Southwestern Michigan College Hires New President

Board approves 3-year contract for Dr. Klint Pleasant to lead the college

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a three-year contract for incoming President Dr. Klint Pleasant. The board reviewed compensation data from Michigan community colleges and national figures before setting Pleasant's base salary at $219,000, with the goal of being fair and competitive.

Why it matters

The hiring of a new college president is a significant event for the school and the local community, as the president plays a crucial role in setting the institution's strategic direction, managing its operations, and representing it to external stakeholders.

The details

Dr. Klint Pleasant was selected from 128 applicants in a national search last year. He is a Michigan native with 28 years of higher education experience, and has served since 2017 as senior vice president and special assistant to the president at Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Pleasant will succeed former SMC President Joe Odenwald, who is now president of Alma College.

  • The board approved the contract this week.
  • The contract runs from April 6, 2026 through April 2029, with an option for a one-year extension.

The players

Dr. Klint Pleasant

The incoming president of Southwestern Michigan College, selected from 128 applicants in a national search.

Thomas Jerdon

The chair of the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees.

Joe Odenwald

The former president of Southwestern Michigan College, who is now the president of Alma College.

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What they’re saying

“The goal was to be fair and competitive.”

— Thomas Jerdon, Board Chair, Southwestern Michigan College (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The new president, Dr. Klint Pleasant, will officially begin his tenure on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The hiring of Dr. Klint Pleasant as the new president of Southwestern Michigan College represents a significant transition for the institution, as it seeks to build on its past successes and chart a new course under new leadership.