DOWAGIAC — A reception with the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce packed Southwestern Michigan College’s Student Activity Center Jan. 16 to welcome Dr. Joe Odenwald, the eighth president of SMC.

Odenwald became SMC’s fifth president since 1971, replacing David Matthews in 2019, who served for 18 years in the position. He began his work as president Jan. 1.

“For more than five decades, the college has produced nurses, teachers, law enforcement officers and others who serve our area,” Odenwald said to the chamber. “That’s what’s beautiful about a community college. Most graduates don’t move away, but contribute right here.”

Odenwald talked about SMC’s history and how it has impacted its current state.

SMC built three residence halls and invested in residential life “before the majority of community colleges thought about it,” Odenwald said. “We were the leader. Unlike many peers, we didn’t build ‘dorms.’ They’re truly residence halls.”

The college also developed an honors program with research opportunities for high-achieving students reminiscent of four-year universities.

“We reinvested in the Niles Area Campus in anticipation of the growth of the Early College movement,” he said.

He said that in times of change, leaders adapt to meet the world. SMC is among those leaders.

“Changes we face will require new methods in health care, new technology in the trades, new techniques in the helping professions, better yields in agriculture and so on,” he said. “As a college, we will prepare graduates in these fields to be lifelong learners who appreciate the past, but don’t simply curate it. I look forward to steering this college in concert with our board of trustees, our administrators, our faculty and staff and engaged students for many years to come.”

Odenwald, of Dowagiac, is a fourth-generation farmer from Ferriday, Louisiana. He came to SMC after working as assistant dean for academic affairs and student services for Louisiana State University’s College of Engineering.

He previously had positions at Mississippi College, including associate dean of students and director of student life, while teaching graduate courses on the adjunct faculty.

Odenwald earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana College, a master’s degree from Mississippi College and his doctorate from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Jerdon said he and Odenwald in December embarked on a “quest” to visit all 23 municipal boards across the college district by September.

“I don’t think this has been done since 1964 when Dr. Fred Mathews campaigned to start this college,” he said.