Kalamazoo Valley Community College: An Overview

Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) is a public, two-year community college located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Established in 1966, KVCC has been serving the educational needs of the Kalamazoo community for over five decades. Known for its diverse academic offerings, commitment to student success, and community engagement, KVCC provides accessible and affordable higher education opportunities to residents of southern Michigan and beyond.

History and Establishment

KVCC was founded on August 1, 1966, following a meeting where representatives from nine school districts in the area voted in favor of establishing a new community college. The college officially began offering classes in 1968, with an initial enrollment of 1,518 students and a faculty of 47. Dale B. Lake became the first president of KVCC on March 1, 1967, serving until October 1, 1982. Marilyn Schlack then served as the second president for 35 years, retiring in 2017. L. Marshall Washington is the current president.

Campus and Locations

KVCC has multiple campuses and centers:

Texas Township Campus: The main campus is located off the U.S. 131 interchange on 185 acres of woodland west of Kalamazoo.
Arcadia Commons Campus: Located in downtown Kalamazoo, this campus includes Anna Whitten Hall, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and the Center for New Media. Anna Whitten Hall features classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a new media art gallery, and student support services. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers hands-on learning opportunities in history, science, and technology. The Center for New Media houses career-based instruction for digital media.
Bronson Healthy Living Campus: This campus includes the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, where students explore connections between food, health, and sustainability. The Food Innovation Center, also on this campus, serves as a food hub for local farms.

Academics and Programs

KVCC offers over 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs in nine guided pathways. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 42 different fields. Many courses are available in fully online and blended formats. Popular programs include:

Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
General Studies
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

The highest degree offered at Kalamazoo Valley Community College is an associate degree.

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The college utilizes a semester-based academic year, providing a structured and comprehensive learning environment. The student-faculty ratio is 13-to-1, ensuring students receive personalized attention and support from their instructors.

Admissions and Enrollment

Kalamazoo Valley Community College has an open admissions policy, making higher education accessible to a wide range of students. The school also offers credit for life experiences, recognizing the value of prior learning and work experience.

In the fall of 2023, the total number of entering students was 2,289. The college's total enrollment is 6,656.

Student Demographics

Ethnicity Distribution: The student body includes a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, including Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
Gender Distribution: KVCC has a balanced gender distribution among its students.
Age Distribution: The age distribution of students varies, with a mix of traditional college-age students and adult learners. Percentages include:
- Under 18
- 18-24
- 25-64
- Over 65

Tuition, Cost, and Financial Aid

KVCC is committed to providing affordable education to its students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the tuition and fees were:

In-district: $3,852
In-state: $6,432
Out-of-state: $8,502

For the 2022-2023 academic year:

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In-state tuition: $6,746
Out-of-state tuition: $8,876
Books and supplies: $1,800

Financial aid is available to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. In 2022-2023, 42 percent of undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid, with the average scholarship or grant award being $4,071. Students can also apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student Life and Services

KVCC offers a variety of services and resources to support student success:

Academic/career counseling services: Providing guidance and support to students in their academic and career planning.
Placement services for completers: Assisting graduates in finding employment opportunities.
Employment services for students: Helping students find part-time jobs and internships.
Credit for life experiences: Recognizing prior learning and work experience.

Initiatives and Partnerships

KVCC is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation. The college has launched several initiatives to support student success and address community needs.

ReUp Partnership: KVCC partnered with ReUp to re-engage stopout students and provide them with the resources and support needed to complete their degrees. ReUp’s technology platform helped locate previously unreachable students, and Success Coaches provided personalized support.
Curriculum Transformation: KVCC has launched a college-wide process to transform its curriculum and strengthen support services for students, including new planning tools and advising activities.
Valley Food Share: This initiative provides food assistance to currently enrolled students, offering locally grown and non-perishable food items.
Articulation Agreements: The college maintains articulation agreements with nine other colleges and universities, such as Central Michigan University and Walsh College, facilitating seamless transfer opportunities for students.
Bronco Bound Program: KVCC partners with Western Michigan University to provide students with a smooth transfer process.

Campus Safety and Security

KVCC prioritizes the safety and security of its students and staff. Campus safety measures include:

24-hour security patrol
Campus emergency phones
Mobile campus emergency alert

Events and Activities

KVCC hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year to engage students and the community:

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Blood Drives: Partnering with Michigan Blood to host regular blood drives on campus.
Music Club: Offering a musical escape for students to explore the world of music.
Recycling Events: Hosting recycling events to promote environmental sustainability.
Culinary Events: Showcasing the talents of culinary and brewing students through happy hour-style events.
Transfer Events: Hosting admissions representatives from Western Michigan University to assist students with the transfer application process.
FAFSA Workshops: Providing step-by-step help filling out the FAFSA and learning about financial aid options.
Future Educators Meetings: Engaging students interested in education to share teaching ideas and learn about important topics.
Discussion for variety of sexual and gender identities: Promoting greater student and staff support.
Nursing program application workshops: Help students to prepare their application.

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