Two Northern Michigan University alumni were selected as recipients of 2025 Outstanding Faculty Awards from Bay College in Escanaba for exemplifying a deep commitment to student success and professional excellence. Tammra Houseman, who earned her NMU bachelor's degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement in 1994, was honored with the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award. Cassie Callahan, a 2019 BSN grad, was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award.
According to a Bay College release, Houseman serves as the lead instructor for the early childhood education program and brings more than 30 years of experience to her role. In addition to her NMU degree, she also holds a master's in early childhood studies from Walden University.
Houseman is an active contributor to multiple Upper Peninsula Early Childhood Advisories and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of educators and leaders in the field. Students describe her as exceptionally supportive, noting, “Tammra has gone above and beyond to help me with my classes. She provides detailed feedback and is always willing to support students in any way she can. She is sensitive to unique circumstances and understands that not every student learns the same way.”
Callahan is also a Bay College alumna, having graduated from both the practical nursing and associate degree in nursing programs before earning her BSN from Northern. She works as an ICU nurse at UPHS-Marquette. Callahan brings diverse clinical experience to her teaching, including roles in emergency medicine, home care and long-term care.
She has contributed to numerous patient safety initiatives and clinical policy development at UPHS-Marquette. A colleague noted, “Cassie is an excellent instructor, student advocate, and a tremendous representative of the nursing program. Her dedication to her students and the college is inspiring.”
Bay College President Nerita Hughes concluded the ceremony with heartfelt congratulations, stating, “These faculty members represent the best of Bay College. Their dedication, innovation, and tireless commitment to students make our institution truly exceptional.”