Alumni

NMU alumna Lina Blair recently embarked on a new professional role as dean of Student Life at Ferris State University. She previously worked at Grand Rapids Community College as director of Student Life, and at NMU in various capacities, including assistant dean of students.

NMU alumna Allison Watkins is profiled in a feature story on the benefits of a Michigan Municipal League training initiative that helps women advance their skills and leadership abilities to become strong local government managers. Watkins has served as Newberry village manager since 2019. Despite her extensive experience as HR and community relations director for Newberry, and working with AmeriCorps NCCC, she recalled having imposter syndrome, a feeling she was not where she should be.

Northern Michigan University alumnus and retired Emmet County Circuit Judge Charles Johnson of Petoskey recently donned his robe again to preside over a July jury trial at the Marquette County Courthouse. He is one of two grant-funded visiting judges helping to clear the county's backlog of criminal cases. As Johnson sat behind the bench in the historic courtroom, which also served as a pivotal location in the book and film “Anatomy of a Murder,” he developed a sense of déjà vu.

NMU 1995 criminal justice alumnus John Gudwer is Escanaba's new director of Public Safety. He was recently promoted from his previous role as detective/lieutenant after the former director retired.

Northern Michigan University 1987 financial management alumnus Joe Havican has been promoted to senior loan officer with First Bank, Upper Michigan. He joined the organization in 2022 as vice president, commercial loan officer in the Marquette office.  

The Northern Michigan University student-dominated crew that produces video coverage of Wildcat hockey games surpassed seven larger institutions nationwide in its division to win the outstanding live game production award in the Sports Video Group (SVG) 2023 College Sports Media Awards. The five-minute video clip they submitted for the competition showed the conclusion of a Wildcat hockey game in which NMU beat rival Michigan Tech in overtime on a breakaway goal.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman will meet with NMU alumni and friends at a reception-style event from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at the Houghton venue Bonfire at The Continental Fire Company. He will provide a university update and chat with attendees over complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages. 

Marcus Tucker, a 2016 Northern Michigan University criminal justice alumnus and former Wildcat football star, is the new head coach of Westwood High School's varsity football team. He played professionally over six years with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 

Dr. Ashley Parent, a 2012 Northern Michigan University graduate, has joined the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program as a faculty member, according to an announcement from UP Health Systems and Michigan State University. 

NMU alumni Becca Fitch and Grace Krajenka have published their research projects in peer-reviewed international scientific journals. The students each worked for more than two years in the Cumberlidge Crustacean Systematics Laboratory and Museum in NMU's Biology Department under the supervision of Professor Neil Cumberlidge.