Age
38
Occupation / Current Position
Amateur Journalist, Self Employed.
Education
Associates Degree, Lansing Comm College. Two Associates Degrees, Kalamazoo Valley Comm College. Bachelors and Masters, Western Michigan University.
Experience & Qualifications
12 Years as Township Trustee (2012-2024). 15 Years on the Planning Commission (2011-Present). 2 Years as Village Trustee (2024-Present).
Campaign Mailing Address
P.O. Box 112, Richland, MI 49083
I am running for office because KVCC is one of the greatest assets of the Greater Kalamazoo Area, and it is in need of key reforms. I have 15 years of prior political experience, which will allow me to be an effective Trustee on Day One. As a KVCC alumnus, I am familiar with KVCC strengths, as well as the areas it could improve upon.
1.) The KVCC Board of Trustees needs to move its meeting times to evening hours. The current 7:30am meetings are impractical for most area residents to attend, due to work commitments. Moving the meeting times would expand public attendance and public participation. 2.) KVCC needs to take steps to address the apparent, systemic Nepotism and Favoritism being promulgated by KVCC Administrative Officers. Public educational bodies need to commit to ethics and transparency, especially in today’s politically-charged climate.
KVCC needs to recommit itself to traditional skilled workforce education programs. KVCC offers too many niche programs, such as Wind Energy Academy and Cannabis Industries, that do not always lead to gainful employment. The recent KVCC decision to sunset the Sustainable Brewing program amounts to a small step in the right direction. It is likely that more niche Programs of Study will need to be axed in the future.
According to Federal Government statistics, KVCC has a 36% graduation rate. This is one of the lowest rates of all Community Colleges in Michigan. Too many students are being incentivized to transfer away from KVCC mid-program, tanking graduation numbers. Until KVCC takes bold steps to redefine its relationships with four-year universities, the graduation rate will continue to be stagnant.
Age
72
Occupation / Current Position
Executive director Comstock Community center
Education
EdSped Educational Administration
Experience & Qualifications
I have served on the board of KV CC for 38 years, currently I am the Treasurer. My experience has been in higher education, safety, community service and the courts. This diversity helps in understanding the needs of the community
Campaign Mailing Address
5850 Jacille Ave
I have a commitment to the Kalamazoo community, to insure the college is providing the necessary program, degrees and certificate s that will help the community grow.
Right now it is important that we receive 📨 adequate funding from the state and federal program in order to allow students to secure a good education. We also need to insure quality educational delivery and look to the future for new options.
KVCC has always contributed programs that support the local economic development. Programs that support manufacturing, health careers, education and culinary programs all support the community.
I am very pleased with the graduation rates and success rates for our heart professionals.
I am also pleased to see an uncreased number of minorities graduating and continuing their education.
New online and in person counseling software help students look at various programs and necessary courses for completion. This and supportive faculty make a huge difference for the students.
Age
68
Occupation / Current Position
CEO Lending Hands of Michigan
Education
Master Public Adminstration
Experience & Qualifications
This will be my third term on the KVCC Board of Trustees
This will be my third term on the KVCC Board of Trustees and I'm also an alumni. The work that has been done by the leadership team and Board to ensure students in the community receive a quality and affordable education experience is my motivation to serve.
Priority 1: ensure educational experience for students is affordable.
Priority 2: ensure that the curriculum continues to meet the needs of the students, that ultimately results in a quality education, ongoing success in a four year institution and or embarking on a life long career.
KVCC has been at the forefront of ensuring education is affordable and supportive of community development. With the Culinary School students have real-life experiences by participating in community events that spotlight their skills set. Food innovation center, food is provided to local businesses , the community and students. This business model prepares our students for real life opportunities.
KVCC graduation rates are acceptable in comparison with community colleges in our region. The transfer rate of 150% is exceptional, since these students will be transferring to four year degree programs. This success rate ensures KVCC graduates have a firm foundation for ongoing success.
