Strategic Plan

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.

Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) is involved in a collaborative 2026 Sugar Bush ("iskigamizigan") program. Last Friday, a group met at the Vielmetti-Peters Conservation Reserve for a Spring Equinox event and ceremony, followed by a group snowshoe to identify maple trees that will be tapped for sap collection and processing.

Dr. Jongeun You, assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's Department of Political Science and Public Administration and a member of NMU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workgroup, has published a case study examining how Michigan uses AI to compete in the national race for talent. The study focuses on the AI-powered Michigan Career Portal and a statewide workforce plan with a unified brand and messaging strategy to attract talent.

Northern Michigan University's longstanding UNITED Conference has been transformed for 2026 into a three-day event March 25-27. It weaves together NMU initiatives— Campus Sustainability Summit, Common Reader Program, Poetry Without Borders and Wildcat WellBeing Fair—and a partnership with the PEAK26 professional development conference into one cohesive experience. 

The NMU Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) is hosting its Fire Site Storytelling Series on select Thursdays in March and April. These events are free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University's My Way Friday program is growing in popularity. It provides students with opportunities to explore the local area, try engaging activities and make new friends. My Way Friday is part of My Way North, NMU's initiative to help students find their place and thrive. 

Northern Michigan University College of Business students participated in a January short-term study-abroad experience in Panama, where they worked alongside rural and Indigenous entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow local businesses.

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. 

Northern Michigan University will participate in the 2026 Education Preparation Provider Collaborative, a new two-year statewide initiative designed to improve teacher preparation recruitment, retention and quality, and to form a strong foundation to help teacher preparation programs be responsive to the evolving needs of today's students. NMU is one of only five Michigan universities selected as educator preparation programs for the collaborative.