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Nursing program numbers are looking strong for the Spring ’27 term, CEO/President Dr. Klint Pleasant advised the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees during its Nov. 11 regular meeting at the Niles campus.

“I think it’s promising news,” Pleasant said. “We’re trending right now to have a full cohort of 40 looking at Spring 2027 — which is a healthy jump.

“I met with Rona Goodrich, our department chair, yesterday to understand why. We now have a Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam test prep program in our Carole A. Tate Learning Center. Not only do our students have an opportunity to go to our Tate Learning Center for test preparation, but their advisers attend test prep sessions, too, so they can come alongside as mentors. That, plus ongoing excellent work from the admissions team and faculty dedicated to serving students.”

Pleasant added, “The last two cohorts we graduated had a 100-percent NCLEX pass rate.”

The National Council Licensure Examination is a nationwide standardized exam used to determine if a candidate is competent to practice as an entry-level nurse.

Executive Director of Development Scott Samuels then reported on the reorganization of the alumni relations and development office.

“Emily Schrock and I have been building a four-category fundraising structure for the office,” he said, including installing Raiser’s Edge, a strategic framework and software system that organizations use to manage, track and improve their interactions with current and potential customers.

“By March, Emily is going to focus on alumni relations and database management,” Samuels said. “I’ll focus on donor relations and expanding the donor base, building relationships with area employers and businesses and partnering with the academic folks to help fund initiatives they have.”

Samuels reminded trustees that the band room renovation commences in Spring 2027 coupled with the new certificate program in musical instrument repair. Construction of a soccer field will also begin next spring and renovation of the Dale A. Lyons Building lobby will be upcoming in 2028.

Trustees awarded two five-year service pins to honor employees.

Marketing Communications Coordinator Nina Welding, who started Nov. 17, 2021, accepted her pin from Trustee Dr. Elaine Foster.

Welding joined SMC from the University of Notre Dame, where she was the senior marketing and communications specialist in the College of Engineering.

After graduating from Bethel University in Mishawaka, Welding joined the Juhl Agency in Elkhart. Chief Marketing Officer Mike O’Brien said she has served in a variety of marketing positions at several agencies in Michiana, working with clients in the agricultural, automotive, construction, educational, financial, health care and recreational vehicle industries.

Welding also served as an adjunct English instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, where she earned her culinary degree in baking and pastry arts at the same time she worked on her master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. She and her husband live in Granger.

“We really appreciate her work on the web site, The Southwester, athletic game day rosters and many other things that keep the department going,” O’Brien said.

Trustee Skip Dyes awarded a pin to Financial Aid Coordinator Lauren Mackey.

Mackey has been around campus for 10 years. As a student, she worked in the computer center and the library.

“In August of 2018 she earned her associate degree majoring in science, engineering and math,” said Chief Financial Officer Michelle Kite. “Following her graduation, she continued to work as a professional tutor in our tutoring center from 2018 to 2021. At that time she transferred over to a full-time role in our financial aid office. Last spring, she added another SMC degree in accounting.”

Plante Moran representatives reviewed the annual financial audit of the college, issuing SMC a clean, unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of assurance given — “in academic terms, consider that an A+,” said Michael Baker.

Trustees acknowledged six donations totaling $15,150 to the SMC Foundation. The board also accepted a $200 gift to the college.