Northern Michigan University Provost Fellow and Associate Professor Weronika Kusek wrote a recently published book titled “Moving UP North: Immigrant Experiences of Professionals in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.” Each chapter is based on an oral history interview with an international professional who lives and works in the region, sharing the individual's migratory journey and personal experience. Some of the subjects have been here for a couple of decades; others are newcomers.

Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur has been selected as one of 20 statewide members of the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council. The group will provide insight on rural health priorities, review program progress and offer recommendations to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) leadership.

Northern Michigan University senior Elise Crossman is one of 65 students nationwide selected to receive a highly competitive fellowship through the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX). After graduating in early May, she will spend the 2026-2027 academic year in Germany studying, interning and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. The accounting and international studies major from Charlotte, Mich., is the second NMU recipient in two years.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees recognized its annual Student Achievement Award recipients just before NMU's May 2 commencement. Delany Frank of East Lansing and Halle Johnson of Green Bay, Wis. are the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Seniors. Recipients of the remaining outstanding awards in their respective categories are: Adam Nesbit, originally from rural northern California, Graduate Student; Summer Morrison of Plainwell, Student of Any Class; Dan Atkins of Marquette, Nontraditional Student; and Laura Clarkston of Bruce Township, Global Campus Student.

The Northern Michigan University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter recently hosted the 8th annual Marquette Coffee Crawl, which drew nearly 500 participants and raised $10,200 for the Marquette Women's Center.

Northern Michigan University students completed a two-week study abroad program titled "Gateway to India: Culture, Community & Social Change" earlier this semester. The international social work course provided them with a "transformative" cultural immersion and global learning experience focused on cultural humility, diversity, community engagement and global social development. 

Northern Michigan University Social Work Associate Professor Vikash participated in the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, held at United Nations Headquarters earlier this semester.

Northern Michigan University's 12th annual Anderton's Earth Week will be held April 19-25. This year's schedule has more than 30 events and activities to celebrate the arrival of spring. Gamma Theta Upsilon, NMU's geographic honors society, is working with the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographic Sciences and the Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment (SHINE) to host an action-packed week of Earth-themed activities. 

At his first university forum on April 13, NMU President Chris Olsen identified the top three priorities he plans to address: enrollment, which he emphasized is the “most immediate challenge”; enhancing community relationships; and fundraising, as NMU prepares to launch the public phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign in early 2027.