Picture Yourself Here: Willie Ford, Public Service/Coaching

When he was a sophomore at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Willie Ford blew out his knee in pre-game of the last football game of the season. That injury started him on a path of determination and self-discovery.

"I was angry and embarrassed and left Norrix and had two kids before coming back to Comstock Adult Education to get my GED in 2004," he said, explaining that he would have graduated with the Loy Norrix High School class of 2004 if he hadn't dropped out.

After completing his GED, he started taking computer science classes at Kalamazoo Valley. "I knew I needed college and Valley has always been right in my backyard, so after getting my GED I applied to start at Kalamazoo Valley," he said. "I quickly found out that computer science was not for me so I stopped and came back to school at Davenport University to get a business management degree in 2011."

He stopped going to college for several years and focused instead on working and raising his children. He returned to Valley in January 2024. The 38 credits that he had earned through Davenport University are now being applied toward his general studies major. Ford is a Michigan Reconnect scholarship recipient and the program paid his past due tuition balance and also covered the cost of some of his books.

In addition to his general studies major, Ford is completing a certificate of achievement in coaching. He'll take that training on to Western Michigan University, where he plans to major in sports management and possibly minor in journalism.

He is currently the varsity quarterback coach and assistant offensive coordinator for the Loy Norrix football team and head coach of the JV team. "I have been coaching for 13 plus years, starting off with youth Rocket football for 10 of those years. I love coaching and love inspiring young athletes."

Ford said his instructors and advisors at Kalamazoo Valley have helped him to realize that his goal of college completion is within reach. "The instructors are so helpful and concise. That makes a great learning environment. I sat down with my counselor and picked a degree plan that closely resembles my sports management degree," he said. "This ensures that classes I took at Valley will transfer to WMU for my bachelor's, making obtaining it faster."

He believes Valley is truly a place where students can persevere and succeed. "Lots of things surprised - me from seeing my uncle Murphy Darden's work on cowboys being on display at Texas Township, to all the help offered and new things to come," Ford said. "Valley offers so much to students. It's literally amazing."

And while his education was derailed for a time, he's happy to be back on track. "Never give up on education," he advises. "Degrees are not for everyone, but at least get a certification in something to separate yourself from others in the employment world. Besides, education in most situations is free. Take advantage of free learning and up your pay, and maybe even your title."