Presidential Search
Search Updates
Learn more about the search process for the 9th president of Southwestern Michigan College.
May 14, 2025
SMC Trustees to Proceed with Presidential Search
February 6, 2025
SMC Trustees Appoint Brent Brewer as Interim President
February 2, 2025
President Dr. Joe Odenwald Resigns
Search Committee
Our search committee is made up of Southwestern Michigan College trustees, faculty, and community members.
Thomas F. Jerdon, Chairman, Board of Trustees
Tom Jerdon is a third-generation real estate broker, developer, and investor with Jerdon Real Estate. He is a first-generation college graduate, earning an SMC associate in arts degree and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business. Mr. Jerdon became an SMC trustee in 1991, has been re-elected six times, served as chairman since 2015, and is the college’s trustee-designate to the Michigan Community College Association. He has been a member of the SMC Foundation Board of Directors for many years and serves on its Investment Committee. He and his wife established the Thomas F. and Jodi L. Jerdon Endowment to benefit SMC students.
Tracy D. Hertsel, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees
Tracy Hertsel is from Penn Township and has over 30 years of experience in education. Prior to his retirement as Director of Student Support Services for Niles Community Schools in 2022, he served as Principal and Superintendent for Cassopolis Public Schools. He is an SMC alumnus and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. He serves as president of the Cass Family Clinic Network board and has been a volunteer fireman in Cass County for more than 35 years. Mr. Hertsel joined the Board of Trustees in March 2020.
Dr. Elaine Foster, Trustee
Dr. Elaine Foster is Vice President of Nursing at Education Affiliates. She has been involved in nursing education for 40 years and worked for over 27 years at Southwestern Michigan College in various roles: as full-time faculty, as Dean of Nursing and as Dean of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration from Andrews University, a master’s degree in nursing from Andrews University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan. In addition to contributing her expertise to several national nursing organizations, Dr. Foster served the Cass County Council on Aging as Board President for five years. She joined SMC's Board of Trustees in 2019.
Dr. Jeff Dennis, Faculty Representative
Dr. Jeff Dennis has taught history and social science at Southwestern Michigan College for more than 25 years. He earned an associate’s degree from SMC in 1982, then attended Andrews University for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, adding a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Notre Dame. He is past president of the SMC faculty association and a founding member of the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution Round Table. Professor Dennis has published a book as well as multiple essays and chapters on the Revolution and currently serves as Vice President for the History division of the Michigan Association of Science, Arts and Letters.
Tom Ellspermann, Community Representative
Tom Ellspermann is a 1975 graduate of Southwestern Michigan College. He was a member of SMC’s 1974 and 1975 National Championship Cross Country teams and was named an NJCAA All-American both years. Mr. Ellspermann earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising from Michigan State University. He worked for Whirlpool Corp. for 29 years in various roles including executive-level assignments in sales, logistics, strategy, and product development through the United States and Canada. He then served as vice president and general manager of sales and brand marketing for MTD, a family-owned, multi-billion-dollar manufacturer of outdoor power equipment (snow blowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers) with brands including Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt, and Craftsman. Mr. Ellspermann is currently Vice President of the SMC Foundation and a member of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.