Click image to enlarge
Kalamazoo is a welcoming Midwest town that boasts a big-city feel halfway between Chicago and Detroit. Here are a few fun facts about the city we love:
The city is located precisely at 42.2917° N, 85.5872° W, with a population of 76,545. It was founded in 1831 by Titus Bronson.
Kalamazoo is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise and the community is a major international pharmaceutical and life sciences center, and the original home of the Upjohn Co., Stryker Corp, Gibson Guitars, and Checker Motors.
You're just a 40-minute drive away from Lake Michigan and there are ample opportunities for outdoor fun, not to mention a bustling craft beer scene and exciting nightlife.
For more information, check out our Living in Kalamazoo page.
Why We Love Kalamazoo
Take a look at all of the reasons why our faculty and staff are happy to call Kalamazoo home.
- Dr. Lauren Piper, Assistant Professor
Dr. Lauren Piper "I have lived in Michigan my whole life and love the four seasons. Kalamazoo is a great college town with a variety of restaurants and bars, craft breweries, and theaters, and it is easy to travel to Detroit, Chicago, and Ann Arbor."
- Dr. Steven Pollens, Assistant Professor
Dr. Steven Pollens "Kalamazoo is small enough to connect easily with people but big enough to have lots of interesting cultural events. There is good access to nature and great public schools."
- Megan Rhodes, Program Coordinator
”I love being less than an hour away from one of the largest fresh water lakes and some amazing beaches!”
- Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk, Associate Professor
Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk "I love Michigan! Kalamazoo offers easy access to water and nature and having two colleges in town means cultural events like concerts and theater performances are always happening!"