Southwestern Michigan College President Joseph Odenwald is stepping down.
SMC tells us Dr. Odenwald has notified the board of trustees that he’s accepted the presidency of Alma College in Alma, Michigan, effective June 1 of this year. He’ll stay with SMC through the spring commencement ceremonies on May 10.
Odenwald joined SMC in 2017, moving from the role as assistant dean for academic affairs at the Louisiana State University College of Engineering. The SMC Board of Trustees appointed him the college’s eighth president in 2020. During that time, Odenwald has overseen enrollment growth at the college and the reintroduction of its athletics program.
Odenwald says SMC has become a home to him after the college welcomed him and his family from far away. He calls SMC a special place.
SMC Board of Trustees Chair Tom Jerdon says, “Odenwald has had an exemplary time of service at SMC, first as Vice President of Student Services, and then more than five years as president.” He says the college will now “act accordingly” as it moves forward.
