Around NMU

In an effort to preserve the Anishinaabe language for future generations, Northern Michigan University and Bay Mills Community College recently signed an articulation agreement that will allow students to complete a two-year associate of arts degree in Anishinaabe language instruction at BMCC, then seamlessly transfer to NMU for the final two years to complete a bachelor of science degree in Native American studies, with potential for a Michigan Anishinaabemowin K-12 teaching certificate. This creates the state's first pathway for teachers to earn such an endorsement, according to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University has brought back two of its most popular exhibitions for the months of July and August, “Remnants: Ghost Towns of the Upper Peninsula” and “The Polar Bears: U.P. Soldiers in the Northern Russian Expeditionary Force 1918-1919” are on display in the center's gallery in Gries Hall from noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Aug. 30. Admission is free.

Northern Michigan University will permanently close two dirt roads on campus—Neidhart and Norwood—located east and south of the Woodland Park Apartments, effective Wednesday, July 9. The area will eventually be restored to a natural state with interpretive trails and outdoor lab space as part of the university's Wildcat Way/Landscape Maintenance Plan. Initial work to develop a portion of the Woodland Park Garden concept will begin this week.

Northern Michigan University's new dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies (CHSPS) is Liz Wuorinen, who had served in the same role on an interim basis since July 2024.

Northern Michigan University English Professor Kel Sassi has been elected vice president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English (MCTE). She is only the second person from the Upper Peninsula to serve in the presidential cycle in the organization's 103-year history. Her term began July 1 and will continue for the next four years as she progresses from vice president to president-elect, president and then past-president for MCTE. 

The spring 2025 issue of "BioMatters," the only statewide publication showcasing Michigan's bioscience community, features a story titled “Building a Skilled Workforce: Northern Michigan University and Able Medical Devices Collaborate to Drive Talent Retention in Michigan.”

Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees has approved 2025-26 tuition and fee rates that support contractual obligations, healthcare costs and investment in financial aid. The cost of attending NMU also will remain competitive, continuing as second-most affordable among the state's 15 public institutions.

Nicole Blemberg was announced today as interim chief executive officer for the NMU Foundation following the departure of Brad Canale. The NMU Foundation is the organization that oversees Northern Michigan University's advancement efforts.

Northern Michigan University has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the LER Accelerator, a national initiative focused on advancing accessible, interoperable Learning and Employment Record (LER) systems. As one of only 25 nationwide chosen for participation, NMU's project will help pioneer innovative approaches to digital credentialing that enhance learner employability, integrate academic and workforce competencies, and align with state and national workforce needs.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman and his wife, Kristin, have personally experienced the life-changing benefits of student high-impact practices such as study abroad and undergraduate research. They have also watched talented students miss out on such opportunities for financial reasons. The couple made a $50,000 gift to the NMU Foundation to establish a Student High-Impact Practices Fund, which will support mini-grants for faculty to design experiential learning opportunities including internships, research, capstone projects and fieldwork experiences. The fund will also help to alleviate expenses associated with engaging in such experiences for individual students facing financial hardship.