Cathy Igea Colella

Cathy Igea Colella, Executive Assistant Senior in Government Relations & External Partnerships at WMU, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education and administrative support.

Most recently, Cathy served as the Director of Institutional Support Services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she led a centralized team of administrative support professionals. In addition, she played a key role in several institution-wide software implementations alongside information technology partners and co-chaired the Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee.

Throughout her career, Cathy has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in customer service, operational improvements, and fostering positive relationships. Her colleagues often describe her as empathetic, dedicated, and a positive influence on those around her.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Cathy is a painter and multimedia artist, finding inspiration in nature. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Cathy moved to West Michigan to attend Western Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art in 1999. In 2015, she earned a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. Additionally, Cathy is a certified Mindfulness in the Workplace Facilitator.