Alumni

Northern Michigan University alumnus Michael Plourde has been chosen as the new superintendent of Meridian Community Unit School District #223 in Illinois, effective July 1. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics/secondary education with a minor in geography/secondary education from NMU in 2005. 

Northern Michigan University 1997 social work alumna Jamie Langley serves as an in-school social worker for East Jackson Community Schools in Michigan, assisting kids through mental health issues and helping families find resources. She was the subject of a recent "Meet the Teacher" media profile on MLive.com.  

Lucas Quinteros, who graduated Dec. 14 with a degree in graphic design, earned the Best in Show Award for the work he created for NMU's Senior Art Exhibition.

NMU international studies alumnus Chris Wellens was promoted to assistant executive director at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, N.H. The nonprofit offers year-round programs for all ages designed to "preserve and pass down knowledge and skills that encourage an understanding of the natural systems that sustain us all and respect for the environment."

NMU environmental studies and sustainability alumna Emma Dillman's recent hire as a waste reduction educator for the Kent County (Michigan) Department of Public Works is featured in a Waste Today publication story. The 2021 graduate will help area residents and businesses learn how to reduce and repurpose waste.

Lucille Contois, former NMU professor and alumna, was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Marquette County Evergreen Award, which honors an individual who makes the county a better place for women and girls. The Upper Peninsula native has demonstrated her dedication to educating students at NMU, helping programs gain accreditation, and advocating for women with Marquette's Zonta Club.

Through gifts from private donors, Northern Michigan University's School of Nursing has acquired more advanced equipment that enhances student learning and safety while providing better career preparation for the equipment they will work with after graduation. The $50,000 in purchases include new long-term beds similar to those used in extended care facilities, new medical/surgical beds seen in hospital settings, tables that allow more flexible classroom configurations, and IV and urinary catheter models to practice on before dealing with actual patients in a clinical setting. 

Two Northern Michigan University alumni who co-founded Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), a Marquette-based company focused on keeping space clear of orbital debris, were selected from more than 10,000 nominees to join the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the category of Transportation & Mobility. An innovative technology prototype developed by KMI arrived at the International Space Station for testing in early November, and the company is a two-time winner of a Michigan Best Small Business Award. 

Northern Michigan University biology alumna Niyomi House was part of the Limelight Rainforest team awarded the $5 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The winners were announced at the G20 Social Summit Nov. 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. XPRIZE is “the world's leader in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity's grand challenges.” House ran the genetics subteam for Limelight.

Northern Michigan University alumna Frida Waara, a Marquette businesswoman, adventurer, storyteller and “U.P. ambassador,” will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree at NMU's mid-year commencement this month. She graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in French.