Strategic Plan

Broadband Expansion Receives Federal Funding

Computer use (stock photo)
Mar. 11, 2022 —
The $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package that passed the U.S. House and Senate and was signed by President Joe Biden last week includes $1.2 million in congressionally directed spending that will enable Northern Michigan University to expand LTE broadband service to rural communities in the Upper Peninsula and northeastern Lower Peninsula through its Educational Access Network (EAN).

New Wildcat Statue Unveiled

Wildcat statue
Sep. 21, 2018 —
Northern’s new bronze wildcat statue, a much-anticipated addition to the campus landscape, was unveiled and dedicated Sept. 21. The statue was made possible through a gift from the estate of former NMU Board of Trustees chair and longtime NMU supporter Gil Ziegler (’60 BS).

NMU, BMCC Sign Transfer Agreement

Bay Mills Community College President Duane Bedell is pictured center, between former NMU President Brock Tessman and current Interim President Gavin Leach at the late June signing ceremony on campus, which was also attended by representatives of NMU's Center for Native American Studies and School of Education.
Jul. 10, 2025 —
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).

NMU Selected for National LER Accelerator Cohort to Advance Digital Credentialing

Brad Hamel, NMU
Jun. 18, 2025 —
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.

Tessmans Establish Student High-Impact Practices Fund

Kristin and Brock Tessman
Jun. 18, 2025 —
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.

NMU Offers Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Isaacson (right) and a student in NMU's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
Jun. 17, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University will offer a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Students who complete a bachelor's degree can ladder into the master's degree program for advanced training to become skilled professionals in the field while remaining in the Upper Peninsula, where there is a strong demand for related services. Applications for the first cohort in summer 2026 will be accepted starting this fall through Jan. 15.