Veterans/Military at Kalamazoo Valley

Thank You For Your Service

Kalamazoo Valley welcomes all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces! Whether you are a discharged veteran, still serving on active duty, in the Reserves, the Guard, or a family member of someone who served, Kalamazoo Valley is committed to supporting and encouraging your success. The Veteran Services Office can assist you with access to resources at the college and in the community. Let us help make your transition back to school successful! For more information, contact: .

Kevin Tucker, Academic and Career Pathway Advisor
Kevin provides ongoing communication and mentoring with students for accountability, engagement, and connection to college resources and support services. He also works to develop, coordinate, facilitate, and connect students to educational and veteran-related events. In addition, Kevin helps coordinate a strong VA presence on campus to support transitioning military personnel and can answer questions related to VA education and health benefits, ensuring that veterans and service members have seamless access to the guidance and resources they need during their transition to academic life. To schedule an appointment with Kevin, please call our Student Development Services front desk at (269) 488-4040.

Jessica Lutz, Financial Aid Advisor
Service members will be able to work with Jessica Lutz, who is specifically designated to assist veterans and military members with financial processes. She is available to advise students on all aspects of the financial aid process. Jessica additionally packages financial aid funds and communicates to students as needed. She also administers the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefit programs including compliance, processing and reporting. To make an appointment, service members can contact Student Financial Services at 269.488.4340 or email .

Karin Denman, Accounts Receivable Specialist
The Accounts Receivable Specialist supports students serving in the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces by managing their Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) benefits. Karin ensures accurate billing, timely processing of payments, and clear communication between the college, military education offices, and the students to help them successfully access and maintain their educational funding.

Advising and Counseling
Service members will have access to a point of contact who will provide support and guidance with academic planning, career planning and program success. To make an appointment, service members can can reach Student Development Services at 269.488.4040 or email .

For a full list of current staff serving these roles, visit the contact section.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Veterans/Military Contact

Campus Resources

Veterans Discount in Kalamazoo Valley's Cafeteria

• Show your Veterans ID card, such as a CAC card, at Kalamazoo Valley's cafeteria and receive 15% off! If you need assistance obtaining a Veterans ID card, email .

Veteran Lounge

• Located in Room 4360 (near the cafeteria) on the Texas Township Campus, the Veteran Lounge provides a place for student veterans and service members to study, relax and socialize. All student veterans and members of the reserves or guard are authorized to use the Veteran Lounge and can access it by using your Valley ID card.

CAC Readers

• CAC readers can be found at each campus, including The Groves. Contact the Computer Labs for more information.

Student Veterans of America

• The mission of this student organization is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. The group meets weekly for camaraderie and networking.
  www.kvcc.edu/veterans
  www.studentveterans.org

Community Resources

Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office:

• Offers help with claims filing for VA disability benefits, VA health care benefits, dependents and survivors benefits, VA Home Loan Guaranty, Kalamazoo County Veterans ID card, education benefits, medical treatment, military records and medals, emergency financial aid, Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Agents, assistance referrals, transport to the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.
  Visit: 311 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001
  Or call: 269-373-5200 (HCS main line) or 269-373-5361 (program line).

VA Educational Call Center:

• To speak with the VA directly about your educational benefits, contact the VA Educational Call Center at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST.