Strategic Plan

Northern Michigan University will offer a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Students who complete a bachelor's degree can ladder into the master's degree program for advanced training to become skilled professionals in the field while remaining in the Upper Peninsula, where there is a strong demand for related services. Applications for the first cohort in summer 2026 will be accepted starting this fall through Jan. 15.

Northern Michigan University will present “Juneteenth: Week of Jubilee,” an educational and cultural event series scheduled for June 16-20. The week is dedicated to honoring American history, celebrating the contributions of African American communities, and encouraging civic learning, unity and reflection.

Six Northern Michigan University undergraduate students and six graduate students each received up to $2,000 for travel expenses to present their research or creative work at various conferences, beginning last semester and continuing through fall 2025. NMU Provost Anne Dahlman, in alignment with the university's Our Compass strategic plan, elected to use donor funds to support student travel. 

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health will host an Upper Peninsula Future Health Leaders Camp this summer for regional students who will be freshmen and sophomores this coming fall. The camp is dedicated to health education and health career exploration. It is scheduled July 20-25, with options to either stay on campus for the duration or commute from home to camp each day. There will be a limit of 75 participants.

Gavin Leach, a Northern Michigan University alumnus who has worked at NMU for 36 years—the last 18 as vice president for Finance and Administration–has been appointed NMU's interim president while a nationwide search is conducted for the next leader to fill the role. His appointment was announced at the May 2 NMU Board of Trustees meeting.

Northern Michigan University closed out its 125th anniversary celebration with the second annual NMU Giving Day on April 17, exceeding the $125,000 goal by raising nearly $169,000 for student experiences, research, departments and programs. The “Give to What You Love” event theme encouraged Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about.

Two Northern Michigan University students and two alumni joined President Brock Tessman in testifying on behalf of NMU before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing April 23. Those sharing the impact of their academic journeys were: Emma Gariepy, a senior forensic biochemistry major from Mattawan, Mich.; Ben Klossner, a junior mechanical engineering technology major from Iron Mountain; Troy Morris, a 2016 psychology/behavior analysis graduate and co-founder/CEO of the aerospace and space logistics company Kall Morris Inc. of Marquette; and Lexi Hagan, a 2024 business management graduate and new executive director of the Menominee Business Development Corporation.

The Northern Michigan Constructors, a student organization dedicated to community service projects throughout the Marquette area, built an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant little free library and installed it last week next to the Kids Cove all-inclusive playground at Lower Harbor Park. The group's effort earned the "Project of the Year" award at NMU's Leadership Recognition Banquet held earlier this month.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will highlight and celebrate the talents of the department's graduating students with its inaugural Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York and major regional theaters on Tuesday, May 20.