The Admission team is taking measures to keep valued guests safe during their visits to campus. On-campus tours will resume Wednesday, July 15.
Starting on Wednesday, July 15, the Kalamazoo College Office of Admission will resume on-campus walking tours for prospective students and families. The Admission team is taking measures to keep valued guests safe during their visits to campus. Information sessions and counselor meetings will be available using virtual tools, and complete virtual visit experiences will continue to be offered.
In order to accommodate as many requests as possible, on-campus tours will be limited to 45 minutes, and visitors will be reminded of COVID-19 safety precautions. Per CDC guidelines and College social distancing efforts, precautions include:
PPE (face coverings, face masks) must be worn by staff and visitors at all times both inside and outside of campus buildings.
All visitors should maintain social distancing (6 feet of minimum distance from others not in visiting party). No close contact will be necessary during campus visits.
Visiting parties will be limited to four visitors or fewer, including the prospective student; attendees who do not wish to take the tour may wait in their vehicle.
Access to buildings, including the Office of Admission Welcome Center, will be limited. Restrooms will be available as needed, with one person able to enter the Welcome Center at a time.
Visitors may notice that the Kalamazoo College campus is quiet during the summer months; K does not offer summer coursework, so the lack of students at this time of year is perfectly normal. It’s a great opportunity to take in the sights without distractions!
Kalamazoo College is committed to compliance with the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the State of Michigan in the MI Safe Start Plan. To learn more about our efforts, please visit our COVID-19 Information and Resources page.
Five Kalamazoo College representatives are receiving one of the highest honors the federal government provides in regard to scholarship and international exchange. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to teach English, perform research or study abroad for one academic year. Some of the programs are in doubt and travel availability is uncertain this year given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, K’s representatives, should their programs ranging from Austria to Vietnam be uninterrupted, include several from the classes of 2019 and 2020.
Georgie Andrews ’20 plans to visit Austria through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Georgie Andrews ’20, Austria
Andrews was a business and studio art major at K, where she played on the women’s soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. She quickly became homesick when she traveled to Austria as a high school student, but her K study abroad experience in Bonn, Germany, led to her desire to travel more.
“I loved the culture and the atmosphere, and I was not homesick, which has made me feel like I could live there longer,” she said. “I think the main reason I wanted to return after study abroad was loving the public transportation, easy access to other countries, and the small grocery stores. I thought Fulbright would be a good chance to learn about myself as a teacher and also get to live in Austria or Germany again and continue to work on my German.”
Grace Beck ’19, Colombia
Beck was a biology and Spanish double major at K, where she joined the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association and Frelon, participated in World Night and Asia Fest, and volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at El Sol elementary in Kalamazoo.
COVID-19 has forced Fulbright to cancel the program in Colombia for Grace Beck ’19, but she hopes to return to Spain.
“I was very lucky to have an amazing study abroad experience in Ecuador and it definitely inspired me to seek more opportunities to live abroad after college, especially in South America,” Beck said. “I’ve also had the chance to travel to Peru, and in both countries, I was blown away by the beautiful scenery and the incredibly warm and friendly people I met. I decided to apply for the Fulbright in Colombia because I wanted to explore another country in South America.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Fulbright to cancel the program in Colombia, but Beck hopes to return to Spain this fall, where she was an English assistant this past school year in Murcia, Spain.
“My students were at times chaotic, but extremely eager to learn English and about where I came from,” Beck said. “Every time I said ‘Michigan,’ they heard ‘Mexico.’ When the lockdown started in mid-March, everyone in Spain had to stay inside for nearly 50 days, and my school asked for my help with online lessons. I chatted with my students about various topics and even played games like Bingo with them on Zoom. It was a strange but fun year and I’m looking forward to moving to Madrid in the fall if travel is possible. I still hope to get to Colombia one day, too, when this is all over.”
Paige Chung ’20, Vietnam
Paige Chung ’20 plans to visit Vietnam thanks to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Chung double majored in critical ethnic studies and English with a creative writing focus at K, where she worked in the Writing Center, Intercultural Center and Residential Life. She also participated in the Chinese Lion Dance Troupe and tried swimming, tae kwon do, K du Soleil and the improvisation group Monkapult.
“I chose K because I wanted to be far away from home,” Chung said. “I fell in love with the brick road and the tight knit community when I came to visit. It also helps that they offer competitive financial aid packages.”
Chung said she is thrilled to visit Vietnam as a member of the Vietnamese diaspora.
“I plan to eat food all the time,” she said. “Vietnam is abundant with flavors, textures and smells. I love my people’s food more than anything. I also plan to practice my language learning and build relationships in Vietnam.”
In Moldova, Brett Fitzgerald plans to volunteer with a nongovernmental organization, expand his musical interests, speak at conferences and universities, and work on his language skills through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Brett Fitzgerald ’19, Moldova
Fitzgerald was a political science and economics double major at K while playing on the men’s lacrosse team. He also was a clarinetist with the Symphonic Band and performed in several recitals.
His study abroad experience in Strasbourg, France, included volunteering at the AGORAé at the University of Strasbourg, an organization providing discount food and a social environment to low-income college students. An Elton W. Ham Grant, provided by K’s Political Science Department, and later allowed Fitzgerald to study child poverty in Romania.
“I jumped at the opportunity to teach English in Moldova through the Fulbright program not only because of its fascinating history and intercultural population, but also because the experience I gained through my Ham grant,” Fitzgerald said. “If it weren’t for the College’s support in allowing me the opportunity to study elements of my SIP in Romania, and thereby gaining a greater connection to education abroad and its impacts on shaping future generations in the region, I may not have even applied to the Fulbright in Moldova.”
In Moldova, he hopes to volunteer with a nongovernmental organization, expand his musical interests, speak at conferences and universities, and work on his language skills.
Fitzgerald credits Jessica Fowle ’00 and Anne Dueweke ’84, who have been K’s directors of grants, fellowships and research during his application process, for providing the guidance that have led to his opportunity.
Matthew Flotemersch ’20 will teach at a school in Hamburg, Germany, through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Matthew Flotemersch ’20, Germany
During his time at K, Flotemersch — a German studies major and philosophy minor — played on the men’s soccer team, acted through the Festival Playhouse, participated in Monkapult, and had a study abroad experience in Erlangen, Germany.
“My last week of study abroad was hectic,” he said. “Between packing, planning, goodbyes and everything else, I never really had a moment to just reflect on everything that I had done there in a year, everything that I had experienced. When my train pulled away from Erlangen for the last time, though, all the memories and feelings flooded back to me. With them came the realization that I had to return, through Fulbright or otherwise.”
When he returns to Germany through Fulbright, he will teach at a school in Hamburg.
“I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am to immerse myself in the culture and language again; this time, though, with a year of experience in Germany and another year of language courses at K under my belt,” Flotemersch said. “Any student abroad wants to take time to travel and explore, and of course I want to do more of that, but with my Fulbright year I want to be more active in my local community.”
Avila Selected as Alternate
A sixth K representative, Juan Avila ’19, has been named a Fulbright alternate. He could be selected to serve the program in Andorra should additional funds or an additional place become available.
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with opportunities to exchange ideas and contribute to solutions to shared international concerns. K consistently has been identified in recent years as one of the country’s top-producing Fulbright small colleges. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
More than 1,900 U.S. students, artists and young professionals in more than 100 fields of study are offered Fulbright awards each year in more than 140 countries throughout the world. The program, funded by an annual appropriation from Congress to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is managed through the U.S. Department of State.
As an institution that puts civic engagement at the heart of its mission, and as a community that works tirelessly toward justice, the senseless killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others hits us at our core.
When we watch the images in the news of George Floyd’s murder, we are witnessing the deadly consequences of systemic racism on the Black community and other communities of color. The outrage, pain, fear and sorrow are immeasurable. To all of our Black students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, we mourn with you, and we stand in solidarity with you against racism, violence and injustice.
As we reflect on the protests this weekend and all the work that needs to be done, I am committed to continuing our efforts on diversity and inclusion at K. Creating institutional and cultural change is a slow process—often too slow—and it’s imperative that we continue to work toward a community where everyone feels welcome and safe on campus.
It is also important that we carry on with community partnerships and curricular and co-curricular experiences that address structural barriers and inequality in our larger society. Our graduates are among leading voices fighting for issues like access to health care, solutions to gun violence, job access, food and farming justice—and their experiences as K students formed the foundation of so much of their work. Our educational mission to foster enlightened leadership has never felt more critical.
More immediately, I encourage everyone in the K community to support our students, colleagues and friends of color. Take care of one another. Speak out against racism and bias. Listen to and lift up voices of color. And students, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Counseling Center if you need someone to talk to during these difficult times. You can call them at 269.337.7191, or you can contact Dr. Kenlana Ferguson at Kenlana.Ferguson@kzoo.edu. Resources are also available to employees through our Employee Assistance Program. Connect confidentially by calling 1.800.854.1446 (multi-lingual) or by visiting www.unum.com/lifebalance.
Kalamazoo College is excited to welcome Mj Huebner as its new vice president for admission and financial aid. Huebner is coming to K from the University of Texas Permian Basin, where she has been the interim vice president of enrollment management.
Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez announced today that Mj Huebner will join the liberal arts institution as the new vice president for admission and financial aid. Huebner, interim vice president of enrollment management at the University of Texas Permian Basin, will begin her new role on Sept. 8, 2020.
Huebner comes to K with nearly 30 years of higher education experience. In addition to leadership positions in admission and enrollment management at institutions such as Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, Huebner has worked as a trusted colleague with nearly 40 colleges and universities across the U.S. as an enrollment management consultant. In these various roles, Huebner has demonstrated her ability to evaluate critical data and trends, analyze and implement enhanced approaches for recruitment and financial aid, fine-tune marketing and communication strategies, and drive key enrollment metrics.
“We are excited that Mj brings a wealth of experience from a wide variety of colleges and universities, both as a member of the leadership team and as an outside consultant,” said Gonzalez. “Her strong focus on data analysis, measurement and continuous improvement, combined with her upbeat personality and positive management style, make her a great fit for K.”
As an alumna of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Huebner also understands personally the value of a liberal arts education.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to support K’s mission to foster enlightened leadership in an increasingly uncertain and complex world,” said Huebner. “Building on K’s strong, time-tested tradition of excellence, our challenge for the future will be to stay relevant, top-of-mind and beloved. Greeting that challenge with enthusiastic authenticity, optimism and diplomacy will be a privilege.”
Huebner was selected after a nationwide search conducted by an on-campus committee with the assistance of Napier Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in higher education and enrollment management. Comprised of faculty and staff, the committee was chaired by Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Sarah Westfall.
While the in-person Commencement will be postponed, the College will hold a virtual Conferral of Degrees ceremony on June 14.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and recommendations from public health organizations, Kalamazoo College has announced it is postponing its in-person Commencement 2020 ceremony until a later date.
In a message to the senior class, President Jorge G. Gonzalez said, “This has been a tremendously difficult decision for us to make; however, public health experts continue to advise against large group gatherings as we head into summer. While the tradition of Commencement is sacred and dear, your safety and the safety of your families must come first. Nevertheless, I want to reassure you that we will have a Commencement ceremony for the class of 2020 on campus once it is safe to do so.”
While in-person events will be postponed, the College will hold a virtual Conferral of Degrees ceremony on June 14. Members of K’s Class of 2020 and their friends and families are invited to gather together online as College leadership recognizes each student and confers their Kalamazoo College degrees.
The Princeton Review examined 656 institutions for this year’s Best Value Colleges list and selected Kalamazoo College among the top 200 colleges and universities.
A Kalamazoo College education provides one of the most outstanding returns on investment, according to the Princeton Review.
The education-services company profiles and recommends K in the 2020 edition of The Best Value Colleges, its annual guide to undergraduate schools.
The Princeton Review examined 656 institutions for this year’s list and selected K among the top 200 colleges and universities, placing it among the top 7 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges. Kalamazoo College is the only Michigan private school and just one of three Michigan schools overall to be honored this year.
Colleges and universities were selected based on surveys of students and administrators. Survey topics included academics, cost, financial aid, career services, graduation rates, student debt and alumni support. The Princeton Review also factored in data from PayScale.com surveys regarding alumni salaries and job satisfaction.
According to the College’s profile at the Princeton Review’s website, student respondents said K “allows students to really develop personal relationships with their peers and professors” and is “a campus run by and for the students.” Students also said the open curriculum means they have more time to explore exactly what they want to learn, rather than being required to take classes in which they have no interest.
Colleges and universities on the list “are truly distinctive and diverse in their programs, size, region and type, yet they are similar in three areas,” Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief Robert Franek said. “Every school we selected offers outstanding academics, generous financial aid and/or relative low cost of attendance, and stellar career services. We recommend them highly to college applicants and parents seeking schools that are academically top-notch and committed to making their programs affordable. These colleges are also standouts at guiding their students to rewarding futures.”
“The flexibility of the K-Plan, our approach to an excellent education in the liberal arts and sciences, allows us to seek out students with a broad array of interests, achievements and experiences,” Interim Dean and Director of Admission Suzanne Lepley said. “We strive to provide an excellent return on investment for all of our students as we help them grow as individuals.”
The Best Value Colleges is one of more than 150 books developed by The Princeton Review and published by Penguin Random House. Others that are resources on this topic include The Best 385 Colleges, which includes Kalamazoo College in 2020.
During the past year, Kalamazoo College has been carrying out a number of projects behind the scenes to strengthen the reliability and sustainability of our campus infrastructure.
Consumers Energy presents an energy efficiency rebate to Kalamazoo College in front of the new central chiller plant at Dow Science Center. Pictured from left to right are: President Jorge G. Gonzalez; Jeff Bechtel, Andy J. Egan Co., Inc.; Director of Facilities Management Susan Lindemann; Ralph Huston, Consumers Energy; and Erik Lathers, Consumers Energy.
Last winter, K contracted with Andy J. Egan Co., Inc. to replace the central chiller plant and the chiller plant in the Dow Science Center. This work provides more efficient climate control to campus buildings, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. In November, Consumers Energy presented Kalamazoo College with a $143,311 energy efficiency rebate, which helped to fund the project. It’s estimated that the replacement reduces K’s annual electrical consumption by at least 715,475 kWh, which is equivalent to around 553,116 pounds of coal (the amount burned to generate the electricity) or 506 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The work hasn’t stopped there. During the summer, the College replaced four electrical transformers that service the east end of campus, and Facilities Management continues to work on the steam lines that run between buildings to improve their performance. A campus energy study outlining plans for upgrading electrical and thermal systems campus-wide has also been completed.
Of the improvements, President Jorge G. Gonzalez said, “While these projects are often invisible to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, they meet a critical need on campus. Having a plan for how to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure ensures we can enjoy our beautiful and historic buildings for years to come, and do so in both an environmentally- and cost-conscious way.”
Happy holidays from Kalamazoo College! Click on this image for our holiday video.
Kalamazoo College has long enjoyed a close communion with the natural world: through the instruction of our early biology professors, William Praeger and Frances Diebold, and the inspiring professors — of many disciplines — who would follow; through LandSea and other outdoor adventures; and through the hands-on experience gained in various gardens, the Hoop House, the Lillian Anderson Arboretum and research projects around the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky … I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration.” Such is the experience of many a K student, surveying wildflowers along the trails of the Arboretum, canoeing on Killarney Lake or the Raquette River, or simply walking through the quad on a silent snowy night. This winter, may nature’s many gifts and the spirit of the holidays bring you peace and joy.
Sincerely,
President Jorge G. Gonzalez and Suzie (Martin) Gonzalez ’83
Family Weekend 2019 activities will include the Honors Day Convocation at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8.
Each fall, Kalamazoo College is excited to invite families to visit their students and experience a taste of life at the College. Family Weekend 2019 begins Friday, Nov. 8, and includes opportunities to take in a theatre performance, learn about study abroad, catch an athletic event and more. Below you will find a list of activities along with links to the campus map in our virtual tour, providing the locations of each facility. Questions about Family Weekend 2019 may be directed to Dana Jansma, associate dean of students in the Student Development Office, at 269.337.7209 or dana.jansma@kzoo.edu.
Where to Eat with Your Family
Campus dining will be available from 7:30 to 10 a.m. (breakfast), 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch) and 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. (dinner); 9:30 to 11 a.m. (continental breakfast), 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (brunch) and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday (dinner); and from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (brunch) and 5 to 7 p.m. (dinner) on Sunday at Welles Dining Hall. Family members pay $5.60 per person for breakfast, $7.50 per person for lunch and $10.50 per person for dinner.
Hot chocolate, tea or specialty espresso along with grab-and-go foods will be available from the Book Club Café from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Grab-and-go foods including sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, fruit, snacks and beverages will be available at the Richardson Room from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Friday, Nov. 8
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hicks Student Center atrium Stop by anytime to access a variety of information about the campus and the wider Kalamazoo community. Pick up schedules, information sheets, things to do in Kalamazoo, maps, a local restaurant guide, and more.
8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attend a K class. An online list of classes will be available by Monday, Nov. 4, or find a printed list when you arrive on campus at the information table at Hicks Student Center atrium.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., lower level, Hicks Student Center
The Kalamazoo College Bookstore will feature 20 percent off all K-imprinted items.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., A.M. Todd Rare Book Room, Upjohn Library Commons
Kalamazoo College and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Early Science of Alchemists, Astronomers and Apothecaries: Visit the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room to see mysterious books about alchemists who tried to turn lesser metals into gold, astronomers who charted the constellations, and apothecaries who cataloged plants and the components of medicines and elixirs.
11 to 11:50 a.m., Stetson Chapel Kalamazoo College observes Honors Day in the fall term of each year, recognizing those who earned special recognition during the previous academic year.
3 to 5 p.m., Intercultural Center, Hicks Student Center Pick up flyers to learn more about the programs available through the Intercultural Center, relax, read or leave your student a note on our chalk wall.
4 to 5 p.m., Dewing Hall, First Floor Why Critical Civic Engagement Matters: Associate Director Teresa Denton and Assistant Director Moises Hernandez talk about the Center for Civic Engagement. A student panel of civic-engagement scholars will discuss their experiences working through local community partnerships.
Evening, Hicks Student Center Pick up a list of shopping, walking and dining suggestions at the information table and explore Kalamazoo.
7:30 p.m., Nelda K. Balch Playhouse See Kalamazoo College students perform in The Spitfire Grill. Based on the 1996 movie of the same name, the musical follows the story of a young woman trying to fit back into society after being released from jail. Ticket reservations are available online.
9:30 p.m., Dewing Hall, Room 103 K’s weekly film series, Zoo Flicks, features Blinded by the Light. Free admission, popcorn and soda. Show up early to ensure a seat.
Saturday, Nov. 9
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hicks Student Center atrium Stop by anytime to access a variety of information about the campus and the wider Kalamazoo community. Pick up schedules, information sheets, things to do in Kalamazoo, maps, a local restaurant guide, and more.
8:30 to 10 a.m., Hornets Suite, Athletics Fieldhouse
Legacy families will receive an invitation to this breakfast.
9 to 9:50 a.m.,Hicks Student Center banquet room Find out what first- and second-year students and parents need to know about study abroad.
10 to 10:50 a.m.,Hicks Student Center banquet room
Learn about the College’s commitment to integrating career exploration and development throughout a student’s four years at K, including how parents and others can get involved.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., A.M. Todd Rare Book Room, Upjohn Library Commons
Kalamazoo College and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Early Science of Alchemists, Astronomers and Apothecaries: Visit the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room to see mysterious books about alchemists who tried to turn lesser metals into gold, astronomers who charted the constellations, and apothecaries who cataloged plants and the components of medicines and elixirs.
11 to 11:45 a.m.,Hicks Student Center banquet room Hear from Provost Danette Ifert Johnson and Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Sarah Westfall regarding College updates.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lower level, Hicks Student Center
The Kalamazoo College Bookstore will feature 20 percent off all K-imprinted items.
1 p.m., Gabel Natatorium, Western Michigan University
The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will compete against Illinois Tech.
1 p.m., Angell Field, Athletics Complex
Take your family to see the K football team face Hope College on Senior Day.
7:30 p.m., Nelda K. Balch Playhouse See Kalamazoo College students perform in The Spitfire Grill. Based on the 1996 movie of the same name, the musical follows the story of a young woman trying to fit back into society after being released from jail. Ticket reservations are available online.
9:30 p.m. to midnight, Hicks Student Center
Join K Baile, a student organization committed to providing an inclusive dance environment, for a night of Bachata and other dances at Zoo After Dark. Enjoy tamales and champurrado as you dance the night away. Activities such as Loteria, a game of chance similar to bingo that uses cards instead of ping-pong balls, and dominoes will also be available.
Sunday, Nov. 10
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hicks Student Center atrium Stop by anytime to access a variety of information about the campus and the wider Kalamazoo community. Pick up schedules, information sheets, things to do in Kalamazoo, maps, a local restaurant guide, and more.
All day, Hicks Student Center Pick up a list of shopping, walking and dining suggestions at the information table and explore Kalamazoo.
1 to 3 p.m., Lillian Anderson Arboretum
Meet for a two-hour guided nature hike. The arboretum features 140 acres of marsh, meadow, pine plantation and deciduous forest in Oshtemo Township. Please park at the Oshtemo Township Park, 7275 W. Main St. Your guides will meet you there to begin the hike. Please wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring water.
2 p.m., Nelda K. Balch Playhouse See Kalamazoo College students perform in The Spitfire Grill. Based on the 1996 movie of the same name, the musical follows the story of a young woman trying to fit back into society after being released from jail. Ticket reservations are available online.
Registration is not required to attend Family Weekend 2019 activities. Come when you are able, stay as long as you can, and enjoy a fall weekend with your student.
Karen Sisson, Kalamazoo College’s new CFO, is coming from Pomona College in Claremont, California, where she served for 11 years as a vice president and treasurer.
Kalamazoo College has named a new vice president to lead the business and finance areas for the liberal arts institution. Karen Sisson, former vice president and treasurer of Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. will begin her new role on March 1, 2020.
“Karen’s extensive experience in higher education, finance and operations are a great fit for K,” said Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez. “Her open style of communication, calm demeanor and commitment to the liberal arts impressed the campus community.”
As Pomona’s chief financial officer, Sisson was responsible for financial management and capital planning, including financial reporting, budget administration, investments, real estate, and nonacademic business supervision for human resources. She was also responsible for the physical plant, including housekeeping, grounds, maintenance and food service. In addition, Karen oversaw Pomona’s significant efforts toward a more sustainable campus.
“I am thrilled to join K and to become part of such an academically distinctive and caring community! I look forward to working with and supporting students, faculty and staff in my new role,” said Sisson.
Prior to working in higher education, Sisson spent 17 years in California local government finance and administration, including nine years as chief financial officer and deputy executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, the department responsible for LAX, Van Nuys, and Palmdale airports. While serving as deputy mayor for finance and performance management in Los Angeles, she was appointed the city administrative officer, the first woman to hold that position. Sisson also has experience in commercial banking, mortgage banking and financial consulting.
An alumna of Pomona College, Karen earned her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and her M.A. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Kalamazoo College’s former vice president for business and finance left K to become the vice president for finance and business at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.
Sisson was selected after a nationwide search conducted by an on-campus committee with the assistance of Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, an executive search firm specializing in the education and non-profit sectors. Comprised of faculty, staff and trustees, the committee was co-chaired by Associate Provost Laura Lowe Furge and Vice President for Advancement Al De Simone.
“The committee worked diligently and recruited a robust pool of candidates, and I am delighted with the outcome.” said Gonzalez.
Kalamazoo College, founded in 1833, is a nationally recognized residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The creator of the K-Plan, Kalamazoo College provides an individualized education that integrates rigorous academics with life-changing experiential learning opportunities.
