Around NMU

Former Northern Michigan University President John X. Jamrich passed away Sunday, Feb. 20, in Savannah, Ga., at the age of 101. He served as NMU's eighth president from 1968 until his retirement in 1983. His 15-year tenure—the third-longest of any Northern president—was marked by tremendous growth in enrollment, academic programs and community outreach.

In an effort to ensure active engagement among all constituency groups, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) at Northern Michigan University has revised its timeline. Campus interviews with finalists will take place in September, with NMU's next president ideally selected by the end of that month, shortly after Homecoming.

Northern Michigan University's Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, at Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free and masks are required for all individuals inside NMU facilities. 

Northern Michigan University alumna Melissa “Missie” Holmquist has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the NMU Board of Trustees. She is the president and CEO of Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) in Marquette.

Northern Michigan University students have access to NMU alumni around the world on Wildcats Connect, an online platform for sharing information, asking/offering advice, building relationships and more. Faculty and staff are also welcome to participate. 

Northern Michigan University will host the Uniting Neighbors in the Experience of Diversity (UNITED) Conference Tuesday and Wednesday, March 8-9. UNITED is a conference focused on personal stories and experiences of diversity, as well as opportunities for self-growth and practical workshops to promote diversity on campus. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved a revised structure for the Academic Affairs Division, effective July 1. Extended Learning and Community Engagement, which includes the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, will move under Academic Affairs rather than continue as a separate division.

The UP200 Sled Dog Race, an Iditarod qualifier that starts and finishes in Marquette, will officially be “powered by” Northern Michigan University, beginning in 2023. NMU will become a Gold Sled Sponsor with naming rights for the event, building on a longstanding relationship with the U.P. Sled Dog Association. The official name for the 2023 race will be “UP200 – Powered by NMU.”