News

Thirty-three individuals were recognized at Southwestern Michigan College’s annual Employee Retirement and Recognition Breakfast May 2 in Mathews Conference Center East, including five retirees from academics.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Keith Howell retires May 15. Hired in August 1996 as a mathematics instructor, he served as Math/Science Chair from 2011-18, when he became dean for seven years.

Ria Thomas, retiring Aug. 1, was initially hired in August 1995 as an adjunct math instructor. She also worked as a tutor and coordinated the Teaching and Learning Center in 2005, becoming TLC director in 2006. Later that year Thomas transitioned to the math faculty for 19 years, succeeding Howell as chair in 2018.

Catherine Chandler retired in January from the School of Nursing and Health Services faculty. Hired in January 2018 as an adjunct, she became full-time in August 2020.

Julie Zabriskie was hired in September 2013 to teach health information technology, which the Air Force veteran did for 12 years.

Shelley Todd was hired in May 2001 as a special-needs adviser and worked part-time in the TLC from 2002-11 while also an adjunct instructor. Todd in 2011 transitioned to full-time nursing faculty for 14 years.

President Dr. Joseph Odenwald bid an official farewell by video as he prepares to take over leadership of Alma College.

“Laura, Joseph and I are grateful to have been part of the SMC family for the last 7 ½ years, five as president. This is a college and a community that welcomed us with open arms and we’ve enjoyed every step of this journey.

“Many things make this place special,” he said, “but the thing that sticks out above all is that there’s no doubt everybody here is committed to student success. (SMC) is a 61-year-old experiment out here in the cornfield and here we are, six decades removed from an idea that became a community college, and we’re still living up to our motto, ‘Knowledge for All.’ That’s because of the work you do here every day.”

“My time here is ending,” Odenwald said, “but I want you to know I’m going to continue to be interested in what you’re doing and rooting for you. I have a lot of faith and confidence that SMC is going to continue to thrive.”

Odenwald added, “I’m so glad we’re finally able to get a renovation plan for the Lyons Building announced” in tandem with the new wrestling facility in the Room to Grow initiative. “The college, with solid academics, inspiring performing and visual arts and competitive athletics, will be well-rounded unlike any in Michigan,” Odenwald said.

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Brent Brewer, who becomes interim president May 10, highlighted faculty and staff professional achievements:

• Emily Schrock, fundraising management certificate from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis.
• Nicole Lehman, MBA with a human resources concentration from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.
• Mike O’Brien, fundraising management certificate from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis.
• Kyra DeLoach, master’s degree in educational technology from Michigan State University; graduate certificate in online teaching and learning from MSU; graduate certificate in educational technology from MSU; and NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) Introduction to Academic Advising.
• Rachel Breden, Salesforce Education Summit presentation, “Elevate End User Report Training with Engaging Activities.”
• Madeline Collins, bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing from Ferris State University.
• Branden Pompey and the Campus Life team, SLAMCC (Student Life Association for Michigan Community Colleges) award.
• Michelle Gibson, NCTA (National College Testing Association) certified proctor.

Service awards

Director of Institutional Research Dr. Angela Evans, 25 years.

Professor and Chair of Math/Science Ria Thomas, 25 years.

Professor of Science-Biology Anna Norris, 25 years.

Professor, Director of Choral Activities David Carew, 20 years.

Director of Buildings and Grounds John Eberhart, 20 years.

Interim Academic Affairs Coordinator Christine Smith, 20 years.

Database Administrator Martin Bargerhuff, 20 years.

Humanities and Social Science Professor Christy Young, 20 years.

Business Professor Clifford “Chip” Weeks, 20 years.

Professor and Social Science Chair Dr. Barbara Karwacinski, 20 years.

Business Professor Jim Benak, 15 years.

Jack Wood, Building and Grounds, 10 years.

Technology Support Manager Tiffany Brooks, 10 years.

Director of Campus Security Lyndon Parrish, 10 years.

Science-Math Professor Dr. Douglas Schauer, 10 years.

Dean of Nursing and Health Services Dr. Melissa Kennedy, 10 years.

Math-Science Professor Gary Franchy, 10 years.

Business Professor Andrew Churchill, five years.

Manager of Development Emily Schrock, five years.

Robotics Professor and Business Chair Larry Holz, five years.

Graphic Design Professor Samuel Walker, five years.

Professor and Director of Bands Mark Hollandsworth, five years.