Introducing Alma College’s 14th President

GRACE MAIN
STAFF WRITER

2/17/2025

Alma College recently announced its 14th president, Dr. Joe Odenwald, who will enter his role on campus June 2025. 

Under his previous presidency at Southwestern Michigan College, Odenwald increased enrollment, implemented online classes, renovated athletic facilities and academic buildings and brought funding to advance the college. With this experience, Odenwald is excited to take on this new position at Alma. 

“I wanted to go back to where I come from — the residential, liberal arts environment where I started my collegiate educational journey and received a Bachelor of Arts degree,” said Odenwald. 

Odenwald received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana College which, like Alma, is also a small private college. After graduating, he studied at Mississippi College earning his Master’s of Science, and then the University of Southern Mississippi where he got his Doctor of Education. 

Following the University of Southern Mississippi, he earned his Master’s of Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University. Odenwald also has a Certificate in Fundraising Management earned from his studies at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. 

Part of the liberal arts education includes involvement in many organizations around campus. Knowing this, Odenwald has a goal of familiarizing himself with the campus community on a personal level. 

“I will be a present president. I look forward to attending many events — inclusive of academics, arts and athletics — and hope to create, with the input of our leadership team, opportunities for regular ongoing engagement with students,” said Odenwald. 

“Broadly, I believe Dr. Odenwald will bring energy and passion to the brand of Alma College. In interviews, he highlighted his understanding for the unique opportunities that Alma College offers to their students, and the amazing accomplishments our students and alumni achieve. Bolstering this brand will help in enrollment, advancement and student life,” said Toby Layson (‘25), Student Representative on the Presidential Search Committee. 

Odenwald’s emphasis on alumni engagement and the legacy of Alma College students is an important part of his goals as president. 

“To our esteemed alumni and friends, I look forward to meeting you and learning about all the doors, intellectually and otherwise, Alma College has opened for you. In the coming years, our work will enhance the value and visibility of your degree,” said Odenwald in his email introduction to the campus community. 

As the campus is also in the face of enrollment difficulties, Odenwald’s history may prove to be beneficial for increasing student numbers. 

“He brings a distinctive understanding of the community college experience, noting with excitement that that knowledge is extremely valuable as more students are expected to transfer from community college institutions in the future with the recent Michigan tuition-free community college guarantee,” said Layson. 

In the fall, Michigan began the Community College Guarantee, available to all graduating high school seniors, tuition and fees are now free. 

Going forward, Odenwald plans on getting in touch with the campus before arriving in June, and before the 2025-2026 school year begins. 

“I intend to meet with students before the end of the winter term. I hope as well to spend the summer meeting with alumni, faculty and staff as much as the schedule permits,” said Odenwald.