Tessman Says NMU in Compliance with DEI Laws

Apr. 15, 2025 —
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.

Hocking to Speak at Commencement, Receive Honorary Degree

Apr. 14, 2025 —
Former Northern Michigan University theater student and Broadway veteran Leah Hocking will be the keynote speaker for NMU's May 3 commencement. The Marquette native will also receive an honorary Doctor of Theater Studies degree. Hocking has appeared in 10 Broadway musicals. Her roles included Mum in "Billy Elliot," Donna Sheridan in "Mama Mia," Sarah Brown in "Guys and Dolls," Velma Von Tussle in "Hairspray," Lucy in "Jekyll and Hyde" and Marty in "Grease." She was also nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her performance as Mrs. Wilkinson in the national tour of "Billy Elliot" at The Kennedy Center.  

Brito is Student Commencement Speaker

Apr. 14, 2025 —
Rosalva Brito, a criminal justice major and Spanish minor from Chicago, will be the student speaker at Northern Michigan University's May 3 commencement. The first-generation student said she chose to attend NMU primarily because of scholarships she qualified for as the dependent of a veteran that made the cost more affordable, and because of its safe, friendly and beautiful environment.

Resolving Nile River Conflicts Through Science

Apr. 11, 2025 —
Grand Ethiopian Resonance Dam (GERD), the largest hydropower dam in Africa, has caused intense energy and water conflicts between Nile River countries. Scientists from around the world have conducted research and proposed solutions to help mitigate these conflicts. Dr. Jongeun You, assistant professor from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Northern Michigan University, contributed to these scholarly efforts and co-authored a publication in Communications Earth & Environment, a Nature journal. It was recently selected as one of the Top 25 papers of 2024 by the journal.