Following a public hearing on June 11, the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously adopted balanced 2025-26 fiscal-year budgets.

The $28.6 million general fund for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026, anticipates $11.7 million from tuition and fees, $8.1 million from property taxes on 2.365 mills, $8.3 million in state appropriation and $500,000 from other revenue.

Interim President Brent Brewer reported that summer enrollment “well exceeded our goal of 580 students in head count with 622, and we exceeded our goal of 3,440 in contact hours with 3,671. Percentagewise, we’re up 7.4 percent in head count and 6.3 percent in contact hours.

“This marks the highest summer enrollment head count since 2017,” Brewer continued. “Sixty percent of our students are taking online courses, with sixty-eight percent of contact hours online. This compares to 56 percent of students and 62 percent of contact hours online last summer.”

Board Chair Tom Jerdon said, “SMC has always had balanced budgets and this budget will grow the college with allocations for additional student housing, the Charles O. Zollar Building expansion and future improvements to the Dale A. Lyons performing arts facilities.  All the credit goes to the senior leadership team who have made this happen!”

Jerdon continued, “The administration is really producing enrollment numbers once again, and their hard work will continue all summer long.  It is truly amazing given the historical decline in high school graduates within the area and the state.”

Trustees acknowledged 26 gifts to the SMC Foundation totaling $18,589.89, and the board accepted five donations directly to the college amounting to $8,350.

The board also reiterated that as Southwestern Michigan College begins searching for its ninth president, the community is invited to participate in this important process. Community members are asked to attend a work session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Mathews Conference Center West in Fred Mathews Library, 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac. College trustees are asking citizens to share their thoughts on the qualities, priorities and vision essential for SMC’s next president. Those unable to attend or who wish to provide additional feedback may submit input online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QDM7JC8.