With the end of the academic year, Kalamazoo College is bidding farewell to its faculty and staff who are retiring after years of dedicated service to the institution. Through their teaching, scholarship, leadership and support of students and colleagues, each has helped shape the College and strengthen its mission. As they begin retirement, we thank them for their many contributions and the lasting impact they leave on the K community.
Lisa Ailstock, Student Health Center
During her more than two decades at K, Lisa Ailstock helped lead student health services through major challenges and transitions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the integration of the Student Health Center with the Counseling Center. Working alongside a collaborative, compassionate and dedicated team, she supported initiatives such as tuberculosis screening, vaccination programs and student health insurance requirements while helping ensure that student health and well-being remained at the center of the College’s care efforts.
Alyce Brady, Rosemary K. Brown Professor of Computer Science
Alyce Brady, co-chair of the computer science department, served K for more than 30 years. She taught courses ranging from introductory programming to advanced studies in programming languages, data structures, dynamic internet applications and software development in a global context. She served as the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership Faculty Fellow from 2013–15, where her scholarship explored the intersection of computer science and social justice. In 2024, she received the Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship for Excellence in Teaching, one of the College’s highest faculty honors.
Jorge G. Gonzalez, President
Jorge G. Gonzalez concludes his tenure as K’s 18th president after leading the institution since 2016. During his presidency, the College advanced strategic initiatives focused on student success, financial and enrollment sustainability, campus modernization and inclusive excellence. Under his leadership, the College completed major campus improvements, launched construction of new residence halls and concluded the Brighter Light Campaign, which raised more than $203 million in support of students, faculty, facilities and programs. He also championed efforts to expand student access to K and all aspects of the K-Plan.
Gary Gregg, Parfet Professor of Psychology
Gary Gregg joined K in 1995 and served as chair of the psychology department from 2011–14. Throughout his career, he taught courses including Theories of Personality, Cultural Psychology, Interviewing and Narrative Analysis, Psychology of Arab-Muslim Societies, and Prejudice and Ethnocentrism. His scholarship examined identity, personality development and cultural psychology, particularly in Arab and Muslim societies. He is the author of four academic texts exploring culture, identity and ideology.
Mj Huebner, Admission
Mj Huebner joined K as the vice president for admission and financial aid in 2020. She led the Admission team through its COVID-19 pivot with socially distanced recruitment, and back to in-person experiences. When the government’s FAFSA rollout was delayed by months in 2023–24, Huebner helped Admission work through a compressed timeline and make the financial aid process as clear as possible for students and families. She also refreshed campus visit programs, recognizing that the college search process looks fundamentally different today than it did just a few years ago.
Dana Jansma, Student Development
Dana Jansma has served students in a variety of leadership roles since joining K in 2000. Most recently dean of students, she also held positions including assistant dean, associate dean and senior associate dean of students. Throughout her career, she supported student success through academic advising, first-year transition programs, leadership-development initiatives and student-centered crisis response. She also coordinated long-standing campus traditions including Family Weekend, Sophomore Declaration of Major Day and the Senior Leadership Awards.
Amelia Katanski ’92, Professor of English and Critical Ethnic Studies
Amelia Katanski joined the faculty in 2000 and has served as chair of the English department, director of American studies and co-director of critical ethnic studies. Her teaching focused on literary and cultural theory, Indigenous literatures and American literature. She developed community-engaged learning experiences that connected students with local organizations and issues, including the first-year seminar Wheels of Change. As a Fulbright Scholar in 2023–24, Katanski partnered with faculty at the University of Wollongong in Australia to develop curriculum that better prepares K students for study abroad through land-based learning and engagement with Indigenous communities.
Kelly Killen Ross, Religious and Spiritual Life
Kelly Killen Ross retired as office coordinator for Religious and Spiritual Life. Through her work in the Cavern at Stetson Chapel, she helped create a welcoming and positive environment for students that they praised while supporting the daily operations of the office and its programs. Before joining K, she built a career in education and mentoring, working with learners from fifth grade through graduate school. She first became connected with K as an area teacher mentoring College interns, and she was recognized by K for that work with the Pauline Byrd Johnson Award for Excellence in Secondary Education in 2005.
Robin Rank ’84, Library
Robin Rank retired after more than 26 years as a reference and instruction librarian. Throughout her career, she helped students, faculty and staff access information and research resources while contributing to library instruction and academic support services. Her extensive knowledge of the library’s collections, services and history made her a valued resource across campus, able to swiftly track down anything from an article for a student to the minutes from the very first Learning Commons meeting.
Kim Russell, Facilities Management
Kim Russell retired from K after 20 years with Facilities Management. During her time at K, she cared for campus buildings including Hoben Hall, where students affectionately referred to her as “Mom” for the pride she took in maintaining the residence hall. She later cared for Hodge House, the College’s presidential residence, serving Presidents Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Jorge G. Gonzalez. She also shared her expertise with colleagues, passing along her knowledge of floor care and maintenance and helping others develop the skills needed to care for campus spaces.
Kelly Schneider, Financial Aid
Kelly Schneider retired after 40 years of student-centered service in financial aid. Throughout her career, she helped generations of students and families navigate the financial aid process, playing an integral role in the College’s enrollment and retention efforts. Her deep knowledge of financial aid programs, high level of integrity and dedication to students made her a foundational member of the College’s Financial Aid team.
Amy Smith, Professor of English
Amy Smith joined K in 2002 and taught courses in drama, Shakespeare, British literature, women writers and advanced literary studies. In addition to her teaching, she served as an academic advisor and Senior Integrated Project director for many students. She led the women’s studies program from 2007–10, co-designing interdisciplinary programming focused on women, race and sexuality. Before arriving at K, she received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the University of Illinois Department of English, and throughout her tenure at K she was honored by many student-athletes as their Most Valuable Professor.
Debbie Thompson, Bookstore
Debbie Thompson retired after 25 years of service at K. As manager of the College Bookstore and later supervisor of the Mail and Copy Center, she worked closely with faculty to adopt, order, price and stock course materials that supported student learning. She also partnered with vendors to develop creative K-branded merchandise and used sales and inventory data to guide purchasing decisions, helping strengthen operations while keeping the bookstore responsive to the needs of the K community.
Tim Young, Campus Safety Director
Tim Young is retiring after serving two terms as K’s director of campus safety between 2005 and 2025. During his tenure, he strengthened campus safety operations and helped expand security infrastructure across campus. A recognized community leader, he forged long-standing relationships with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Western Michigan University Police. He also oversaw the College’s K-Alert mass notification system and supported emergency preparedness efforts designed to protect students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Carolyn Zinn ’82, Information Services
Carolyn Zinn ’82 retired after more than two decades in Information Services. Since 2003, she played a central role in developing and supporting web technologies and strategies across campus, helping departments create and maintain a wide range of websites and services. Her work contributed to projects ranging from institutional websites to tools supporting alumni engagement, event registration and other campus operations.