L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., is a passionate advocate for the community college mission. He is dedicated to improving access to post-secondary education, student success and to creating innovative programs for teaching and learning. He leads with experience and passion for serving students, faculty, staff and the community. He began his tenure as the third president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College on July 2, 2018 and leads a two-year, public institution with four campuses, which include student-run restaurants, state-of-the-art training facilities for health care careers and professional trades and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
Since joining Kalamazoo Valley, Washington successfully directed the process of securing a Higher Learning Commission assurance review of accreditation and authorized a new online associate business degree program. He has facilitated the expansion and promotion of transfer, workforce, technical and industrial trades program partnerships. Other achievements include inspiring diverse, local exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the first annual High School Art Show at the college’s Center for New Media. Other successes include supporting innovative in-person, online and blended instructional courses and programs, establishing the School of Cosmetology and Barbering and showcasing social justice through a hip-lop lens through educational community performances and programming. Kalamazoo Valley recently revised its college mission statement and adopted a new five-year strategic plan with his leadership.
Washington previously served as President at New River Community and Technical College in West Virginia, Vice President and CEO at the Lancaster Campus of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) in Pennsylvania, and Vice President of Student Services at Kellogg Community College in Michigan. Washington is a scholar and leader providing learning and speaking opportunities throughout the country on issues related to leadership, governance, higher education, workforce development, equity and serving others.
Washington received his doctorate in educational studies/specialization in educational leadership and higher education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska; a master’s degree in education from Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota; and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. He is an active life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has served on the Board of Directors for the American Association for Community College. In addition, Washington currently services on the Board of Directors for Bronson Healthcare, Fontana Chamber Arts, Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, Community Advocates for Parents and Students, W.E. Upjohn Institute, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Presidents’ Roundtable.
Washington and his wife, Tonja, have three children and celebrated the marriage of their daughter and with the addition of a son to their family.