Audio/visual services at Northern Michigan University has a secret rock star in its ranks. Matt Herbig, operations supervisor, played bass guitar in his high school/college heavy metal band, Indecision, as well as the band Pseudocell. They had a few shows around the U.P., with Herbig recalling the shows they put on at an old church in Iron River and at Corner Zone (now The Dance Zone) on Lincoln Avenue.
“We didn't play anything specific, just stuff that we liked and thought sounded cool,” Herbig said. “It's been a while so I probably couldn't play any of the songs, but I've always had an interest in technology, gear, music and those kinds of things.”
Those interests motivated Herbig to pursue a bachelor's degree in media production and new technology from NMU, graduating in 2005. While he was a student, he got a job in A/V services as a student tech. Once he graduated, Herbig got a temporary position at the department for a few years before landing a full-time job at NMU. He's been here ever since; about 16 years.
“I went to high school in Pickford, Mich. and my sister transferred to NMU, so I've always known about the university,” Herbig said. “I did a couple of campus visits before I graduated high school, and I just got this feeling. I think everybody who comes here experiences that, you know? This just felt like it was ‘it,' like it was home. It's the same way with A/V services. I liked working with everyone here while I was a student, so it just made sense to stay.”
Working at NMU keeps things fresh for Herbig as well, with every day bringing something new and exciting to work on. He says that he especially likes being able to help the campus community succeed in whatever it is that they're trying to achieve, faculty/staff or otherwise. His role includes servicing technology requests for classroom and non-academic technology, and troubleshooting problems that surface.
“You get to be part of something more, and you're helping people with what they need,” Herbig said. “There are lots of moving parts and pieces and there are always things to be fixed or things that may not be going exactly as intended. We help correct that issue as quickly as possible so that everybody can have class and do their part.”
While Herbig is at home he continues to work with his hands through woodworking. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Charissa, and their 8- and 5-year-old daughters, Nora and Molly.
By Max McCullough, former student writer in NMU Marketing and Communications
