Strategic Plan

NMU Engineering Tech Builds Nordic Sit-Skis for Adaptive Athletes

Jan. 13, 2025
Nine-year-old Oskar Alan of Marquette had a strong desire to pursue Nordic skiing, but his balance, coordination and strength are compromised by cerebral palsy, preventing him from engaging in the activity from a standing position. Undeterred, and with support from the Superiorland Ski Club (SSC), he tested a borrowed commercial sit-ski last winter and was hooked after his first run. Now more children with disabilities have an opportunity to participate in the sport, thanks to the efforts of Northern Michigan University Engineering Technology faculty. They built four sit-skis for the SSC, saving the nonprofit money and advancing its initiative to promote inclusion and belonging among youth skiers.
Oskar on a borrowed sit-ski at the Noque (Melissa Alan photo); and the four new sit-skis built at NMU for the SSC (Kevin Carr photo).

Week of Service to Honor King's Legacy

Dec. 19, 2024
Northern Michigan University is planning a week of service activities around the theme, “Empowering Community through Action,” beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The overarching goal will be to assemble and donate winter care kits to Room at the Inn to support those in need during the cold-weather months, but additional daily programming is scheduled as well.
Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service graphic

NMU's $2.5 Million NIH Grant Addresses Addiction, Employment and Poverty

Dec. 19, 2024
Northern Michigan University has assumed oversight of a $2.5 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate an intervention approach that provides wage supplements—contingent upon documented drug abstinence—as a way to combat drug addiction, promote employment and reduce poverty among people living with opioid use disorder. The project is a collaboration involving NMU's Department of Psychological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and REACH, a substance abuse recovery program in Baltimore, Md.
From left: Forrest Toegel, Cory Toegel and grad student Haillie McDonough

You Receives Future Shocks Challenge Grant

Dec. 19, 2024
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.
Jongeun You

NMU Hosts MI Healthy Climate Corps Member

Dec. 13, 2024
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.
Jes Thompson (left) and Anna Solberg in front of the solar array on campus.

New Wildcat Collective Partnership Benefits Students, U.P. Communities

Dec. 12, 2024
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.
NMU and InvestUP logos signify the partnership

NMU Strengthens Partnership with Trillium House

Nov. 13, 2024
National Hospice Month is an appropriate time to highlight Northern's partnership with Trillium House of Marquette, which offers a peaceful, homelike environment for individuals receiving hospice services. NMU social work and nursing students are gaining related field experience and valuable insight into providing end-of-life care to Marquette community members from Trillium staff members, who include NMU alumni.
NMU nursing student Rayven Jacobson is an intern at Trillium House

NMU Receives Grant for Competency-Based Education Options

Nov. 13, 2024
Northern Michigan University has received an Innovation Investment Award of nearly $906,000 from the Michigan Center for Adult College Success to develop competency-based education options that will help adults—regardless of age or career status—obtain postsecondary credentials to secure jobs or advance professionally in a knowledge-based economy.
NMU academic logo