Kalamazoo Valley Announces New Cosmetology and Barbering School

Public Information Session Scheduled for Nov. 6

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - In response to the growing need for hairstylists and personal care professionals, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is establishing the Kalamazoo Valley School of Cosmetology and Barbering, Provost and Vice President for Instruction and Student Services Paige Eagan, Ph.D., recently announced.

"With the increased student inquiries and community partners interested in filling a local need, we considered this new educational endeavor," Eagan said. "Over the past decade, the college has focused on the connection of food-health-wellness and this is a reasonable next step in providing programs that could help our community positively move the needle on various social determinants of health."

Those interested in learning more about the new program, its facilities and employment opportunities are invited to an information session scheduled for Nov. 6 from 6 - 7 p.m. in Room 4240 on the Texas Township Campus.

"We are looking to hire a program director, full-time training managers and several part-time positions," said Aaron Hilliard, vice president for human resources at the college. "We encourage anyone with a background in cosmetology and/or barbering with instructor licenses to attend to learn more about these exciting employment opportunities."

Kalamazoo Valley will provide non-credit, employer-recognized credentials, which will prepare students to take state cosmetology and barbering licensing exams with the possibility to build upon these certifications to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in salon management* or an Associate of Applied Science degree in business.

The non-credit, employer recognized credentials that are in development include 1,500-training-hour cosmetology program, 1,800-training-hour barbering program, 400-training-hour nail technician program and 400-training-hour esthetician program.

Classes will be taught in renovated spaces on the college's Texas Township Campus, located at 6767 West O. Ave. in Kalamazoo. The nearly 10,000 square-foot lab space will include the cosmetology school's salon and spa and the barbering school's barbershop. Both spaces will eventually offer discounted services to the community so students can hone their skills.

Enrollment will open in Fall 2024 to anyone interested in a career in cosmetology and/or barbering. For more information, visit www.kvcc.edu/haircare.