The Cass County Concerned Stakeholders group is speaking out in support of the process that has led to the appointment of Dr. Klint Pleasant as the college’s next president. Concerned Stakeholders was formed when Dr. Joe Odenwald resigned in February 2025, and SMC’s Board of Trustees appointed Brent Brewer as interim president. At this same time, the Board decided to defer the decision to begin a search for a new president until a later date.

With the appointment of Dr. Pleasant, Concerned Stakeholders thanks the many voices who have spoken out in support of establishing a national search for a candidate with a doctorate and a broad administrative and academic background who could bring new ideas and strong leadership to the college.

Concerned Stakeholders organized to protest the appointment of Brent Brewer as interim president as well as to call on the Board of Trustees to establish a formal presidential search process. Julie Dye, a spokesperson for the group, stated, “The power of people’s voices—those who signed the petition for change, and those who attended board meetings and other public meetings—has made a difference.”
By establishing a search process, holding open meetings and interviews, the Board of Trustees has conducted a more transparent process that addressed the points raised in the Concerned Stakeholders Change.org petition.

Also, of note is that during this process, SMC’s Board of Trustees changed its public comment policy to allow people to address the board on any subject, not just those on the agenda. Previous policy required people to submit their comments on non-agenda items in writing the day before the meeting.

Going forward, Concerned Stakeholders will remain active, as it welcomes Dr. Pleasant and encourages members of the community to remain civically involved by attending board meetings as well as student events.