News

After years spent building a career in student life, Kelly Patmore is coming full circle, returning to his roots in Montcalm County to help shape the future of student living at Montcalm Community College.

A Sidney native and 2009 graduate of Central Montcalm High School, Patmore joined MCC in November 2025 as Director of Housing and Student Life. He had been following the college’s housing plans closely and saw the role as a rare opportunity to lead a major initiative in his home community.

“To not only have the opportunity to lead this endeavor but to do it in my own backyard, there’s so many connections I have here,” Patmore said. “There’s a lot of trust here already from the people I’m working with, and it’s a unique opportunity that fits this unique career path that I’ve grown to love.”

MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said he is pleased to have Patmore on the team.

“His experience in student life and passion for supporting students was appealing to us as we enter this important new chapter,” Dr. Barrick said.

“The addition of student housing is a transformational step for MCC and having someone with Kelly’s background and energy guiding that effort gives us great confidence in its success,” Dr. Barrick said. “Student success is at the heart of everything we do, and Kelly brings a strong commitment to creating an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”

Patmore’s path to student life began after earning a degree in sociology and anthropology from Olivet College and serving with AmeriCorps in Michigan’s campaign to end homelessness. A brief move into social work led him to realize he wanted a more immediate, visible impact —something he found in higher education.

He started as a hall director at Olivet, where he spent two years overseeing student activities, including intramural sports, student government and campus organizations. The role solidified his passion for working directly with students.

“The impact that we get to see is near immediate,” he said. “When students are at their lowest point, we get to help build them back up and see that growth in real time.”

Patmore later earned a master’s degree in education through Grand Valley State University and held leadership roles in residence life at Davenport University and Alma College.

Now at MCC, he is helping launch the college’s first student housing program —developing the residential application, coordinating with admissions and financial aid, and building a team of resident advisors. Being part of the project from the ground up was a major draw.

“You want to achieve something in your career,” he said. “I think this is an opportunity to not only have that achievement, but one that helps push our community forward.”

Since returning, Patmore said he has felt welcomed by both colleagues and the community. He values the close-knit campus environment, which allows for stronger collaboration and more personal connections.

Looking ahead to the housing program’s debut this fall, Patmore hopes it will create lasting benefits for students and the region.

“The people and the environment are great,” he said. “The intimacy of the campus is really nice; as you get to know people, you get to be yourself and be a bit more authentic in your work.

“I want to do right by the community,” he said. “I hope this encourages more young people to stay, build careers and invest in this community.”