April 2021

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a recommendation that there be no increase in the standard room and board rate for a traditional residence hall for the 2021-22 academic year.

Northern Michigan University English Professor Kia Jane Richmond is the first recipient of the newly endowed Stephen Young & Tricia Kinley Distinguished Faculty Award, NMU's top honor for significant professional contributions to teaching, scholarship and service. Richmond will be recognized during the May 1 virtual commencement. She was previously the student-selected faculty speaker for December 2020 graduates.

To increase inclusivity, Northern Michigan University introduced a new tool for its existing EduCat learning management system this past semester. More than 600 courses used Ally software to automatically check for accessibility issues and generate alternative formats for common course content, and students downloaded more than 5,000 related materials. Ally increases usability for all students, particularly those with learning disabilities such as visual impairments and dyslexia. It also gives faculty feedback and training on how to improve accessibility.

Northern Michigan University's May 1 virtual commencement will feature 24 graduates who have earned an Honors Program designation, the most since the program's inception in fall 1998. This follows another achievement last fall, when the Honors Program recorded its largest incoming cohort ever, with 88 new students.

Northern Michigan University's School of Health and Human Performance will celebrate the first graduates of its new Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program on Saturday. Four students have completed the requirements of the inaugural “3+2” program. They will earn both a bachelor's degree in sports science and an MSAT—176 credits in all—and be among all graduates honored during NMU's virtual commencement.

Spencer Cota of Highland, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University College of Technology and Occupational Sciences 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. A first-generation college student, Cota is graduating May 1 with a bachelor's degree in construction management. 

Emily Kendall of Faribault, Minn., has been named the Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. Kendall will earn her bachelor's degree in theatre and entertainment arts May 1. 

Amanda Newton of Oswego, Ill., has been named the Northern Michigan University Social Work Department 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. She will earn her bachelor's degree May 1. 

Hannah Holma of Marquette, Mich., has been named one of three Northern Michigan University Social Work Department 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate students. She will earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree May 1. 

Katreena Hite, a Gwinn native and current Ishpeming resident, has been named one of three Northern Michigan University Social Work Department 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate students. She will earn a Master of Social Work degree May 1. Her concentration is in public policy and administration.