News

Search Progresses for Next SMC President

Southwestern Michigan College provided an update today on the search for its ninth president. Director of Human Resources Nicole Lehman noted that the position was promoted on nine different professional job boards and attracted 128 applications over a six-week period which ended on Aug. 17.

SMC, WMU Ink Psychology, Social Sciences Agreements

Southwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University signed psychology and social sciences articulation agreements Aug. 18. The agreements were signed by SMC Academic Dean Dr. Melissa Kennedy of the School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences, WMU Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Stephanie Peterson, WMU Department of Psychology Chair Dr. Jonathan Baker and SMC Social Sciences Department Chair Dr. Barbara Karwacinski.

SMC Releases Summer Honor Rolls

Southwestern Michigan College named Cairra Stephens of Niles to President’s List for the Summer 2025 semester.

From First-Generation Student to College President

Sedgwick L. Harris, the new president of four-campus Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass., effective March 1 came to Southwestern Michigan College from Albion in 1988-90 for general studies, looking to transfer after playing basketball for the Roadrunners. “Never,” Harris said of whether he had any aspiration to lead a college someday.

SMC Achieves Enrollment ‘Four-peat’

An enrollment “four-peat” is a significant milestone in Southwestern Michigan College’s history, Interim President Brent Brewer reported to the Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 13.

SMC ETS/MSU Host Entrepreneur Camp

A Southwestern Michigan College Educational Talent Search/Michigan State University Extension collaboration served 25 budding Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Niles, Marcellus and Edwardsburg entrepreneurs Aug. 4-8. The ETS program at SMC is a federally-funded initiative designed to expose students to potential careers in skilled trades, public service, arts or science.

Room to Grow at SMC

A whole college experience provides learning outside of classrooms. That’s why Southwestern Michigan College launched the Room to Grow capital campaign. Room to Grow provides dedicated space for SMC’s growing wrestling program, including a larger competition and training area as women join the mix this fall. Only 29 NJCAA schools offer women’s wrestling. SMC will be first in Michigan to offer this increasingly popular sport to women.

Eight ETS High School Students Finish Hot Fire, Police Training

Amari Gaston’s three firefighting summers are behind her as the Wood Fire server pivots to study architecture at Ferris State University.

SMC Names Ariana Dampier as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball

Southwestern Michigan College announced today that Ariana Dampier will join the athletic department as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball. SMC’s new fulltime head coach earned an associate degree in psychology in 2017 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Ill. In 2020, she completed a bachelor’s in psychology from Governors State University in University Park.

Record Cast of 39 at ETS Theatre Camp at Beckwith

Southwestern Michigan College’s Educational Talent Search (ETS) and Dowagiac’s Beckwith Theatre partnered to present a free two-week Summer Youth Program that attracted a record 39 participants from across the area. Camp culminates with free public performances June 27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 2 p.m. of the five-scene spoof by Don Zolidis, “How to Get Away With a Murder Mystery.” Southwestern Michigan College’s Educational Talent Search (ETS) and Dowagiac’s Beckwith Theatre partnered to present