News

Kevin Wagenmaker has been named Montcalm Community College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), a position he has filled on an interim basis since September 2024.

MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said he is pleased that Wagenmaker will continue to lead all aspects of the college’s instructional services department in this role.

“Over the past six months, in his role as Interim VPAA, Kevin has demonstrated exceptional leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture,” Dr. Barrick said. “He has strengthened relationships across campus and deepened our connections with K-12 partners, industry leaders, and the broader community.

“Kevin’s dedication, work ethic, and strategic vision have proven that he is more than capable of leading in this role. I have full confidence that this decision is both the best and the right one for MCC. I could not be more excited to see how Kevin continues to elevate our institution and drive us toward an even brighter future,” he said.

Since joining MCC, Wagenmaker has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives that enhance student engagement, strengthen workforce partnerships, and position MCC as a leader among its peers. His leadership has been pivotal in developing academic opportunities and fostering collaboration both within the college and with external stakeholders.

“I am excited to continue the work we have begun, particularly in deepening our partnerships with workforce and education leaders, creating and maintaining student relationships, building a positive culture and expanding our program offerings.” Wagenmaker said. “MCC is a vital asset to our community, and I look forward to further integrating our new strategic plan and ensuring that we remain a leader in accessible, high-quality education.”

With a strong commitment to a growth mindset, Wagenmaker emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation in higher education. As VPAA, Wagenmaker will continue to oversee academic programming, faculty development, and strategic initiatives that align with MCC’s commitment to student achievement and community engagement.

Wagenmaker joined MCC as a part-time instructor in 2013, teaching computer information system courses. In February 2016, he was hired as the college’s Instructional Technology Consultant while still teaching courses part-time and served in this role until being appointed the college’s Director of Instructional Innovation in October 2021. In this position, he was responsible for facilitating teaching and learning, planning space utilization, and providing leadership for academic technology with communication, training and support.

In 2021, Wagenmaker received the college’s Leadership Award for excellence in leadership, professional achievement and service to MCC.

Wagenmaker’s career began at Central Montcalm Public Schools in 2005, where he served as a business and technology instructor and department chair, online learning advisor, as president of the Central Montcalm Education Association and as a coach until becoming part of MCC’s family.

He attended Muskegon Community College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Business with a minor in Political Science from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.

Wagenmaker resides in Rockford with his wife, Breanna, and their two daughters, Ella and Brynn. In his spare time, he enjoys following his children’s athletics and spending time on Drummond Island.