Northern Today Archive | Northern Today

NMU Trustee Profile: Venus Joy Brown

Feb. 5, 2026

Venus Joy Brown describes herself as “a connector who helps people be better, do better and perform better.” This quality contributed to her recognition as one of nine “Sisters with Superpowers” by rollingout.com two years ago. It is also a guiding mantra for her career in organizational effectiveness and leadership development, her community service, and her role as a Northern Michigan University trustee.

Brown visited the United Nations with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

NMU Board Special Meeting Friday

Feb. 5, 2026

A special meeting of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees will be held remotely via Zoom at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6. The agenda includes three items: amended February 2026 meeting; board committee appointments for calendar year 2026; and construction authorization. The meeting will be live-streamed at the following link:https://nmuwildcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=d16a6e8f-2f64-48d6-a7c2-b3e800ea55ac

NMU Jazz Concert Feb. 11

Feb. 4, 2026

Northern Michigan University's Music Department will host a free jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The event will feature the NMU Jazz Band, composed of nearly 20 players representing various academic majors and directed by Mark Flaherty, along with two smaller ensembles coached by Patrick Booth.

NMU Hosts UP 200 Warm-Up Party and Warming Tent

Feb. 4, 2026

Northern Michigan University will host two free public activities during the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 13. A warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café, attended by new NMU President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer, is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls will be available.

Lanctot's Art Exhibition Opens in Hancock

Feb. 4, 2026

Emily Lanctot, a Northern Michigan University alumna who serves as director and curator of NMU's DeVos Art Museum, will showcase her own paintings in a Hancock exhibition titled “Salaiset Ruokaohjeet: Secret Recipes.” An opening reception will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, and the exhibition will remain on display through March 5 at Finlandia Art Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center.

One of Lanctot's paintings for the exhibition

NMU Hosts First Winter Research Day

Feb. 2, 2026

The Northern Michigan University College of Graduate Studies and Research will host its first Winter Research Day on Thursday, Feb. 19. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held in room 1100 John X. Jamrich Hall and the adjacent atrium.