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.
"This initiative is about ensuring every NMU student—no matter how they arrive here—has a fair shot at success,” said Brock Tessman. “If you're willing to put in the work, you should have the opportunity to engage in the kinds of experiences that shape futures. That belief aligns perfectly with Northern's mission and our evolving strategic priorities. We're thrilled to contribute to a vision where lives are transformed through access and opportunity. Whether it's exploring a national park, joining a research team or studying in another country, these opportunities broaden horizons, build confidence and shape lives. We know what it's like to have to walk away from those experiences because of financial barriers, and we want fewer students to face that choice.
"Some of the most transformative moments in a student's college experience happen outside the classroom—when they're in unfamiliar environments, solving real problems, and realizing they're capable of more than they thought. Our hope is that this fund helps create those moments for more Wildcats, and that faculty and students alike can deepen their connections through high-impact learning."
Preference for funds to cover housing, transportation and other internship expenses will be given to low-income, first-generation students. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne Dahlman will select a committee to review applications and determine the number and amounts of grants awarded.
“The university community is extremely grateful for this generous gift from Brock and Kristin Tessman,” said Dahlman. “Brock is known as the president who always puts students first, and this gift is a testament to this priority. We know that students who engage in experiences as part of their school work not only are more successful in school and graduate, but also are better prepared for their careers and professional lives after college.”
Dahlman added that the third Grand Challenge in NMU's “Our Compass” strategic plan compels the university to bring these types of high-impact experiences to students from all backgrounds. The fund will assist students who would not be able to participate due to financial barriers. Many work full-time to help pay for college.
Information on the selection process and timing for the Student High-Impact Practices Fund will be shared early in the fall semester.