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Dowagiac Today
By the People, for the People
New SMC President Settling In, Getting to Know the Community
Klint Pleasant takes the helm at Southwestern Michigan College, focusing on enrollment, finances, and academic priorities.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:00pm
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The new president of Southwestern Michigan College settles in, focusing on community engagement and academic priorities.Dowagiac TodayKlint Pleasant, the new president of Southwestern Michigan College, is settling into his role after transitioning from his previous position at Rochester Christian University in the Detroit area. Pleasant is focused on getting to know the college and community, listening and learning from long-tenured colleagues, and establishing key priorities like growing enrollment, sound fiscal management, and ensuring SMC is known as a degree-granting academic institution.
Why it matters
The appointment of a new college president is a significant event for the local community, as the president's vision and leadership can have a major impact on the institution's direction, programs, and engagement with the surrounding area. Pleasant's background in higher education administration and his stated priorities suggest he is well-positioned to build on SMC's strengths and address any challenges facing the college.
The details
Dr. Klint Pleasant was previously the senior vice president and special assistant to the president at Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills. He was hired by SMC late last year to replace former President Joe Odenwald, who has moved on to a new job. Pleasant says his time in university administration at Rochester Christian University has prepared him well for his new role, noting he has worn many hats over the years at multiple higher education institutions, including helping to move the institution from a college to a university. At SMC, Pleasant's key priorities will include growing enrollment, sound fiscal management, and ensuring the college is primarily known as a degree-granting academic institution.
- Klint Pleasant was hired as the new president of Southwestern Michigan College late last year.
- Pleasant met with the SMC Board of Trustees this week.
- Pleasant will be the guest of former SMC President David Mathews on April 23 at the Rotary Club of Dowagiac's 'Family and Friends Night,' honoring community first responders.
- Pleasant's immediate priorities include year-end academic activities leading to the 59th Commencement on May 9, finalizing the next budgets, working with the senior leadership team, and traveling to Lansing this month for Capitol Day.
The players
Klint Pleasant
The new president of Southwestern Michigan College, previously the senior vice president and special assistant to the president at Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills.
Joe Odenwald
The former president of Southwestern Michigan College, who has moved on to a new job.
David Mathews
The former president of Southwestern Michigan College, who will host Klint Pleasant at the Rotary Club of Dowagiac's 'Family and Friends Night' on April 23.
What they’re saying
“Really what the hook was when I made the visit to campus, I just fell in love with it. I told my wife, I said, it feels right. I think I'm ready for a move like this. All the stars aligned and I could not be more thrilled.”
— Klint Pleasant, President, Southwestern Michigan College
“I really want to spend some time listening and learning. I have discovered that many of my new colleagues have been at SMC for a long time, and I respect that tenure. And I respect all that institutional knowledge. I want to spend time listening, learning. Sort of the phrase I've used is I want to make sure that I completely understand before I would seek to be understood.”
— Klint Pleasant, President, Southwestern Michigan College
What’s next
Pleasant will be the guest of former SMC President David Mathews on April 23 at the Rotary Club of Dowagiac's 'Family and Friends Night,' honoring community first responders.
The takeaway
Klint Pleasant's transition to the presidency of Southwestern Michigan College signals a new era for the institution, with a focus on enrollment growth, financial stability, and academic excellence. His background in higher education administration and stated priorities of listening and learning from the college community suggest he is well-positioned to build on SMC's strengths and address any challenges facing the college.
