Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations has announced six recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards: Ann (Wheeler) Cashin, OD ('69 BA) of Port Washington, Wis. and Patrick Cashin, OD ('66 BA, '69 MAE) of Port Washington, Wis., Distinguished Alumni; Jim Thorburn ('91 BS) of Livonia, Mich., Alumni Achievement; Ryan McAllister, Ph.D. ('10 BS) of Roselle, N.J. and Megan Persons ('12 BS) of Grand Rapids, Mich., Outstanding Young Alumni; and Jim Mansfield ('61 BS, '64 MAE) of Spokane, Wash., Alumni Service – Community.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a three-year contract for NMU's newly established Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) union at a special meeting July 2. POAM members had unanimously ratified the agreement on June 20.

Northern Michigan University has launched the Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project Site, an initiative that aims to support teachers in developing their own writing skills and teaching practices, ultimately enhancing student achievement in writing across the Upper Great Lakes region. It is part of the prestigious National Writing Project (NWP) network.

Northern Michigan University's Criminal Justice Department will begin offering a new crime scene investigation (CSI) certificate this fall. The 16-credit program provides foundational instruction in criminal investigative techniques, forensic disciplines, crime scene reconstruction and evidence processing. The credential will benefit students who seek to gain entry-level employment in related fields.  

Northern Michigan University has received $35,000 from the U.S. Department of State to initiate study-abroad opportunities for education students that will better prepare them to humanize diverse populations and cultures in their teaching careers. NMU was one of 37 universities—and the only one in Michigan—to share in $1.3 million awarded via the 2024 Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) program grant competition.