News

SMC Board of Trustees Adds Five Programs

At its regular meeting on Jan. 14, the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees approved five new programs. They include: a one-year certificate in criminal justice; an associate degree in respiratory therapy; a certificate in dental assisting, which will have a home on the upper floor of the Dale A. Lyons Building; a credential in child development associate; and a certificate in practical nursing.

SpaceX Hires SMC Welding Graduate

Dowagiac’s Scout Hunsberger, a 2024 Southwestern Michigan College welding technology graduate, reached for the stars in her job search and is destined for Mars. Hunsberger, 21, beat out seven male contenders for a SpaceX position, TIG welder for the Starship heat shield.

SMC’s Ninth President to Start This Spring

Dr. Klint Pleasant, appointed as president on Dec. 29 by the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees, is on track to assume his new responsibilities in April 2026, subject to contract approval slated for February.

SMC Board Votes to Appoint Dr. Klint Pleasant as Ninth President

At a special public meeting on Dec. 29, the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Klint Pleasant of Rochester Hills, Mich., to the position of college President. He is currently the Senior Vice President and special assistant to the President at Rochester Christian University.

SMC Board to Consider Finalist for President

The SMC Board of Trustees will hold a special public meeting on December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Room 2112 of the David C. Briegel Building to consider the candidacy of Dr. Klint Pleasant of Rochester Hills for the position of president.

261 SMC Students Named to Honor Rolls

Southwestern Michigan College named 68 students to the President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. Students on the President’s List must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale while carrying a full study load of at least 12 credits. The 193 students making the Dean’s List achieved at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale while carrying a full study load.

23 Singers Perform at SMC Vocal Studio Recital

Twenty-three vocalists sang Dec. 10 at Southwestern Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts’ fall vocal studio recital in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus.

SMC Graduates 14-Member Nursing Class

Southwestern Michigan College Dec. 10 welcomed 14 new nurses to America’s largest health care profession with more than four million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide.

SMC Recaps 2025 Accomplishments

During its last regular meeting of the year Dec. 10, the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees paused to glance back at 2025, before forging ahead into 2026.

19 Instrumentalists Perform at SMC Fall Recital

Nineteen instrumental musicians performed Dec. 9 at Southwestern Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts’ fall semester recital in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus.