WMU, Kalamazoo Valley forge pathways to success through more than 50 program-level transfer agreements
Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, WMU provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Paige Eagan, provost and vice president of instruction and student services at Kalamazoo Valley, sign agreements to ensure a seamless transition for students from Kalamazoo Valley to Western.
Left to right, WMU Provost Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, Kalamazoo Valley President Dr. L. Marshall Washington, WMU President Dr. Edward Montgomery, Kalamazoo Valley Provost Dr. Paige Eagan, Kalamazoo City Commissioner Jeanne Hess and WMU Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Charles Cotton III
WMU President Edward Montgomery (center) talks with, from left to right; Dr. Staci Perryman-Clark, interim dean of WMU Merze Tate College; Dr. Satish Despande, dean of the WMU Haworth College of Business; and Dr. Charles Cotton III, WMU associate vice president of enrollment management.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Administrators from Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College signed more than 50 articulation agreements Monday, Nov. 6, which will allow students to transfer seamlessly between the two institutions.
The ceremony, held at WMU’s newly unveiled student center, celebrated the highest number of transfer agreements ever signed between the two institutions. With these agreements, Kalamazoo Valley students in more than 50 programs can transfer seamlessly to WMU to continue pursuing a bachelor's degree. Notably, the deal includes three innovative 2+3 programs, which offer students the opportunity to earn their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years in a variety of areas including social work.
Monday’s celebration marked the next step in a series of relationship building that included an institutional articulation agreement representatives from both schools signed in January. Program-level agreements highlighted Monday include those in business analytics, occupational therapy, elementary education, electrical engineering and graphic design.
“This monumental occasion marks the transfer pathways for students in more than 50 programs spanning six colleges at Western,” says Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, Western’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It signifies a momentous step forward, underscoring the strengthened partnerships and collaboration between Western and Kalamazoo Valley. We are committed to exploring opportunities that improve the educational experience for our students at Western and for students who want to transfer here.”
These agreements are designed to streamline the transfer of credits earned through Kalamazoo Valley's associate degree programs into specific bachelor's degree programs at Western.
“These program agreements help to eliminate barriers preventing students from achieving their educational goals,” says Dr. Paige Eagan, provost and vice president of instruction and student services at Kalamazoo Valley. “These agreements ensure a seamless transition from Kalamazoo Valley to Western by minimizing loss of credit and the need for the duplication of coursework. We’re excited about our continued partnership with WMU.”
About Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University prepares students from around the globe for a life well lived. In an environment focused on well-being and holistic success, students thrive academically, emotionally and physically and go on to pursue their purpose, prosper in meaningful careers and make an impact on society. Founded in 1903, Western offers some 250 academic programs to nearly 18,000 students pursuing degrees through the doctoral level. The University's focus on well-being supports holistic success, empowering students to craft a life of meaning and fulfillment. Nine of 10 Broncos get jobs quickly in their field in jobs they like.
About Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Established in 1966, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a comprehensive, fully accredited, public, two-year college with enrollment of about 10,000 students. Kalamazoo Valley offers 50 certificate programs and associate degrees in 60 areas of study. In addition to associate degree and certificate programs in business, health care, human and public services, technical and industrial occupations, the college also provides a quality experience for students preparing to transfer to four-year institutions following graduation. For more information about Kalamazoo Valley, visit kvcc.edu.
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