DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews has announced he will retire Dec. 31.

SMC’s longest serving president, Mathews joined SMC in 1997 as Dean of Arts and Sciences and Instructional Innovation, and was promoted to Vice President of Instruction in 1998. Mathews was appointed the seventh president of the college in 2001.

“I will turn 60 years old during this coming academic year,” Mathews said in a press release from the college. “I have a number of personal adventures that I would still like to complete, but that simply would not be possible while serving as college president.”

In his 18 years as president, Mathews has developed and executed 18 consecutive balanced budgets.

“Student success has been President Mathews’ top priority for his entire career at SMC,” said Tom Jerdon, chairman of SMC’s Board of Trustees. “SMC has achieved exceptional student success including student retention rates in the top 10 percent nationally, exceptional student success rates relative to peers, outstanding transfer student success rates, a consistent rise in student satisfaction, and a 66 percent increase in the number of associate degrees awarded each year.”

Jerdon said Mathews has advanced the college in his 22 years there through a comprehensive strategic planning process, and has consistently invested in more full-time faculty. The number of full-time positions has grown from 45 in 1997 to 60 in the 2018-19 school year.

“The appraised value of SMC’s physical plant has more than tripled during his time as president, from $36 million in 2001 to $127.87 million in 2018,” Jerdon said. “College growth under Mathews also includes the construction of three self-supporting residence halls, all built without increasing local tax rates.”

The chairman said Mathews has secured $12.85 million in state funding for SMC building projects, including Mathews Conference Center East, and the Kairis, Daughterty, O’Leary and nursing buildings.

“I have enjoyed working for such a committed Board of Trustees, and with a truly exceptional group of administrators, staff, and faculty,” Mathews said. “I appreciate the opportunity that I have had to make a difference at SMC, and I especially appreciate everyone’s commitment to student success in every decision that is made at the College. I will assist the board in every possible way to ensure that the college experiences a smooth and successful transition to new presidential leadership.”