News
SMC Second in State in Enrollment Growth
Published on February 12, 2026 - 2 p.m.
Southwestern Michigan College finished second statewide for spring enrollment growth percentage among Michigan’s 28 community colleges.
Spring marks SMC’s eighth consecutive semester for enrollment growth, Interim President Brent Brewer told the Board of Trustees at its Feb. 11 meeting.
Enrollment climbed 8.8 percent and is up 10.9 percent in credit hours compared to Spring 2025, Brewer reported.
“I am happy, frankly thrilled, to report that our spring enrollment is +168 students or +8.8 percent in head count or +9.7 percent in contact hours — clear indicators that both access and engagement continue to strengthen,” Brewer said. “From Spring 2022 to Spring 2026, we have grown 31.8 percent in head count and 33.4 percent in contact hours. This growth is a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive environment. Even more significant, this milestone of eight consecutive semesters of enrollment growth reflects sustained momentum and the collective impact of intentional recruitment, strong academic programming and a campus culture focused on student success.”
Also in his president’s report, Brewer noted SMC’s athletic teams “are on fire.”
“The men’s basketball team has won three of its last five and the women have won four of their last five. They are peaking at the right time. Men’s and women’s track and field had another successful day at the Walt Cramer Invitational” in Illinois on Feb. 7, Brewer said.
“And men’s wrestling competed at the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Individual Championships last weekend and came home champions, marking a four-peat! Coach (Todd) Hesson was named MCCAA Coach of the Year and Santana Ramon was named MCCAA Wrestler of the Year.”
In action related to the first phase of the Dale A. Lyons Building renovation, which will remodel and expand the choir room, trustees awarded a $1,211,943 contract to Pearson Construction Co.
Carmi Design Group architects in Niles evaluated bids from seven general contractors in shaping their recommendation. President Tony Leininger said the first phase project will be completed by August.
The board acknowledged 26 donations to the SMC Foundation totaling $48,375. Trustees also accepted two gifts to the college for $3,612.50.
