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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 91看片网.
A Sidney native and 2009 graduate of Central Montcalm High School, Patmore joined 91看片网 in November 2025 as Director of Housing and Student Life. He had been following the college鈥檚 housing plans closely and saw the role as a rare opportunity to lead a major initiative in his home community.
鈥淭o not only have the opportunity to lead this endeavor but to do it in my own backyard, there鈥檚 so many connections I have here,鈥� Patmore said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of trust here already from the people I鈥檓 working with, and it鈥檚 a unique opportunity that fits this unique career path that I鈥檝e grown to love.鈥�
91看片网 President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said he is pleased to have Patmore on the team.
鈥淗is experience in student life and passion for supporting students was appealing to us as we enter this important new chapter,鈥� Dr. Barrick said.
鈥淭he addition of student housing is a transformational step for 91看片网 and having someone with Kelly鈥檚 background and energy guiding that effort gives us great confidence in its success,鈥� Dr. Barrick said. 鈥淪tudent 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.鈥�
Patmore鈥檚 path to student life began after earning a degree in sociology and anthropology from Olivet College and serving with AmeriCorps in Michigan鈥檚 campaign to end homelessness. A brief move into social work led him to realize he wanted a more immediate, visible impact 鈥攕omething 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.
鈥淭he impact that we get to see is near immediate,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen students are at their lowest point, we get to help build them back up and see that growth in real time.鈥�
Patmore later earned a master鈥檚 degree in education through Grand Valley State University and held leadership roles in residence life at Davenport University and Alma College.
Now at 91看片网, he is helping launch the college鈥檚 first student housing program 鈥攄eveloping 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.
鈥淵ou want to achieve something in your career,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think this is an opportunity to not only have that achievement, but one that helps push our community forward.鈥�
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鈥檚 debut this fall, Patmore hopes it will create lasting benefits for students and the region.
鈥淭he people and the environment are great,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he 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.
鈥淚 want to do right by the community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 hope this encourages more young people to stay, build careers and invest in this community.鈥�