Western Michigan University today expanded its Bronco Bound Guarantee, establishing a guaranteed admission partnership with Battle Creek-based Kellogg Community College that makes it easier for eligible KCC students to continue their education at Western starting this fall.
The partnership, celebrated during a signing ceremony in the WMU Student Center, guarantees admission to students who complete an associate degree at KCC and meet academic and conduct requirements.
Eligible students will automatically be considered for WMU scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 annually and will benefit from a streamlined transfer process designed to make the transition to WMU more seamless.
All KCC students, regardless of whether they plan to transfer, will receive complimentary admission to most Bronco athletic events. The benefit gives KCC students an early opportunity to experience campus and begin building a connection to the WMU community.
“WMU and Kellogg Community College share the same mission: helping students reach their educational goals,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, whose parents are graduates of both institutions. “The Bronco Bound Guarantee reflects that shared commitment by creating a clear path from KCC to Western. We’re proud to partner with KCC to help more students continue their education, earn a bachelor’s degree and build meaningful careers.”
“At Kellogg Community College, we believe a student’s starting point should never determine how far they can go,” said Dr. Paul Watson II, president of KCC. “This partnership with Western Michigan University creates a clear and affordable pathway for our students to continue their education with confidence. More importantly, it tells them from the moment they begin at KCC that a bachelor’s degree — and all the opportunities that come with it — is within reach. That is what strong partnerships in higher education should do: remove barriers, create opportunity and help students see what is possible.”
The Bronco Bound Guarantee gives eligible KCC students confidence from the start of their educational journey by removing uncertainty about their admission to WMU.
In other words, “it gives students a road map from their first days at Kellogg Community College through earning a bachelor’s degree at Western,” said Dr. Kristen Salomonson, the University’s associate vice president for enrollment management, at the signing ceremony.
“When students understand the steps ahead and know a place is waiting for them at WMU, they can focus on learning, preparing for their future and making the most of their time at both institutions.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from current WMU students who began their higher education journeys at Kellogg Community College and spoke about the opportunities created through transferring to Western.
Carleigh Hassing, a fashion merchandising major, discovered her love for fashion and business while exploring career paths at KCC. After transferring to Western and joining the Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association, she built friendships and found where she fit in the fashion industry.
“I’ve experienced firsthand what scholarships, a clear transfer path and a welcoming community can do,” she said. “They allow students to spend less time worrying about whether college is within reach and more time discovering what they want to pursue.”
Chad Singleterry, a cybersecurity major, began his academic journey at KCC more than a decade ago. After working in the healthcare industry through the pandemic, he decided it was time for a change and found a path to elevate his interest in technology at Western.
“KCC gave me the foundation and opportunity to figure out what I wanted to do, and WMU is giving me the gas to go to additional heights,” he said. “That’s why a partnership like this matters; making the connection between KCC and Western clearer and easier gives more students the opportunity to keep moving forward when they’re ready for that next step.”
The Bronco Bound Guarantee is part of Western’s broader effort to strengthen transfer pathways, expand access to higher education, and help more students achieve meaningful careers and fulfilled lives.
Pictured above, from left to right, are WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, KCC mascot Blaze, KCC-to-WMU students Chad Singleterry and Carleigh Hassing, WMU mascot Buster Bronco and KCC President Dr. Paul Watson II at the Aug. 12 signing ceremony. Photo courtesy of WMU.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at https://daily.kellogg.edu/category/news-releases.
