DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- The leadership at Southwestern Michigan College has responded to allegations about their new president, Brent Brewer, who is the subject of a Change.org petition questioning his qualifications and pointing to documented allegations of domestic violence. 

"The college is well aware of those past allegations," said SMC Board of Trustees Chair Tom Jerdon.

"After further investigation, all of the initial domestic violence charges were dropped. The SMC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Brewer as interim president. Trustees had the opportunity to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Brewer and have full confidence in his ability to effectively lead SMC. As we said in February, the Board of Trustees will discuss and determine next steps for filling the president’s position on a permanent basis in October."

Outside of the claims of violence against his wife, the petition claims that Brewer does not hold a doctoral degree and his only experience in higher education is his tenure at SMC.

"Brewer does not hold a doctoral degree. Dr. Odenwald and the two previous presidents held doctoral degrees, a standard that elevated the institution’s credibility and leadership excellence," the petition reads.

"Presidents of neighboring community colleges all hold doctoral degrees, reinforcing the expectation of the strongest academic and professional qualifications for such a leadership role."

Brewer is set to take over in his new role as interim president on May 11, 2025. 

“I’m incredibly grateful that both the prosecutor's office and the college conducted thorough reviews in the matter, allowing the truth to come out," Brewer said. "That chapter is behind me, and I’m excited for this new role and the opportunity to lead this institution forward as interim president."