"The New York Times" recently featured a piece written by Northern Michigan University English professor Rachel May titled "Love is Not a Tally Sheet." May reflected on adopting a son born prematurely, against her parents' strong objections, and what single parenting taught her about accepting help. May is the author of "An American Quilt" and is working on a memoir. 

NMU alumnus Greg Quayle of Champion was featured on the 'Today' show during a segment titled "Power of Gratitude: The Positive Effects of Giving Thanks." His daughter, Lindy, and wife, Linda, were both diagnosed with rare forms of cancer within five years of each other. During the televised segment, the women read letters to Quayle expressing gratitude for his love and support during their difficult times. See the introduction and full segment here.

Apple pie is a popular dessert served at many holiday celebrations. The regional cultivation history of the fruit, from native crab apples to modern hobby orchards, is the subject of a book co-authored by NMU professor of history emeritus Russ Magnaghi and alumnus David Smith (‘18 BS). Apple Culture in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin Border is described as the first study dealing with an aspect of agriculture in an area better known for mining and timber.

Northern Michigan University alumna Jessica Betz took advantage of a collaborative program that allows students a seamless pathway from NMU's education specialist (EdS) degree to Central Michigan University's doctor of education (EdD). She recently became the first individual to complete the latter, as she successfully defended her dissertation titled “A Phenomenological Study of Remote, Rural Teacher Induction.”

Fueled by the rapid growth of its first-in-the-nation medicinal plant chemistry program, Northern Michigan University recently held a dedication for its new Shimadzu Analytical Core Laboratory for Medicinal Plant Sciences. Undergraduate students in the rigorous chemistry program have rare access to cutting-edge instrumentation and technology applicable to numerous career options in and beyond the burgeoning cannabis industry.