Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) stands as a pivotal public community college, serving nearly 10,000 students and acting as a vibrant educational hub in the region. Since its inception, KVCC has been dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education, making higher learning attainable for a diverse student body.

The college's rich history began on August 1, 1966, when nine local school districts collaboratively voted to establish this vital institution. It quickly flourished, opening its doors in 1968 as Michigan's 29th community college, welcoming an initial class of 1,518 students with a dedicated faculty of 47. This strong foundation reflects a deep community commitment to educational excellence and student success from the very beginning.

KVCC has been guided by remarkable leadership throughout its history. Dr. Dale B. Lake served as its inaugural president, steering the college through its formative years. His successor, Marilyn Schlack, led the institution for an impressive 35 years, leaving an indelible mark before her retirement in 2017. Today, under the guidance of President L. Marshall Washington, KVCC continues its legacy of empowering students and contributing significantly to the social and economic well-being of the communities it serves.