Welcome to the 32nd Annual Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference. Also, this year, 2026, marks the 40th year of the KCP Initiative’s existence. We have a lot to celebrate. Please plan to join us on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo on March 15th-17th. We look forward to our time together as we continue to explore, promote, and share effective retention strategies for academically and economically disadvantaged students.
Conference Keynote Speakers
Dr. Danyelle Gregory
Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Western Michigan University
Dr. Danyelle Gregory currently serves as the Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Western Michigan University. Prior to assuming this role, she served as the Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. She was the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Ferris State University, where she managed federal and state grants aimed at enhancing college access and success for underrepresented student populations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gregory has held various leadership positions, spearheading the development and implementation of programs and strategic initiatives designed to dismantle systemic barriers within higher education and beyond. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep expertise in creating and executing inclusion-driven strategies that foster student success.
Dr. Gregory has also held administrative roles at Kellogg Community College, Ferris State University, and Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. She earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
Von Washington, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, The Kalamazoo Promise
Von Washington, Jr. serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Kalamazoo Promise, where he leads with vision and purpose to maximize the transformative power of this groundbreaking scholarship program. He energizes the Kalamazoo community while inspiring and coaching Promise communities across the country and around the world helping shape the next generation of education innovators.
Von's connection to The Kalamazoo Promise runs deep. When the program was announced in 2005, he was leading educators at Phoenix High School in the Kalamazoo Public Schools district. In 2006, he became principal of Kalamazoo Central High School, where his leadership culminated in a historic moment: his students won the "Race to the Top Commencement Competition" in 2010, bringing President Barack Obama to deliver the first-ever presidential commencement speech at a high school.
Recognized as a powerful motivator and influencer, Von was recruited to serve as Associate Vice President at Southwest Michigan First, the region's economic development organization. There, he leveraged human and financial resources, working with local partners and businesses to strengthen the entire Southwest Michigan region.
Von earned his bachelor's degree from Western Colorado University (formerly Western State College of Colorado) and holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. He is the proud father of two accomplished adult children, Von III and Adonne, and the adoring grandfather of two spirited little girls, Sophia and Savannah.
Conference Agenda
Attendees can add sessions to their personal agenda and personal calendars (Google, Outlook, or Apple) through the Whova mobile app or web portal. Registered attendees, please check the email you have received with more information on how to download the app, access the event, build your profiles, select sessions, etc.
Conference Parking
There is no shuttle service between the hotels and campus. Free parking is available to conference attendees in the following lots:
Lot 20 Hilltop Parking Garage (Floors 1 and 2 only)
The lower two floors have been reserved for the conference, no permit, pass, or tag required.
Lot 28
This lot been reserved for the conference, no permit, pass, or tag required. Accessible parking spots closest to the Student Center are located here.
For both parking lots, navigate to: 1070 Student Center Loop, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Conference Center Floor Plan
Conference Attendee Resources
Conference Planning Committee
Dr. Danyelle Gregory
Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Tony Dennis
Director, Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention
Graduate College
Dr. Vun Doubblestein
Director, Mentoring for Success Program
Multicultural Affairs for Students
Tania Echavarria
Director, Michigan GEAR UP
Office of PreCollege Programming
Melissa Holman
Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs for Students
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Hannah Powless
Program Coordinator, Mentoring for Success Program
Multicultural Affairs for Students
Paige Warner
Executive Assistant
Graduate College
Jamie White
Business Manager
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Conference Lodging
The following Kalamazoo area hotels are pleased to extend a discounted rate for the Opportunities Within the Classroom Conference. We recommend communicating directly with your selected hotel and specifically requesting the “Opportunities Within the Classroom Conference” rate. The rates listed below are based on availability and do not include local and state taxes and assessments (totaling 15%). Each participating hotel has established a specified cut-off date for these rates.
We truly appreciate your choice to stay in our local hotels as this directly supports our vibrant community and the businesses that make Kalamazoo so special. We hope you enjoy your time in Kalamazoo and visit again soon!
Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown
Address: 303 N Rose St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 382-4000
Rate: $110.00 + $10 parking fee
Parking: located at 140 Eleanor St. (covered garage with skywalk access)
Cut-off date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Amenities:
- Restaurant on-site
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites at Kalamazoo Center
Address: 100 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 343-3333
Rate: $98.00 + $15 parking fee
Parking: located at 198 N Rose St. (covered garage with skywalk access)
Cut-off date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Amenities:
- Restaurant and bar on-site
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center and spa
Should you require any further information, feel free to reach out to Ashley Peruchietti at Discover Kalamazoo by phone at (269) 488-0054 ext. 104, available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by email at @email.