NMU English Professor Russell Thorburn recently wrapped up an eventful academic year. He published his latest poetry book, “Let It Be Told in a Single Breath,” and used NMU's Studio 102 online media production space to experiment with a video podcast idea titled “Poetic Conversations with NMU Students.” He recorded two segments: one with Alessandro Scialanga from Sutri, Italy, who is also a member of the Wildcat soccer team; and one with Jennifer Figler, a nontraditional student and mother.

Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees has approved 2024-25 tuition and fee rates that support strategic goals of removing barriers to student access, investing in faculty/staff and infrastructure, and maintaining the university's financial strength and sustainability. The cost of attending NMU also will remain competitive, continuing as second-most affordable among the state's 15 public institutions.

Not long before a distant relative was among four students killed in the 2021 Oxford High shooting, Northern Michigan University alumnus John Hebert had co-founded a new business that provides full-time, onsite K9 teams certified for firearm and explosives detection to schools and other public entities. The irony of the timing is not lost on Hebert, but he said his personal connection to the tragedy only fueled his drive to offer additional measures to enhance safety for students, teachers and staff.

A multi-function seat belt buckle intended for space travel, developed by Northern Michigan University alumnus Curt Tucker and co-inventor Jacob Avery, is being reviewed by NASA Johnson Space Center engineers. This is just one of the innovative products Tucker has developed. Applications range from motorsports and military safety to medical mobility devices such as a wheelchair and docking system, next-generation crutches and a state-of-the-art physical therapy and nursing sling.