Enrollment is still on the grow at Southwestern Michigan College.
Officials at SMC announced this week that they have recorded enrollment increases for the fourth consecutive fall semester.
Interim President Brent Brewer told the Board of Trustees that as of Aug. 11, the college’s headcount stood at 2,087 students, up 205 from 1,882 a year earlier. Brewer said the gain represents a 10.9% increase in headcount and a 12.4% rise in contact hours.
Officials say the last time SMC saw enrollment growth over four straight fall semesters was during the 2007–10 recession. Brewer called the 2022–25 streak a significant milestone. Student housing is at full capacity, with 36 additional beds expected to be completed by the end of August.
Brewer said SMC has 47 full-time faculty members for the upcoming academic year, one more than last year.
The board also received notification from the Higher Learning Commission that SMC completed its Open Pathway Assurance Review with no recommended future monitoring. Brewer described it as “a tremendous achievement.” Board Chair Tom Jerdon praised faculty, staff, and leadership for success in enrollment, housing, and accreditation.
Human Resources Director Nicole Lehman reported the ongoing search for a new president. The position, posted July 2, has drawn a strong pool of applicants nationwide. The application period closes Aug. 17.
The meeting included service award presentations to employees marking five, 10, and 20 years with the college. Trustees also acknowledged $850 in donations to the SMC Foundation and nine gifts to the college totaling $6,950.
