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Northern Michigan University Assistant Professor Jongeun You has been awarded one of nine Future Shocks Challenge Grants for his case study on the integration of land use and water planning in Colorado. The Future Shocks initiative, led by the IBM Center for The Business of Government and the National Academy of Public Administration, is designed to help governments identify and develop core capabilities critical to building resilience.

Lucas Quinteros, who graduated Dec. 14 with a degree in graphic design, earned the Best in Show Award for the work he created for NMU's Senior Art Exhibition.

NMU international studies alumnus Chris Wellens was promoted to assistant executive director at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, N.H. The nonprofit offers year-round programs for all ages designed to "preserve and pass down knowledge and skills that encourage an understanding of the natural systems that sustain us all and respect for the environment."

NMU environmental studies and sustainability alumna Emma Dillman's recent hire as a waste reduction educator for the Kent County (Michigan) Department of Public Works is featured in a Waste Today publication story. The 2021 graduate will help area residents and businesses learn how to reduce and repurpose waste.

Lucille Contois, former NMU professor and alumna, was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Marquette County Evergreen Award, which honors an individual who makes the county a better place for women and girls. The Upper Peninsula native has demonstrated her dedication to educating students at NMU, helping programs gain accreditation, and advocating for women with Marquette's Zonta Club.

The Northern Michigan University women's lacrosse team, led by head coach Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak, volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Marquette at 9 a.m. on a recent snowy Saturday to help sort and package can-a-thon donations. 

With Northern Michigan University housing at full capacity and continued enrollment growth increasing student demand to live on campus, the NMU Board of Trustees today agreed to invest $3.5 million in design, development and construction management services for two new apartment complexes, capable of accommodating 384 students. The two buildings will be located on university property along both sides of Presque Isle Avenue—one between Fair Avenue and Subway on the east, and the other from Cohodas Hall to Waldo Street on the west.

Through gifts from private donors, Northern Michigan University's School of Nursing has acquired more advanced equipment that enhances student learning and safety while providing better career preparation for the equipment they will work with after graduation. The $50,000 in purchases include new long-term beds similar to those used in extended care facilities, new medical/surgical beds seen in hospital settings, tables that allow more flexible classroom configurations, and IV and urinary catheter models to practice on before dealing with actual patients in a clinical setting. 

Northern Michigan University successfully applied to host a member of the MI Healthy Climate Corps, a service program dedicated to developing an enduring, capable network of climate professionals committed to serving communities and building a more sustainable future for the state. NMU 2015 alumna and Negaunee native Anna Solberg has returned to campus to serve as MHC Corps climate action coordinator through October 2025. She will work with Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson to keep NMU aligned with its “Our Compass” strategic plan and carbon neutrality plan action items, as well as broader Michigan climate targets.

Northern Michigan University and InvestUP will launch a new program in January that will empower participating students through professional internships and mentoring, while also focusing on their leadership development and academic success. By creating a clear pipeline from education to employment, “The Wildcat Collective: Leaders of Honor and Ambition” program is designed to address critical, shared goals such as local talent retention and population growth to benefit NMU and Upper Peninsula communities.