Glen Oaks is nestled in the rolling hills of Sherman Township

In 1827, the first election held in White Pigeon, polled 14 votes; four years later, over 200 votes. In 1829, as growth continued, St. Joseph County was organized and local government established on the township system.

In the pioneering tradition of their forefathers, the progressive citizens of St. Joseph County, in April of 1965, sought and received approval from the State of Michigan to organize a community college for their county. On June 14, 1965, St. Joseph County voters authorized the establishment of Glen Oaks Community College by electing a Board of Trustees and approving a charter millage for its operation and support. Glen Oaks Community College opened its doors in the fall of 1967.

Glen Oaks is located just outside Centreville, equidistant between Three Rivers and Sturgis, St. Joseph County’s two largest towns. Nestled in the hills of Sherman Township, the college overlooks Lake Templene.

The college is located about 30 miles south of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and 45 miles from South Bend and Angola, Indiana. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Trine University and The University of Notre Dame are within easy driving distances for advanced educational opportunities for St. Joseph County’s 62,000 residents.

The area is primarily agricultural, with heavy to light industry focused in Sturgis and Three Rivers. Located midway between Chicago and Detroit on the “Chicago Trail,” it has the potential for vast economic and population growth. The area also abounds in lakes and rolling hills, affording many opportunities for a variety of recreational activities year round. Citizens are fortunate to be served by modern medical facilities and by well-supported public educational facilities. An energetic civic outreach program supports the educational, cultural, and economic community and assures growth and progress.

The character of the college, its communities, and its people are shaped by its pristine rural location, the nearby influence of one of the Midwest’s largest Amish populations, a widespread acceptance of a traditional work ethic, a history of solid community support for the college, and continual opportunities for educational and community service which have presented themselves.