Southwestern Michigan College has begun its search for a new college president.

The SMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of an ad hoc search committee this week with a goal of interviewing candidates in October or November. The five-member panel will consist of Board Chair Tom Jerdon, Vice Chair Tracy Hertsel, and Trustee Elaine Foster, plus former faculty association president professor Jeff Dennis and SMC Foundation Vice Chair Tom Ellspermann.

The committee is seeking to replace Dr. Joe Odenwald, who’s leaving SMC to become Alma College President next month.

Jerdon says the ad hoc committee will work with the HR Department to post advertisements and receive applications with an external search.

For now, the interim college president is Brent Brewer.