KALAMAZOO, MI — Brewing experts from nine Michigan breweries have served on an advisory board for the new sustainable brewing programs coming to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo.
The programs are the first in the nation, according to the schools. They will start in fall 2015.
The sustainable craft brewing program will allow students to earn an associate degree at KVCC, then transfer to WMU to earn a bachelor of science degree. KVCC students can transfer to WMU's bachelor program, or WMU can enroll in the KVCC program during their first two years. The program will require 96 credit hours, including the 30-hour KVCC certificate.
The program studies the science of brewing and includes chemistry, biosciences, physics and environmental science. Other courses include sustainability, sales and marketing and the relationship between food, beverages and culture throughout history.
The advisory board is made up of 11 brewing experts, according to a list provided by WMU. They are:
- Dave Sippel, director of operations
- Kris Spaulding, head of sustainability efforts at
- Matt and Rene Greff, founders of
- Aaron Morse, co-owner of
- Ben Fleckenstein, co-owner of
- Tim Suprise, owner of
- Walker Modic, sustainability specialist at
- Joe Rudnick, co-owner of
- Greg Haner, owner of
- Tyler Glaze, brewery operations manager of
Emily Monacelli covers local government and beer for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Contact her at emonacel@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter.