The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees honored several of the college’s staff — as well as one of its own — during the members’ meeting last week at the Dowagiac campus.

Nursing and Health Services Dean Rebecca Jellison, of Cassopolis, received her five-year service pin from Trustee Dr. Heidi Grabemeyer-Layman. Jellison holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Goshen College. She previously was the Elkhart General Hospital nursing manager.

Admissions Systems Manager Cathy Feirick, of Dowagiac, was awarded her 15-year service pin by Trustee Beth Cripe. Previously employed with Dowagiac Union Schools, Feirick started at the college as a part-time information center receptionist, then became the full-time switchboard operator.

Laura Skillings(right), of Niles, director of EXCEL student support services, accepted her 10-year service pin from Trustee Becky Moore. Skillings has a master’s degree in counseling and career development and a bachelor’s degree in history, both from Colorado State University. She was employed previously with Colby, Kansas, Community College’s student support services program.

Vice Chairman Keith McKenzie awarded Board Secretary William M. White his 25-year service pin. White, of Jones, has been on the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees since 1992. After graduating from Cassopolis High School, White attended SMC and continued his education at Michigan State University.

He and his wife, Susan, have five children, and farm with sons Jon and Andy. White Hall was named for him in 2013. White belongs to Cass County Farm Bureau and Michigan Pork Producers, and is secretary of the LaPorte County Farm Bureau Cooperative Association.

“Bill’s been one of my mentors on the SMC board and in life,” said Chairman Thomas F. Jerdon. “He’s one of the wisest people I’ve ever known. When things get tense, his sense of humor lightens things. SMC’s very lucky to have Bill White as a trustee.”