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

Oct. 31, 2025

Greetings,

We are continuing to prepare for our Higher Learning Commission site visit on March 16-17, 2026. Many of you have been collaborating to prepare evidence for our written Assurance Argument, which provides examples of how Kalamazoo Valley is fulfilling the four Criteria for Accreditation. These criteria include: Mission; Integrity; Teaching and Learning for Student Success and Sustainability.
 
I have been inspired by how the college works together across our campuses and departments to achieve our vision and mission. I invite you to continue to think beyond silos. Together is better. Teamwork and cooperation have many benefits: greater creativity, better problem-solving, increased productivity and engagement with diverse perspectives. Best of all, teamwork leads to increased collegiality. Enjoy working together — build trusting relationships and commit to finding solutions together. Our students, guests and supporters will reap the benefits from your teamwork.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

Upcoming Employee Wellness and Engagement Events
  • Get ready to relax, laugh and connect — all for FREE!
  • Scan the QR code below to register for a variety of engagement and wellness events happening now through February, 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! 
These wellness events are being brought to you by the generous wellness grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation. Learn more at here.

Open Enrollment Takes Place Nov. 1-15
Open enrollment for all full-time employees is Nov. 1-15. It is important for all full-time employees to review their current coverage and make any changes during this time. Join us at our open lab sessions to learn more.

Enrollment will happen online, through Plan Source, our benefit portal. If you do not wish to make any plan changes, you will still need to log into your benefit portal and complete enrollment. Your username will be your full Kalamazoo Valley email address. Your password will be reset to your birth date: YYYYMMDD

Drop-In Lab Sessions
If you need help, Human Resources staff will be available to assist with Plan Source login and online enrollment at the drop-in sessions below. *No registration is needed. Just stop by!

  • Nov. 5 | Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Rm. 246 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Nov. 6 | Texas Township, Library Lower-Level Lab | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 10 | Anna Whitten Hall, Rm. 208 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Nov. 12 | Texas Township, Library Lower-Level Lab | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

2026 Health Insurance Rates
Listed below are the new monthly rates for 2026. The rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
New Life Insurance Provider
Reliance Matrix will be our new life insurance provider starting Jan. 1, 2026. With this move all current full-time eligible employees can elect voluntary life insurance, guaranteed to be issued up to $300,000, with no evidence of insurability required. This is a one-time opportunity for employees. 

NOTE: For a downloadable version of today's Open Enrollment message, click here. To view and/or print the full 20-page Employee Benefit Guide 2026, click here.

The Search Committee Process Training
This training is recommended for all staff and faculty who are considering participation in a search committee for an open position. Participants will explore the basics of serving on a search committee and gain insight into how implicit or unconscious bias can influence the decision-making process.
 
Nov. 12 | 2:30 p.m. | Room 207, AWH | Register here
Welcome New Employees
This list of new employees and employees in new roles was provided by the Human Resources department and is a quarterly feature in this newsletter. All full-time employees who were hired July through September 2025 are included. This corrects the list published in the Oct. 15 newsletter. Join us in welcoming these new colleagues. 

NEW EMPLOYEES
Russ Barrett | Medical Culinary Program Director
Antionette Goggans | Purchasing Manager
Christian Koivuniemi | Public Safety Officer
Christopher Laponsie | Systems Analyst/Developer
Alison Martin | Program Coordinator (KVAAP)
Kitty Mitchell | Office Manager
Charissa Sedor | Theater & Planetarium Technician (KVM)
Jeffry VanGoeye | Utility Maintenance Specialist
Matthew Walker | Maintenance Supervisor
Chris Whitsel | Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator
 
EMPLOYEES IN A NEW ROLE
Mason Claussen | IT Support Analyst
Austin Crandall | Systems Analyst/Developer
Gabrielle Vernon | Director of Operational & Institutional Support Services
Joshua Winters-Brown | Systems Analyst/Developer


Winter Registration Tuition Due Nov. 11
Payment for early winter registration is due Nov. 11 by 7 p.m., when registration temporarily closes for non-payment cancellations. Upon reopening on Nov. 14, classes that are not paid for, on a payment plan, covered by financial aid or covered by a third-party will be dropped after five business days of registration.

Register for 'Women of Influence' Discussion
Join MI-ACE Women's Network Kalamazoo Chapter for “Women of Influence,” an inspiring panel discussion featuring influential women in academia on Thursday, Nov. 13, 3:30 to 5 p.m., in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus. Danyelle Gregory, Ph.D., associate vice president for diversity and inclusion at Western Michigan University; Amy MacMillan, professor of business management at Kalamazoo College; and Cheryl Almeda, Ph.D., program director of early and elementary education at Kalamazoo Valley, will share their professional journeys, challenges and advice for women pursuing careers in higher education. Click here to RSVP by Nov. 11. Light refreshments will be served. For questions, contact Gabrielle Vernon, director of operational and institutional support services. 


What Students Told Us at the Student Success Breakfasts
Thank you, staff and faculty, for attending the two Student Success Breakfasts in October! We asked students what belonging means to them, what concerns them or gives them anxiety, how we can better serve them and what brings them joy. Most students had positive things to say about their experiences at Kalamazoo Valley, citing the helpful staff and availability of resources. For example, one student said: “Being in college has been a major positive change in my life. I’ve found resources for food, job searching, tutoring that fits my needs and a referral for therapy at the YWCA that’s been incredibly helpful.”

Students said they feel a sense of belonging when they can make positive connections with their peers, instructors and campus staff. Meeting new people is both a source of anxiety for students and a source of joy. Students worry about how their performance in school will impact their career prospects post-graduation as well. Students also feel lost in knowing how to navigate graduation requirements and how to schedule courses. Students would love more opportunities to showcase what they are learning and celebrate their successes. They would also like more casual social events that help foster connections and build a shared campus identity.

For more photos from the Student Success Breakfasts, click here for pictures from Oct. 7 at Anna Whitten Hall and click here for pictures from Oct. 8 at the Texas Township Campus. We appreciate the hard work of planning team members Trice Batson, Mary Cox, Zanita Hobdy, Earlene McMichael, Louis Thomas and Chris Whitsel.


Another Successful College Night is in the Books
Sixty-nine colleges, universities and institutions participated in Greater Kalamazoo Area College Night 2025. They ranged from public institutions such as Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and Oakland University to private institutions like Adrian College, Kalamazoo College, DePauw University and Hope College. Together, the colleges present had a total of 806 interactions or students requesting more information at the Oct. 6 event held at the Texas Township Campus, and our financial aid session drew more attendees than the prior year, according to Student Development Services. Click here for more College Night photos! Thank you to the recruitment and outreach staff for their assistance and to Charles Heidelberg, Lynn Grammel and Jessica Potter for their planning efforts.


Higher Learning Commission FAQs — Criteria for Reaccreditation 
Q: What does it mean that the HLC uses criteria for the process of reaccreditation?
A: The Criteria for Reaccreditation establishes the benchmarks of quality used by HLC to evaluate whether an institution qualifies for continued accreditation. These standards are designed to acknowledge the diverse missions of institutions within HLC’s membership, recognizing that quality can be expressed in multiple, mission-driven ways.

Q: What criteria do the HLC utilize to assess the quality of institutions evaluated for reaccreditation?
A: Before Sept. 1, 2025, the Higher Learning Commission applied five criteria to articulate the standards of quality expected from institutions under evaluation. After Sept. 1, the HLC transitioned to a revised framework consisting of four criteria, which are now being used to assess Kalamazoo Valley during its Spring 2025 reaccreditation review. Click here to explore how the current four criteria have been designed to integrate and reflect the quality benchmarks previously outlined in the former five criteria.
 
Q: What does “Criterion 1 — Mission” encompass? 
A: This criterion ensures that Kalamazoo Valley has a clearly defined and publicly articulated mission that guides its operations, educational programs and strategic decisions. Criterion 1 allows the college to demonstrate alignment through our academic offerings, enrollment strategies and operational scope, all of which reflect and support our publicly stated mission. 
 
Q: What other quality standards are addressed in Criterion 1?
A: This criterion is also the place where Valley has the opportunity to showcase the ways in which our college manages our academic enterprise in ways that benefit society. Valley will spotlight these efforts through our contributions to workforce development, promotion of increased access to education and support for community initiatives.
 
Q: What examples should Kalamazoo Valley highlight in Criterion 1 to show our active role in “civic engagement and fostering diversity”?
A: Valley fosters opportunities for students and faculty to engage in community roles and engagements, embrace diverse cultural perspectives and participate in global dialogues, all of which are consistent with our mission and strategic plan. Valley may present a range of evidence demonstrating our efforts in this area, including service-learning initiatives, volunteer programs and events that highlight our celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the webpage.

 
November 2025 Events
Advance registration is required for the sessions below. This month, sharpen your skills with strategies to prevent workplace conflict and elevate communication — empowering a more peaceful, innovative environment for all. 

The Power of Pause — De-Escalation Strategies that Work
Friday, Nov. 7 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | Room 4230 (TTC) or Zoom
This professional development equips you with practical de-escalation techniques to navigate challenging interactions with confidence, empathy and clarity. Through real-world scenarios and proven communication strategies, you will learn to turn potential conflict into constructive dialogue, fostering a safer, more collaborative workplace.
 
Communication Workshop — From Tension to Clarity
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | Room 4240 (TTC) or Zoom
Unlock the power of transformative communication in this interactive workshop. Through discussion of practical strategies noted in the three training videos below, we will explore how to motivate behavior change, have better conversations and engage in dialogue that promotes innovation across all levels of our college.
Boost Your Development in Small Doses
Below is a series of short training videos designed to strengthen workplace communication. Learn how you can improve collaboration or turn challenges into creative solutions:
“The Science Behind Dramatically Better Conversations” [11:47] Find out why the key to connecting better to others is about more than just talking — it’s about asking the right kinds of questions.
“Addressing Conflict with Care: Simon Sinek’s Approach to Workplace Negativity” [3:14] Understand how and why negativity can serve a purpose in the workplace and how to have constructive conversations around it that create opportunities for innovation.
“How to Motivate Yourself to Change Your Behavior” [16:48] Hear about three key ingredients you need to do better things for yourself. Learn about how emotion, motivation and social factors influence your expectations and decisions.
 
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.

News from the Libraries
Research Basics Online Guides
You have assigned a paper requiring original research and your students are not sure what that is or how to find it. The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries' Research Basics study guides can answer fundamental research questions quickly and thoroughly:
  • Finding Scholarly Journal Articles details how to find and sort out sources suitable for academic assignments from those which are not, and helps new researchers approach reading them. 
  • Identifying Research Studies teaches the crucial skill of discerning between primary research and meta-analysis, and helps learners interpret the sources they have found.
  • Understanding Peer-Review is the go-to guide for understanding peer-reviewed studies and how to identify them.
  • Using Library Databases enables students to search the libraries’ curated electronic article collections with confidence. 
The Research Basics guides are conveniently interlinked to make navigation seamless.

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! 

Hours and Contact Information



Upcoming KVAAP Sessions
We will continue to accept students for the Winter 2026 semester until Dec. 18! Students can attend these 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. Interested students can register here.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 5  | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11  | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 20  | 3:30 - 4 p.m.

Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Please spread the word to December graduates that they can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, mortarboard graphics and more. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. You can also shop online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or shipped for $5.



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.

Next week's menu includes:
Monday | Nov. 3 | Beef chili; grill station selections
Tuesday | Nov. 4 | Beef chili; grill station selections
Wednesday | Nov. 5 | Beef chili; walking tacos
Thursday | Nov. 6 | Beef chili; chicken fajita with rice


Volleyball Team Ends Season Headed to Districts
Congratulations to the women's volleyball players! The Lady Cougars ended their regular season on Oct. 30 by defeating Glen Oaks Community College, three sets to zero. They rank second place in the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association with a record of 9-3 and 21-8 overall. The team has qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 12 District A Tournament, hosted by Grand Rapids Community College Nov. 6-8. Their first match will be 2 p.m. Nov. 6 against Lakeland Community College (Ohio). Click here for more tournament information. A highlight of the season was Sophomore Night, at their final home match on Oct. 28, as pictured above. Departing sophomores Alicyn Arevalo, Olivia Dennis, Havilah Fitzgerald, Arabella Mangold and Kiara Wisdom-Preston were recognized for their accomplishments that night. Click here for all 233 photos!

Volleyball Player Spotlight
Player Spotlight is an occasional feature highlighting outstanding student-athletes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The honorees have been nominated by Head Volleyball Coach Rhonda Sturgeon. 

 
HAVILAH FITZGERALD
Position: Libero
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: FBI/international criminal court/international affairs
Why outstanding: Fitzgerald is a sophomore captain who has played a vital role in our success this season. She has over 745 career assists and leads our team in digs with 783. Not only does she take of business on the court, she is also an academic standout as she is enrolled in the honors program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Fitzgerald is a dynamic defensive player and a strong leader.
 

OLIVIA DENNIS
Position: Outside hitter
Hometown: Otsego, Michigan
Major: Business administration
Why outstanding: Dennis is a sophomore captain who has played a major part in our success this season. Dennis has over 450 career kills with 307 digs. She is a dedicated athlete and student. Dennis is a positive team-player with a great work ethic. She is a natural leader and has a positive impact on those around her.
 

AVA VANLERBERGHE
Position: Middle hitter/blocker
Hometown: Richland, Michigan
Major: Nursing
Why outstanding: As a freshman, Vanlerberghe has earned a starting spot on our 2025 roster as middle hitter from Gull Lake High School. She has become an integral part of our offense with 147 kills this far in our season. She has put up 47 blocks and accumulated 58 digs. Vanlerberghe has shown what a strong leader she is by playing consistently and being a great support to her teammates. She is a strong attacker and smart server who has a level of energy that is contagious.


Have You Seen the 'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit? 
The thought-provoking "Am I An American or Am I Not?" traveling historical exhibit opened this month at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and will be on view through Jan. 4. It asks visitors to think about examples of unfair treatment from our country’s past and present in order to protect the American promises of life, liberty and justice for all. It is named after a quote from Fred Korematsu, who famously challenged the mass imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. 


‘Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks’ Exhibit Now Open
Explore the rich festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks at the “Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks” traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, now through Jan. 4. Watch the promo video here! The museum is the first in the nation to show the exhibit. It centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.


Fall Honorable Lecture Series Continues Through Nov. 18
Enjoy weekly talks this fall 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, now until Nov. 18, 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. 
  
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · USA