News

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.   

Dr. Pleasant said, "To say Rachel and I are excited would be an understatement. As I have studied the history of SMC and pored over information related to the Cass County region, I have been so impressed with the sense of community and pride. Our motto, ‘Knowledge for All’ — along with our commitment to provide accessible education in the region — are values that are worth upholding. Meeting the trustees, faculty, staff, administrators and community stakeholders was a highlight for me when visiting in December.

“Interim President Brent Brewer, the leadership team and the trustees have done such an impressive job leading and shaping the institution over the past year, and I simply am looking forward to joining the community by listening, learning and doing my part to help continue to move SMC forward. I can't wait to become part of the community and get to work."

The Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee evaluated 128 applications received over a six-week period from an intensive national search that ended Aug. 17.  Twelve semi-finalists were interviewed remotely in September and, from that group, four finalists were chosen for on-campus interviews in late 2025, with Dr. Pleasant emerging as the top candidate.    

"Dr. Pleasant brings a wealth of experience to SMC in academics, enrollment management and strategy, fundraising and athletics, just to name a few," said Vice Chairman Tracy D. Hertsel, who is a retired educator and former superintendent.  

“He is an extremely qualified administrator in the higher education arena,” added Trustee Dr. Elaine Foster who has over 40 years of service in higher education. “He has spent time in the key operational areas of higher education, including academics. These experiences have provided him with the necessary skills to operate a complex organization like Southwestern Michigan College.”

Dr. Pleasant, a lifetime Michigander, has worked in higher education for 28 years and has spent the last 20 years in administration.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Lipscomb University, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Tennessee and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University.

Since 2017, he has served as the Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President at Rochester Christian University (RCU) in Rochester Hills, Mich. Since 2005, Pleasant has spent time managing enrollment, development and athletics. Additionally, he has been involved with strategic planning, student mentoring, student retention and community relations. Lastly, he has served as an instructor in the classroom and is a published author.  

In addition to Pleasant's expertise in higher education administration, he has also been a highly successful college basketball coach, as he was recently inducted into the Michigan Basketball Hall of Fame.  He is one of the top 25 winningest coaches in the NAIA and has captured numerous "Coach of the Year" awards while leading his teams to both conference and national championships.

Pleasant's teams have been known not only for their performance on the hardwood, but also in the classroom and in the community. Pleasant, along with his father and brother, manage the largest basketball camp in the state of Michigan which also is known for teaching life skills such as character and attitude.

He has also made coaching stops at Wayne State University, Abilene Christian University and Kent State University, where he helped lead the Golden Flashes to an NCAA I Elite Eight appearance. Pleasant is a sought-after speaker and has led numerous leadership retreats, along with speaking regularly at conferences.

Pleasant managed a transition at RCU, transforming the Athletic Department into an extension of the Enrollment Office. Under his leadership, the student-athlete population grew from 135 to 430, growing the athletic department from eight varsity sports to 23 and bringing critical net tuition revenue dollars to the institution. He also led the Enrollment Office (both student-athletes and non-student-athletes) to its highest headcount total in the 65-year history of the institution, while also maintaining a fundraising portfolio and securing multiple major gifts over the years.

He and his wife have a passion for the arts and appreciate the importance of performing and visual arts on SMC's campus. 

Pleasant attended Abilene Christian University and played intercollegiate football before transferring to Lipscomb University to work with the basketball program. He was a 1st Team All-Conference football player at Waterford Kettering High School, in Waterford, Mich. He is married to Rachel, who earned a Master's in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University, and they have two daughters.  

“Dr. Pleasant was our choice because of his administrative and strategic planning experience, proven fiscal responsibility, his successes at other institutions, his integrity and also the fact that he is a great communicator,” said Chairman Thomas F. Jerdon. “He's basically done it all. Klint is a high-energy, community-minded professional and he fits nicely with what SMC needs in a CEO.  He is well-connected within the higher-ed industry and across Michigan.  His family is well known and greatly respected. He is the most experienced new hire for SMC president that I have witnessed during my 34 years on the board.  I’m very excited for his arrival and the advances he’ll make for SMC."      

Dr. Pleasant will take the reins as SMC continues to thrive. Enrollment for Spring 2026 is projected to increase by 6.6 percent in contact hours — marking the sixth straight semester of positive numbers. Construction of a new wrestling facility, a performing arts upgrade to band and choir facilities and a Room to Grow capital campaign are underway, and in 2025, SMC again captured Leader Publications’ Best of the Best in the College - Southwest Michigan category. 

The college’s eighth president, Dr. Joe Odenwald, announced his resignation in January 2025 and stepped down after Commencement ceremonies in May 2025 to become President of Alma College. Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Brent Brewer has served as Interim President since then.