March 2021

Based on concerns expressed by employees and students about the scarcity of local child care options, Northern Michigan University has signed a contract with WeeCare, the largest network of licensed child care providers in the United States.

Northern Michigan University ranks 24th among the nation's best bachelor's degree programs in organizational/applied workplace leadership and 30th for its bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship, according to national rankings released by Study.com.

A Northern Michigan University surgical technology student is missing the winter semester to serve alongside her dad in Washington, D.C. with Marquette's Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion of the Michigan National Guard. Spc. Carlie Mattonen and Sgt. 1st Class Carl Mattonen initially provided support during the presidential inauguration. They returned later as part of the follow-up mission helping the U.S. Capitol Police.

After making history last month as the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl, Sarah Thomas will give a virtual presentation through Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities titled “Breaking Through: A Journey to Becoming the First Female NFL Official.” Her talk is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, and can be viewed by the public via Zoom. 

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson will hold a virtual community forum to provide an update on several university topics. The event is scheduled at noon Tuesday, March 16. 

Northern Michigan University's Anishnaabe News is celebrating a timely milestone with a relaunch by releasing its digital 50th anniversary edition. Originally titled Nishnawbe News, it grew to a circulation of more than 8,000 worldwide, was once the second-largest Indian publication in North America and received acclaim in publications like The New York Times and Time magazine before its first hiatus in October 1983.

Northern Michigan University has been designated a "Voter Friendly Campus" through an initiative led by two national nonpartisan organizations: Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project (CVP); and NAPSA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Both held participating institutions accountable for planning and implementing practices that encouraged students to register and vote in 2020 elections and in the coming years. 

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will reopen its gallery to the general public on Monday, March 8. Visitation will be limited to six people at one time. Reservations, face masks and proper social distancing are required. The center's current exhibition is titled “Conflict and Resolve: Labor in the Upper Peninsula.” 

Northern Michigan University's Invent@NMU business incubator has received a $320,000 grant to continue offering innovative support services for entrepreneurs across the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Strategic Fund recently approved several grants to support initiatives throughout the state.