May 2023

Northern Michigan University Philosophy Professor Antony Aumann was a guest on the May 16 episode of Dr. Phil on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), titled “Artificial Intelligence: Too Smart for Our Own Good?” He was interviewed from NMU during the show, which also featured a studio panel of experts. Aumann shared his story, which has generated international media coverage, of reading a paper submitted in his class that appeared too well-written based on the student's previous performance. When Aumann questioned the real source, the student admitted the content was generated by an AI app.

Jill Hoffman of Skandia, a Northern Michigan University and the NMU Regional Police Academy instructor and assistant prosecuting attorney for the Marquette Prosecutor's Office, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. 

Northern Michigan University will serve as a host site for a free criminal conviction expungement eligibility clinic offered through the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 19, in 1318 Jamrich Hall. Not all criminal convictions are eligible for expungement under Michigan law, but individuals seeking to have theirs considered must pre-register by 5 p.m. Friday, May 12. 

The Northern Michigan University Wildcat Battalion commissioned nine NMU cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a ceremony held on May 6. The cadets took their oath of office and had bars pinned on their uniforms. Maj. Scott Little, department head and professor of Military Science, was the featured speaker at the ceremony.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved room and board rates for the 2023-2024 academic year, along with three new academic programs: a master of science in applied sports and exercise psychology; a graduate certificate in applied clinical psychology; and a cosmetology hair culturist certificate.

Northern Michigan University student Esther Byington received a belated lifesaving medal earlier this semester for her role in rescuing two women in distress after riding a personal watercraft in rough waters during high winds. The incident happened last summer, as Byington was working her second season with the Muskegon County Marine Services Crew.

While he was an undergraduate student at Northern Michigan University, Tom Isaacson (‘96 BS) began to consider the idea of becoming a professor. After initially working for five years in the public relations field, including with the Chicago White Sox, he earned a master's and doctorate. Isaacson “hit a home run” by joining the Northern faculty in 2012, making his dream a reality. He is an associate professor of public relations in NMU's College of Business. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees awarded a posthumous associate of arts degree in general university studies to the parents of Carson Needham, a student from Traverse City who was tragically killed in a February head-on car crash with a wrong-way driver while returning to campus from downstate.

Northern Michigan University has announced the poster presentation winners from its Celebration of Student Scholarship held April 20. Categories included undergraduate lower division, undergraduate upper division, graduate projects, group projects and the people's choice award. 

Northern Michigan University academic departments have announced their outstanding graduating seniors and graduate students. Most will receive their degrees at NMU's spring commencement on Saturday, May 6, in the Superior Dome.