Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees announces the hiring of its new vice president of instruction and chief academic officer.

Dr. David Fleming began his duties on May 2.

Fleming, of Caledonia, worked for the past 15 years at Davenport University and most recently held the position of provost and executive vice president for academics.

While at Davenport, Fleming was responsible for courses at all of the university’s 21 locations and for faculty development and assessment.

Earlier in his career, he served as division chair of English, communication and humanities and as fulltime faculty in the English department.

Fleming holds a doctorate in English from Indiana University, as well as both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from West Virginia University.

According to SMC President Dr. David Mathews, “This new position was created in response to the unprecedented enrollment growth at SMC over the past five years. Since 2006, enrollments at Southwestern Michigan College have grown by an incredible 60 percent.

“We are committed to maintaining the college’s impressive student success rates, and we are also committed to maintaining what the college is also known for: ‘Excellence with a Personal Touch.’ Our national search for an experienced academic leader with complete commitment to student success identified Dr. Fleming as the ideal candidate. We are fortunate to have him join the college’s leadership team.”