Innovate Marquette SmartZone (Innovate Marquette) and SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University (NMU) have announced dates and programming for the second annual Innovation Week. The professional development conference brings together thought leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs to inspire, enlighten and spark curiosity.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Phil Gilchrist is the new executive director of Advancing Macomb, a nonprofit organization that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich the lives of Macomb County residents. His role involves program oversight, financial administration, strategic planning and execution, marketing and public relations.

NMU alumna Nanette Hanson, the 2023 Michigan State Teacher of the Year, was honored on the field before the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 8, and stayed to watch the Michigan Wolverines win the trophy. She is a first-grade teacher at Lemmer Elementary School in Escanaba. The recognition was part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers program.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman will share campus updates and answer questions while connecting with alumni and friends during a Northern Now virtual event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

Northern Michigan University is among the 12 “Best U.S. Colleges and Universities to Get Outdoors and/or Pursue an Outdoors Career,” according to a listing posted by Outdoors.com, founded by adventurer and TV host Bear Grylls in partnership with the Nashville-based firm Savage Ventures.