Southwestern Michigan College has narrowed its search for a new president down to four candidates.

The SMC Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee received 128 applications over a six-week period that ended August 17. At a special public meeting of the board on September 5, the committee recommended a slate of twelve candidates for interviews, and at a special meeting this week, the board unanimously agreed to host in-person interviews with the four finalists. They are Billy Franklin, Dr. Kevin McCaskey, Dr. Klint Pleasant, and Dr. Jonathan Swarts.

SMC Board Chair Tom Jerdon says the finalists offer a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and leadership qualities.

The finalist visits and public interviews will be the week of October 20, and the college has a goal of having a contract with its new president in place by the end of the year.

SMC’s eighth president, Dr. Joe Odenwald, resigned in February. Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Brent Brewer has been serving as interim president.