Kalamazoo College Announces Retirement of 13 Long-Serving Faculty and Staff for 2026

Kalamazoo College (K) announced that 13 faculty members, administrators, and staff will retire in 2026. The cohort includes President Jorge G. Gonzalez and senior leaders across academics, admissions, financial aid, facilities, campus safety, and library services. The college highlighted each retiree’s tenure and contributions as part of its annual recognition tradition.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Alyce Brady – Rosemary K. Brown Professor of Computer Science and co-chair; >30 years teaching programming and software development; Arcus Center Fellow (2013-15) and 2024 Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship recipient.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Jorge G. Gonzalez – 18th president (2016-2025); led Brighter Light Campaign raising >$203 million, oversaw new residence halls and campus modernization.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Gary Gregg – Parfet Professor of Psychology (joined 1995); chaired department (2011-14) and researched identity in Arab-Muslim societies.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Mj Huebner – Vice president for admission and financial aid (since 2020); managed COVID-19 recruitment pivot and 2023-24 FAFSA rollout.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Dana Jansma – Senior student-success leader (since 2000); directed advising, first-year transition, crisis response, and traditions such as Family Weekend.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Amelia Katanski ’92 – Professor of English and Critical Ethnic Studies; chaired English, directed American studies, co-directed critical ethnic studies, Fulbright Scholar (2023-24) partnering with University of Wollongong.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Kelly Killen Ross – Office coordinator for Religious and Spiritual Life; fostered welcoming environment in Stetson Chapel and earned Pauline Byrd Johnson Award (2005).

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Robin Rank – Reference and instruction librarian; >26 years supporting research, library instruction, and collection management.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Kim Russell – Facilities Management professional (20 years); maintained Hoben Hall and presidential residence Hodge House, mentoring colleagues in building care.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Kelly Schneider – Financial-aid officer (40 years); guided generations through aid process and contributed to enrollment and retention.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Amy Smith – Professor of English (since 2002); taught drama, Shakespeare, women’s writing, directed women’s studies program (2007-10), and advised senior projects.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Debbie Thompson – Manager of College Bookstore and later Mail and Copy Center supervisor (25 years); coordinated course-material procurement and campus-branded merchandise.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

• Tim Young – Campus Safety Director (2005-2025); expanded security infrastructure, strengthened K-Alert system, and built partnerships with local police agencies.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

Together the retirees represent at least 284 years of service, with tenures ranging from six to forty years and covering instruction, administration, student support, and campus operations.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff

The departures affect core functions—including the presidency, campus safety, financial aid, facilities, library services, and multiple academic departments—necessitating succession planning to sustain initiatives such as the Brighter Light Campaign, K-Alert system, and community-engaged curricula. Continued delivery of student-focused services will rely on recruiting and onboarding new personnel to fill the vacated roles.

Retiring: K Thanks Faculty and Staff