As 440 signatories on our petition attested, the people demanded more. Our outcry has produced results!
The public in attendance at the 5/14/25 Board of Trustee’s meeting heard the announcement of an external search for our next president. Previously, there was no stated intention from the college to launch one.
According to the SMC website’s 5/15/25 press release, click here to view the entire press release, “At its regular meeting on 5/14/25, Southwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of an ad hoc search committee to hire a permanent president.”
“The ad hoc committee will work with the HR Department to post advertisements and to receive applications with an external search…” Jerdon said.
“We would look to advertise for a three-week period this summer. Finalist interviews with the Board of Trustees would be conducted at a public meeting for transparency.”
However, the best higher education practices urge leadership to begin searches as soon as a vacancy is official. For SMC, that was months ago, in early February.
Nearly a month after the May board meeting, the public had not yet been informed of even the essentials like the search timeline, a job announcement or the process of applying.
The website showed only pictures and profiles of this ad hoc search committee. The current search committee excludes:
- Our all-important student population.
- Employee groups other than faculty (represented by only one faculty member from one department).
- Alumni (other than those on the ad hoc committee as trustees and a foundation member).
- Members of commonly underrepresented communities.
How can ALL insights representing SMC be included if ALL groups are not represented at the decision-making table too?
At the 6/11/25 board meeting, no update was given on the search process and related public comment was denied.
Finally, the college website was updated on 6/12/24 with the following announcement:
Campus and Community Input Sessions
“As we begin the search for the next president of Southwestern Michigan College, we invite you to share your insights and help shape the future of SMC.
Your feedback is a valuable part of this important process. We hope you will join us to share your thoughts on the qualities, priorities, and vision you believe are essential in our next college president.”
June 25, 2025
SMC Employee Session | 5-6 p.m.
Fred L. Mathews Library & Conference Center | 58900 Cherry Grove Road | Dowagiac, MI
June 25, 2025
Community Member and Student Session | 6 p.m.
Fred L. Mathews Library & Conference Center | 58900 Cherry Grove Road | Dowagiac, MI
We encourage YOU to attend the Community Member and Student Session on June 25th at 6:00 p.m., OR click here to give your input right now!
We must use our voices to:
- Insist that the search committee be expanded.
- Share concerns about the search timeline and lack of urgency to find a new president before the start of the school year.
- Ask questions about where the college is advertising for a new president.
- Share ideas about the future of the college - academic programs, student activities, student and community services.
- Provide input about the qualities of a new president.
Our work is not done! More signatures will put pressure on the Board of Trustees to:
- Ensure that the presidential search is a nationwide search like the one underway for the women’s basketball coach announced last month. Click here to view the SMC press release.
- Restructure the current ad hoc committee to be inclusive of all stakeholders.
- Conduct a transparent and fully inclusive search process.
✔ Share this petition. Scroll down for sharing options.
✔ Show up. Speak up. Attend the Board of Trustees meetings and contact your elected stewards.
✔ Make your voice heard!
Call: 800.456.8675
Email: boardoftrustees@swmich.edu
Write:
Southwestern Michigan College
58900 Cherry Grove Road
Dowagiac, MI 49047
AND, be sure to check your email for more updates that come from Concerned Stakeholders via Change.org on our behalf.