Thank you to all who have assisted in this process and have submitted evidence. Please note that additional evidence requests may be made between now and the end of the site visit. Questions? Contact the Office of Review at officeofreview@kvcc.edu.
HLC Site Visit Preparation fro Faculty and Staff: No RSVP Required To help everyone prepare for our upcoming HLC site visit, the planning team is hosting 30-minute drop-in sessions. No RSVP is necessary ' just pick the time and location below that works best for you!
Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 11
Thursday, March 12
Friday, March 13
Location: TTC 8570
Location: AWH 128
Location: TTC 4370/80
Location: TTC 8570
3-3:30pm
4-4:30pm
3-3:30pm
10-10:30am
3:30-4pm
4:30-5pm
3:30-4pm
10:30-11am
4-4:30pm
4-4:30pm
11-11:30am
4:30-5pm
4:30-5pm
11:30-Noon
and
5:30-6pm
6-6:30pm
6:30-7pm
Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit theweb page.
March 2026 Events Advance registration is required for the sessions below:
Project Management Series #1 Starting Your Project: Friday, March 13 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Register |TTC1330 |Zoom #2 Project Planning: Friday, March 20 | 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Register| TTC 1330 |Zoom #3 Project Execution: Friday, March 27 | Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Register | TTC 1330 |Zoom #4 Project Completion: Friday, April 3 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Register | TTC 1330 |Zoom
Come and learn about the entire project management process in small doses. From starting your project to the project delivery phase, these trainings lay out the essentials you need.
The Rapid-Start Project Tool Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | Register| TTC 4550 |Zoom
If you need a shorter, one-session training on project management tools, plan to attend for an overview of how to build project objectives, determine supports and roles and achieve the outcomes you need using an essential project management tool.
Note: Make sure your supervisor encourages you to attend and please bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator (kdupree@kvcc.edu)
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 the session below. Friday, April 17 | 3 p.m. | Room 1350 (TTC) | Register Questions? Email strengths@kvcc.edu. 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.
Wellness and Fitness Center Spring Recess Hours Announced Jump into spring at the Wellness and 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? Dive into the heated pool for some lap swimming. Special spring break hours do apply:
Spring Break WFC hours:
Monday - Thursday (6 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Spring Break Pool hours:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 3 - 5 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.
News from the Libraries
Take a Study Break ... at the Library!
Kal the Cougar has favorite study spots at both Kalamazoo Valley Community College Libraries. Kal also heads to the libraries when taking a study break. Students (and faculty and staff) 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 our 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.
Get in the School Spirit at the Bookstore! Classes are now in full swing! What a great time to pick up some new Cougar Swag to wear at home games, or at college and community events! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of cool Cougar items! Come on in and show off your Cougar spirit, or shop our online store at bookstore.kvcc.edu. What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus? Cougar Caf' will have modified hours March 2 - 5. The cafe will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is closed.
This week's menu includes: Monday | March 2 | Loaded baked potato soup; grill station selections Tuesday | March 3 | Loaded baked potato soup; grill station selections Wednesday | March 4 | Loaded baked potato soup; catfish, collard greens, wings Thursday | March 5 | Loaded baked potato soup; fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy
BASKETBALL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT Player Spotlight is an occasional feature highlighting outstanding student-athletes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The honorees have been nominated by Head Basketball Coach Jim Horn.
LEBRON CAMPBELL Position: Point guard Hometown: Battle Creek Michigan Major: Business Why outstanding: Campbell has really embraced the role as a leader on the team this second half of the season. He has always lead by example, but now he is being more vocal along with his steady play. He is a big reason for our success this year.
GERALD CRAWFORD Position: Forward Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan Major: Liberal arts Why outstanding: Crawford's energy and effort are contagious, and he has the natural ability to make his teammates better. He has improved his scoring to match his dominate rebounding ability and has become a complete player.
MATT SWANWICK Position: Small forward Hometown: Centreville, Michigan Major: Business Why outstanding: Swanwickhas developed into an impactful player. Not only is he scoring the ball more, but his rebounding and defense has stepped up in this second half of the season. He is also a team-oriented player who makes his teammates better.
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 the 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.
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.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum Makes Spark Magazine's February Cover Check out the February edition of Spark Magazine! The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is the lead story, with a two-page spread detailing its history and current and future exhibits and programming. Pictured on the cover, from left, are Julie Bunke, manager of exhibits and interactive experiences, and Bill McElhone, museum director. Read the story here. Or, pick up the free monthly publication for seniors at 650 Kalamazoo area locations, including grocery stores, libraries and restaurants.
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.
'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 now through April 26.
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.
