Around NMU

NMU Appointments Advance Core Values, Strategic Vision

Jan. 8, 2024 —
Three new leadership appointees at Northern Michigan University will advance NMU's core values and strategic priorities related to inclusion and belonging, sustainability and academic excellence. Shawnrece Campbell, previously at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is assistant vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. NMU professor and alumna Jessica Thompson is assistant vice president for Sustainability. Anne Dahlman, most recently at Minnesota State University Mankato, will begin as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs on April 1.

NMU Responds Proactively to AI

Aug. 3, 2023 —
The rapid proliferation of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which creates new content from existing data almost instantaneously, is transforming the educational landscape. Some are eagerly embracing AI as a powerful tool that will make learning more personalized and accessible, and provide-data driven insights for educators. Others are concerned it will increase academic dishonesty, generate biased and false information, and adversely impact security and employment. Northern Michigan University is taking proactive steps to ensure that it is incorporated responsibly and effectively.

Improv Training Can Ease Social Anxiety

Jul. 7, 2023 —
Some people are apprehensive about participating in improv comedy because of its unscripted format that requires quick thinking to play off unpredictable ideas presented by others on stage or in the audience. But Northern Michigan University assistant professor Peter Felsman is the lead author of a published study providing the first evidence that improv training can significantly reduce a common trait of social anxiety and depression: discomfort with uncertainty.

Thompson Named to National Park System Advisory Board

May. 25, 2023 —
Northern Michigan University professor and alumna Jes Thompson is one of 15 new members appointed to the National Park System Advisory Board by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The membership consists of individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the National Park Service mission, can contribute relevant expertise in various fields, and represent various geographic regions. Thompson said she may be the first from the Upper Peninsula to serve on the board.

NMU Board Selects Brock Tessman as Next President

Sep. 29, 2022 —
Brock Tessman, who grew up in Plymouth, Mich., will become the 17th president of Northern Michigan University, effective Feb. 1. He has served as deputy commissioner of higher education for the Montana University System since 2018, and has previous experience as a faculty member and campus leader. The NMU Board of Trustees unanimously approved his selection at a special meeting this morning.