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SMC Recaps 2025 Accomplishments
Published on December 11, 2025 - 9 a.m.
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.
“What an incredible year it has been at Southwestern Michigan College,” Interim President Brent Brewer said. “While we are thrilled about everything unfolding in 2025,” he said, “our attention is already firmly set on 2026 and the years that follow to sustain this. Continued progress will require careful planning, bold action and shared commitment from our entire community. In the coming weeks we’ll begin working on the 2026-28 strategic plan. Our current plan ends June 30.
“Thank you, Board of Trustees, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the college over this past year,” Brewer said. “Your steadfast support has been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible. I’m grateful for your leadership and partnership as we continue advancing the mission of Southwestern Michigan College.”
“It’s inspiring to see the breadth of progress and accomplishments,” which Brewer narrowed to 10 “impactful events”:
SMC’s Todd Hesson, named NWCA National Wrestling Coach of the Year.
On May 13 Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department in conjunction with Michigan Works! and SMC held the inaugural MiCareerQuest Cass County, exposing 900 Cass and Van Buren counties ninth graders from 13 schools to the world of work.
SMC’s spring enrollment increased 4.1 percent — marking the sixth straight semester of positive numbers.
SMC and Western Michigan University inked agreements in psychology, social work and social science.
Bristol Community College President Dr. Sedgwick L. Harris, an SMC alumnus from Fall River, Mass., and 1st Source Foundation were honored at the second annual Founders Day.
An economic impact study found that the college generates more than $58 million annually for Cass County, and more than $224 million for the surrounding region.
SMC announced construction of a new wrestling facility, a performing arts upgrade to band and choir facilities and a Room to Grow capital campaign.
SMC criminal justice students swept SkillsUSA-Michigan again in April in Grand Rapids with two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.
SMC captured Leader Publications’ Best of the Best college in southwest Michigan category.
This fall, SMC achieved its fourth straight year of fall enrollment growth.
“These moments reflect not only our achievements,” Brewer said, “but also the dedication and the collaboration that drive SMC forward. They remind us of the strength of our students, faculty and staff and the momentum that we’re carrying into the year ahead. I’m excited to keep building on these successes as we move into 2026 with confidence and purpose.”
Nick Mustak of Elkhart accepted a 15-year service pin from Trustee Skip Dyes.
Chief Academic and Assurance Officer Dr. Jeff Freels introduced Mustak, who has been part of the Institutional Research team during his time at SMC.
“Before coming to SMC, Nick worked primarily in the RV and boating industries in Elkhart, including accounting, marketing and warehouse operations,” Freels said.
Mustak holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration he completed through Indiana University in 1996 while working full-time. His wife, Judy, is also employed at SMC. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law and a granddaughter.
Director of Campus Life Branden Pompey of Dowagiac earned his 10-year pin presented by Vice Chairman Tracy Hertsel.
Vice President for the Student Experience Dr. Katie Hannah introduced Pompey, who as a student earned an associate degree in theatre before transferring to Grand Valley State University for his bachelor’s degree in theatre.
He has worked in Campus Life for the entirety of his tenure, developing and implementing programs such as Welcome Week, Grady Scholars, Leadership SMC and year-round student-engagement events and initiatives to provide a total college experience.
Pompey, who also holds a Michigan State University master’s degree, serves on several state boards. He is vice president of the Student Life Association for Michigan Community Colleges, liaison to the Michigan Community College Student Services Association (MCCSSA) and MCCSSA’s liaison to the Professional Associations Leadership Alliance (PALA).
“He impacts not just things happening at SMC, but across the state in Campus Life,” Hannah said.
In other business, trustees accepted five donations to the college totaling $1,026 and acknowledged three gifts to the SMC Foundation amounting to $6,600.
The board also adopted its 2026 meeting schedule of second Wednesdays at 8 a.m.: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Trustees do not meet in July. November’s meeting takes place at the Niles campus.
