Southwestern Michigan College’s ninth president, Dr. Klint Pleasant, attended his first Board of Trustees meeting April 8.

In his inaugural President’s Report, Pleasant recounted his activities leading up to his official April 6 start date on campus.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” said Pleasant, thanking Interim President Brent Brewer for the “good and strong work that’s been done in this interim period. The time I’ve spent with him has been so very much appreciated. The team in place has been nothing short of amazing. My plan is to be a really good listener and seek to understand completely before I seek to be understood.”

Pleasant indicated he read Triumph Over Adversity/The Amazing History of Southwestern Michigan College, the 2014 book by 50-year Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews.

“Brent and I have been doing what I would call pre-onboarding,” Pleasant said. “We had regular meetings every Wednesday at 10 a.m. We’ve spent a lot of time together.

“I made three trips to Cass County. The first was Feb. 1-2. My wife (Rachel) and I spent some time with Brent and Erin and toured the campus, then spent the weekend with family we have in Stevensville. We spent the next day touring Cass County.”

“I came back March 5-6, spent the day on campus. There was a photo shoot and I met lots of colleagues. On the 6^th I was a silent observer” at the college’s all-day strategic planning meeting, “which was invaluable in terms of listening and learning. I opened a bank account” and secured housing in Cassopolis.

Pleasant returned on March 21, met with Chairman Tom Jerdon and attended the “fantastic” spring musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Immediate priorities are year-end academic activities leading to the 59^th Commencement May 9 in Alumni Plaza, finalizing FY 2027 budgets, working with the Senior Leadership Team on April 14 to “synthesize” notes he took at strategic planning and traveling to Lansing April 16 with Vice President for the Student Experience Dr. Katie Hannah and mascot Ronnie the Roadrunner for Capitol Day.

Pleasant will be the guest of seventh president Dr. David Mathews April 23 at the Rotary Club of Dowagiac’s “Family and Friends Night” honoring community first responders. Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours takes place at SMC April 24 to introduce Pleasant to the community.

Pleasant brings 28 years of experience in higher education, including two decades in leadership roles. His background spans enrollment management, athletics, development, student retention, mentoring and community relations — along with experience as a classroom instructor.

In other business, the board acknowledged four gifts to the SMC Foundation totaling $3,148, and trustees also accepted four donations to the college totaling $650.