Senior and Academic Leadership
Senior Leadership
Dr. Joe Odenwald
President
Dr. Joe Odenwald came to SMC from Louisiana State University in 2017, initially as Vice President of Student Services. He has served as the College's President since January 1, 2020. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Louisiana College, a Master of Science at Mississippi College, a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at The University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from Michigan State University. He has also completed the coursework for a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Brent Brewer
Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
Brent Brewer has been a key leader at SMC since 2008. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, he oversees strategic initiatives and long-range planning for the college. Brent earned his associate degree from SMC and his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Master of Business Administration from Bethel University.
Dr. Katie Hannah
Vice President for the Student Experience
Dr. Katie Hannah joined SMC in 2014. Katie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, her master's degree in counseling from Oakland University, and her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. A seasoned student affairs professional, Katie has more than 14 years of experience supporting student onboarding, retention, and success in community colleges.
Michelle Kite
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Kite earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She worked for 12 years as a senior audit manager in public accounting at Crowe LLP in South Bend, Indiana. In 2012, she joined SMC as the Controller in the Business Office, a position she held for 12 years before being promoted to Interim Chief Financial Officer in 2024.
Michael O'Brien
Chief Marketing Officer
Mike O'Brien, SMC’s Chief Marketing Officer, joined the SMC community in 2016. Mike has almost 35 years of marketing experience across a variety of fields. A native of Cincinnati, he attended Indiana University for his undergraduate work and earned a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University in Grand Rapids.
Kristen Reynolds
Chief Human Resources Officer
A resident of Niles Township, Kristin Reynolds completed her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and her Master of Business Administration at Illinois State University. Kristin’s service at SMC began in 2021 as Human Resources Director, a position she held until she was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer in 2024.
Mckechney Valeris
Chief Information Officer
Niles resident Mick Valeris is a seasoned information technology professional with over two decades of experience. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in computer science from Andrews University and his Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. He has served as SMC’s Chief Information Officer since May 2019.
Academic Leadership
Dr. Keith Howell
Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Originally from southern California, Dr. Keith Howell has served as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences since 2018. He holds an associate degree from Long Beach City College, a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Humboldt State University, and a Master of Science as well as a Doctorate in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He joined SMC in 1996 as a mathematics instructor and served as Chair of the Math and Science department from 2011-2018.
Dr. Melissa Kennedy
Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services
Dr. Melissa Kennedy is a lifelong resident of southwest Michigan. In 2011, she joined SMC as an adjunct faculty member, advancing to full-time faculty in 2014 and Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services in 2019. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from SMC. Later, she attended Bethel University where she earned her Bachelor in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her Doctorate in Nursing Educational Leadership is from American Sentinel University.
Dr. Karen Reilly
Dean of the School of Business and Advanced Technology
Dr. Karen Reilly grew up in Dowagiac and still lives on the farm her father established in 1946. As a first generation college student, she earned an Associate in Science in Biology from SMC, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Master of Public Administration in Public Management, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana State University. She has served Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana as Dean of Academic Skills Advancement and Valencia College in Florida as Dean of Learning Support. She returned to SMC and has been serving as Dean since 2020.