Senior Leadership

Brent Brewer
Interim President

Brent Brewer has been a key leader at SMC since 2008. Most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, he is charged with maintaining consistency and keeping the college on track with its strategic initiatives. Brent earned his associate degree from SMC and his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Master of Business Administration from Bethel University.

Dr. Jeff bet36体育在线ls
Chief Academic & Assurance Officer

Dr. Jeff bet36体育在线ls, who joined SMC in 2025, brings almost 20 years of expertise in academic assessment, accreditation, teaching and learning, instructional design, and institutional research, serving most recently at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned his doctorate in 2015 from George Mason University and is dedicated to setting faculty up for success with the tools they need so they, in turn, can help be successful in their academic pursuits.

Dr. Katie Hannah
Vice President for the Student Experience

Dr. Katie Hannah joined SMC in 2014. Katie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, her master's degree in counseling from Oakland University, and her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. A seasoned student affairs professional, Katie has more than 14 years of experience supporting student onboarding, retention, and success in community colleges. 

Michelle Kite
Chief Financial Officer

Michelle Kite earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She worked for 12 years as a senior audit manager in public accounting at Crowe LLP in South Bend, Indiana. In 2012, she joined SMC as the Controller in the Business Office, a position she held for 12 years before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2024.  

Michael O'Brien
Chief Marketing Officer

Mike O'Brien, SMC’s Chief Marketing Officer, joined the SMC community in 2016. Mike has almost 35 years of marketing experience across a variety of fields. A native of Cincinnati, he attended Indiana University for his undergraduate work and earned a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University in Grand Rapids.

Mckechney Valeris
Chief Information Officer

Niles resident Mick Valeris is a seasoned information technology professional with over two decades of experience. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in computer science from Andrews University and his Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. He has served as SMC’s Chief Information Officer since May 2019.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Melissa Kennedy
Academic Dean
School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences

Dr. Melissa Kennedy is a lifelong resident of southwest Michigan. In 2011, she joined SMC as an adjunct faculty member, advancing to full-time faculty in 2014 and Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services in 2019. In 2025 she became Academic Dean for the School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from SMC. Later, she attende