South Haven Council Briefed on Programs at Local LMC Campus

LMC South Haven Associate Dean highlights offerings like nursing, phlebotomy, and CDL programs that are meeting local industry needs.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The South Haven City Council was briefed on the programs and opportunities available to students at the Lake Michigan College (LMC) South Haven campus. LMC South Haven Associate Dean Jeremy Burleson discussed how the campus has responded to local industry needs by offering programs like certified nursing assistant (CNA), phlebotomy, and commercial driver's license (CDL) training. Burleson also highlighted the campus's agricultural Hoop House, dual enrollment options with high schools, and financial aid programs that make education accessible.

Why it matters

The LMC South Haven campus is playing a key role in providing workforce training and educational opportunities to meet the needs of local employers and industries in the South Haven area. By tailoring its programs to in-demand skills, the campus is helping to fill critical labor shortages and support economic development in the region.

The details

Burleson said when he first started, he met with local hospital representatives and learned they needed more certified nursing assistants and phlebotomists. In response, he transformed an art room into labs for those programs, now offering one CNA and one phlebotomy class per semester. The campus's CDL program has also been very successful, attracting students from all backgrounds looking to change careers. Additionally, the campus's Hoop House is teaching agricultural students, and Burleson noted the growing popularity of short-term, stackable certificates in agriculture. To eliminate barriers to higher education, the campus offers dual enrollment with high schools and financial aid programs that make degrees and certificates essentially free for local high school graduates.

  • LMC South Haven Associate Dean Jeremy Burleson briefed the South Haven City Council this week.
  • The LMC millage renewal passed with 72% support in the South Haven area this year.

The players

Jeremy Burleson

The Associate Dean of the LMC South Haven campus, who oversees the campus's program offerings and industry partnerships.

Lake Michigan College (LMC)

A community college with a South Haven campus that provides workforce training and educational opportunities to meet the needs of local employers and industries.

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What they’re saying

“I transformed our art room into a CNA lab and a phlebotomy lab. We offer one CNA class and one phlebotomy class per semester.”

— Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean, LMC South Haven (moodyonthemarket.com)

“We have people that are trying to change professions, we have people that are just looking for something different. I've seen it all — males, females, every walk of life coming through, trying to do something different through our CDL program, and it's been incredibly successful.”

— Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean, LMC South Haven (moodyonthemarket.com)

“Essentially what happens is if you graduate from a local high school, you have the opportunity, if you're looking for a certificate or any skill-based program and an associate's degree, it's free.”

— Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean, LMC South Haven (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The South Haven City Council will likely continue to work closely with LMC South Haven to ensure the campus's programs are meeting the needs of local industries and providing accessible educational opportunities for the community.

The takeaway

The LMC South Haven campus is playing a vital role in developing the local workforce and supporting economic growth in the region by offering in-demand training programs, eliminating financial barriers to education, and fostering partnerships with area employers.