Kalamazoo Valley, WMU Sign Agreement Leading to Smoother Degree Path for Students

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University signed a new agreement today, paving the way for students to transfer more efficiently from Kalamazoo Valley to WMU. The signing ceremony with the presidents and provosts from each institution was held at Kalamazoo Valley's Texas Township Campus.

This institutional articulation agreement is designed to help minimize credit loss and duplication of coursework-saving students time and money-as they transition from completing an associate degree program at Kalamazoo Valley to completing a bachelor's degree at Western.

"Today is a banner day for students and the region," said L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley. "This agreement serves to eliminate unintentional barriers created by our institutions in the past. Now students will more readily benefit from the educational opportunities provided by both institutions."

This institutional pact is a precursor to upcoming program-based transfer agreements between the two schools, including in such disciplines as biomedical sciences, engineering design and sustainable brewing.

"No matter the program or major, our seamless partnership is making a significant impact on graduation rates," said Edward Montgomery, Ph.D., president of WMU. "Our goal is to give students an efficient pathway to their education plan and help individuals in Kalamazoo, West Michigan and across the state reach their full potential. Today's signing agreement reiterates just that, and Western is honored to be partners on this rewarding journey."

Kalamazoo Valley graduate and current WMU student Whitney Lewis spoke at the signing event.

"During my time at Kalamazoo Valley, I found that one of the most valuable aspects of my experience was the relationships I was able to form with my professors. They genuinely cared about me as a student and went out of their way to ensure that I succeeded," Lewis said. "My experience at WMU has been incredible. The professors, advisors, faculty and staff have fostered a welcoming and encouraging environment, challenging me to new academic heights. I hope this continued partnership benefits many generations of Kalamazoo Valley and WMU alumni as much as it benefited me."

The institution articulation agreement is designed for students who meet Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements and follow a prescribed plan leading to an associate degree at Kalamazoo Valley.

"Post-secondary degree completion is one measure of a successful community," said Paige Eagan, Ph.D., provost and vice president for instruction and student services at Kalamazoo Valley. "Increasing the number of graduates from our institutions benefits students, their families and the entire region."

"Signing agreements are critical to the success of the University and are part of our mission - to engage with our education partners and create more opportunities for successful careers and purposeful lives for our students," said Julian Vasquez Heilig, Ph.D., Western's provost and vice president for academic affairs. "We will continue to be intentional about creating clear pathways for our students transferring from KVCC, and we look forward to seeing our transfer numbers increase."