Davenport University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are expanding their long-standing partnership to provide students with more streamlined, affordable pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree. Leaders from both institutions were at an April 23 signing ceremony on the campus of Kalamazoo Valley.

The enhanced agreement increases the number of bachelor’s degree programs with clearly defined transfer plans from nine to 22 (with the potential for additional programs), making it easier than ever for students to begin their education at Kalamazoo Valley and complete their bachelor’s degree at Davenport.

The expanded collaboration is designed with one priority in mind: helping students save time and money while keeping their options open.

“At Davenport University, we are deeply committed to creating clear, affordable pathways that help students achieve their educational and career goals without unnecessary barriers,” said Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., president of Davenport University. “Our expanded partnership with Kalamazoo Valley reflects a shared focus on student success, allowing learners to maximize transfer credits, reduce costs and move efficiently to a bachelor’s degree. Together, we are making higher education more accessible, flexible and aligned with the realities of today’s students.”

Through the partnership, students complete an associates degree at Kalamazoo Valley, and in many cases are able to take additional courses at the community college beyond their initial degree. The streamlined transfer plans are designed to allow Kalamazoo Valley students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a Davenport bachelor’s degree program, allowing them to benefit from the community college tuition rate while progressing toward their long-term educational goals.

“This partnership is about flexibility and opportunity,” said Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.. “Students don’t have to choose between entering the workforce quickly with an associate degree or committing upfront to a four-year program. With thoughtful planning, they can do both on a timeline and budget that works for them.”

The transfer process is intentionally simple:

• Students enroll in an associate degree program at Kalamazoo Valley
• They meet with a representative from Davenport to explore bachelor’s degree options
• They complete their associate degree at Kalamazoo Valley
• Where appropriate, they may take additional transferable coursework at Kalamazoo Valley
• They transfer to Davenport to complete their bachelor’s degree, choosing from flexible course delivery options

Advisors at both institutions work closely together to ensure students stay on the most efficient path to degree completion, minimizing excess credits and reducing overall cost.

The expanded partnership builds on years of successful collaboration between the two institutions. What began with a select number of programs has grown significantly with both Kalamazoo Valley and Davenport University working together to broaden access for transfer students. This year, that momentum culminated in Davenport opening the partnership to nearly all of its bachelor degree programs, greatly expanding the educational pathways available to Kalamazoo Valley students.

Leaders at both institutions view the strengthened agreement as a significant step toward widening the transfer pipeline and supporting student success across West Michigan.

Students interested in learning more about transfer opportunities between Kalamazoo Valley and Davenport University are encouraged to visit either institution’s website for additional information:

Davenport University

Kalamazoo Valley Community College