Dr. Marilyn Schlack Remembered as an Innovative and Inspiring Leader

I know you share my great sadness regarding the news of Dr. Marilyn Schlack’s death earlier this week. During my recent conversation with her son, I conveyed our sincere sympathy and condolences.

Dr. Schlack was an amazing college president and community leader. During her more than 40 years at Kalamazoo Valley, the college flourished and became one of the most respected institutions of higher education in the country. Marilyn, as she preferred to be called, was named the second president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College in October 1982. Prior to becoming the first female president of a Michigan community college, she served as executive dean and assistant dean of instruction at the college. She received her doctorate in education from Western Michigan University and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan. She retired in June 2018.

Marilyn was passionate about student success both on and off campus. Her leadership resulted in the establishment of two downtown campus locations as well as other community development initiatives. The Arcadia Commons Campus that includes Anna Whitten Hall, Center for New Media and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum was opened in 1994. Most recently, she is credited with the development of 14 acres of previously unused land into the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. The Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building houses the college’s health care careers programs and its innovative culinary and brewing programs. As college president, student advocate and community leader, we are forever grateful for the indelible mark Marilyn left on this college and our community.

Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

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