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. 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

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 Nursing and Health Services, Human Services, and Math/Science. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from SMC. Later, she attended Bethel University where she earned her Bachelor in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her Doctorate in Nursing Educational Leadership is from American Sentinel University.

Dr. Karen Reilly
Academic Dean

Dr. Karen Reilly grew up in Dowagiac and still lives on the farm her father established in 1946. As a first generation college student, she earned an Associate in Science in Biology from SMC, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Master of Public Administration in Public Management, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana State University. She has served Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana as Dean of Academic Skills Advancement and Valencia College in Florida as Dean of Learning Support. She returned to SMC in 2020, serving as Dean of the School of Business and Advanced Technology. In 2025 she became Academic Dean for Business and Advanced Technology, Communications and Media Studies, and Performing Arts.