WMU, Kalamazoo Valley launch guaranteed admissions partnership

Contact: Paula M. Davis

April 25, 2026

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna and KVCC President Dr. L. Marshall Washington sign documents. — WMU Interim Provost Christopher Cheatham, President Russ Kavalhuna, Kalamazoo Valley Community College President Dr. L. Marshall Washington and Provost Dr. Paige Eagan sign the Bronco Bound Guarantee, establishing a new transfer partnership between the two institutions.

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna and KVCC President Dr. L. Marshall Washington shake hands. — WMU President Russ Kavalhuna and Kalamazoo Valley Community College President Dr. L. Marshall Washington shake hands following the signing of the Bronco Bound Guarantee, as Kalamazoo Valley Community College Provost Dr. Paige Eagan looks on.

The presidents and provosts of WMU and KVCC sit at a table with students. — WMU Interim Provost Christopher Cheatham, President Russ Kavalhuna, Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., and Dr. Paige Eagan, Kalamazoo Valley Provost, are seated at the signing table during the Bronco Bound Guarantee ceremony, with student participants Brody Bender, Sa-Niqua Langford and James Johnson standing behind them.

WMU's president stands on the football field with students and athletics staff. — Michigan Rep. Matt Longjohn, WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, student James Johnson, Buster Bronco, student Sa-Niqua Langford, student Brody Bender and Kalamazoo Valley President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., stand on the sideline at Waldo Stadium during the Spring Showcase, celebrating the launch of the Bronco Bound Guarantee.

Brody Bender throws a football. — Brody Bender takes his shot in the Tuition Toss Challenge at Waldo Stadium during the Spring Showcase. With a strong second throw, Bender secured $500 toward his tuition as one of three Kalamazoo Valley Community College Cougars set to continue their journey at Western Michigan University.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College today unveiled their new guaranteed admission program, the Bronco Bound Guarantee, at the WMU Football Spring Showcase.

The Bronco Bound Guarantee provides automatic admission beginning this fall to Kalamazoo Valley students who complete an associate degree and meet academic and conduct requirements. Students also will be automatically considered for WMU scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000, determined at the time of admission to the University.

In addition, all Kalamazoo Valley students, regardless of their transfer plans, will gain early exposure to campus life, including complimentary admission to most Bronco athletic events, so they can experience the energy and traditions of the University community.

University officials, students and local elected officials gathered in the Seelye Athletic Center prior to the football game kickoff for a formal partnership signing ceremony. Following the ceremony, the celebration moved to Waldo Stadium, where current Kalamazoo Valley students tested their skills in a football “Tuition Toss Challenge” for the chance to win up to a full semester tuition scholarship.

A student throws a football on the field. — James Johnson goes two-for-two in the Tuition Toss Challenge at Waldo Stadium, earning $1,000 toward his tuition during the Spring Showcase. Johnson was one of three Kalamazoo Valley Cougars testing their skills as part of the launch of the Bronco Bound Guarantee.

Brody Bender, with a strong second throw secured $500 towards his tuition while James Johnson and Sa-Niqua Langford went a perfect two-for-two, each earning $1,000.

This new partnership is an expansion of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Bronco Bound initiative, which helps acclimate and integrate Valley students who are transferring to WMU.

“We are thrilled to officially launch the Bronco Bound Guarantee,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “We recognize that transitioning to a new college can feel overwhelming, and we hope this initiative eases that uncertainty by creating a clear pathway to the next step in their educational journey, allowing students to focus on the excitement of continuing their studies at WMU.”

The Bronco Bound Guarantee eliminates uncertainty by providing a direct path for students to transition from associate-level degree to a baccalaureate degree, removing financial barriers and creating a seamless transfer process that includes a no-cost application and guaranteed financial aid.

Sa-Niqua Langford throws a football. — Sa-Niqua Langford delivers a stellar performance in the Tuition Toss Challenge at Waldo Stadium, going two-for-two to earn $1,000 toward her tuition during the Spring Showcase. Langford was among three Kalamazoo Valley Cougars celebrating the launch of the Bronco Bound Guarantee.

“Many of our students already make the transition from Kalamazoo Valley to WMU, but that pathway is about to get even easier by taking our Bronco Bound initiative to the next level,” said Kalamazoo Valley President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. “It builds on the strong, collaborative relationship that already exists between our institutions while making the transfer process more certain and more seamless. We believe it will encourage even more Cougars to continue their education at WMU.”

“As a Kalamazoo native, Western Michigan University has always felt like home,” said Sa-Niqua Langford, a Kalamazoo Valley graduate who will begin taking WMU classes this summer.

“My experience at Kalamazoo Valley challenged and supported me, helping me grow into a more responsible student and preparing me for success at Western. I chose to continue my education here because I want to pour into the Kalamazoo community just as much as it has poured into me.”

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