Around NMU

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved room and board rates for the 2025-2026 academic year, along with a bond authorization to fund two new apartment complexes that will better meet the demand for student housing. The board also agreed to launch four new academic programs in the fall: bachelor of science in early childhood education teacher certification, birth-kindergarten; bachelor of applied science in cannabis and plant-based wellness operations; associate of science in psychology; and a master of science in sustainability.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman told a packed university forum audience in the Northern Center Ballrooms that a recent audit of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts conducted in response to the related White House executive order makes him and NMU's legal counsel confident that the university is in compliance with all DEI-related state and federal laws.

Northern Michigan University hosted an April 2 celebration on campus to honor 2025 Stephen Young & Tricia Kinney Distinguished Faculty Award recipient Paul Truckey, as well as 10 NMU faculty members who received 2024 awards of excellence for teaching, scholarship, technology innovation and leadership. 

Nine-year-old Oskar Alan of Marquette had a strong desire to pursue Nordic skiing, but his balance, coordination and strength are compromised by cerebral palsy, preventing him from engaging in the activity from a standing position. Undeterred, and with support from the Superiorland Ski Club (SSC), he tested a borrowed commercial sit-ski last winter and was hooked after his first run. Now more children with disabilities have an opportunity to participate in the sport, thanks to the efforts of Northern Michigan University Engineering Technology faculty. They built four sit-skis for the SSC, saving the nonprofit money and advancing its initiative to promote inclusion and belonging among youth skiers.

Suzanna Guinn of Marquette said she considers nursing the “Swiss army knife” of undergraduate degrees, both for the skills and knowledge it encompasses and the wide range of career opportunities and potential work settings. Her academic major was inspired in part by her parents' experience in the field. They will no doubt be watching with pride as she delivers the student commencement address at NMU's Dec. 14 ceremony.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman invited a small group of alumni and friends to meet to learn more about the university's new strategic plan, Our Compass, and its grand challenges, goals and success measurements. Several were on campus Sunday and Monday (Oct. 20-21) to tour facilities; meet with students, faculty and staff; and discuss strategic plan goals and ideas. The group included Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks and a 1975 NMU communications graduate, who hosted a “fireside chat” with selected students in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern's iconic, modern-era Wildcat Willy mascot was first conceived in 1984, when then-hockey coach and current athletic director Rick Comley tapped student Jay McQuillan to pioneer a design for a suited figure that would energize the environment at athletic events, increase school spirit and provide a unified look for all NMU teams. But an early incarnation of a mascot was actually a live female bobcat named … Bobby.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today approved a fiscal year 2024-2025 general fund operating budget that includes $2.6 million in new investments and initiatives that align with NMU's strategic priorities.

In his fall convocation ushering in a new academic year, Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman outlined a trio of “grand challenges” that NMU will focus on moving forward, and updated the university's core values and mission/vision statements. All are included in the close-to-final version of the “Our Compass” strategic plan, and were the direct result of extensive engagement opportunities on campus and in the community last year.

Northern Michigan University is partnering with Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette to launch Wildcat Gold, a new beer created by alumni, for alumni, in celebration of NMU's 125th anniversary. The gold lager will make its debut at the next Alumni Friday event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 23, at the Blackrocks Brewery Pub. It will also be offered at the Homecoming football game tailgate party on Saturday, Sept. 21, and at Wildcat hockey games this season, while quantities last.