Around NMU

Her high school graduation ceremony was canceled by the pandemic, but Rebekah Allen will make her Northern Michigan University commencement especially memorable by serving as the student speaker. The first-generation college student from Davison, Mich., will also earn a bachelor's degree in English-creative writing at the Dec. 16 ceremony in NMU's Superior Dome.

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.

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.

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.

Three Northern Michigan University alumni, all of whom reside in the Upper Peninsula, have been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the NMU Board of Trustees. They are: Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham of Baraga; Steve Lindberg of Marquette; and Greg Toutant of Negaunee.

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.

In a continuing effort to advance conversations surrounding mental health, WNMU-TV will host a “Facing Suicide: Town Hall” at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 27, in NMU's Northern Center. A panel of Upper Peninsula mental health professionals will discuss suicide awareness and prevention. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually at no charge. 

Northern Michigan University's fall convocation featured several speakers who addressed new wellbeing initiatives for students and employees, the budget outlook, updates on facilities projects, the strategic planning process and the presidential search.

The preferred submission date for applications from prospective candidates for Northern Michigan University's next president was Aug. 1. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) will gain access to their curriculum vitae and other materials beginning Aug. 10, and meet about two weeks later to select candidates for initial interviews.

Northern Michigan University has started a comprehensive review of its mental health services. Former NMU Trustee Jim Haveman is leading the effort. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work, and previously served as director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. Haveman was also executive director of the Department of Mental Health, the Kent County Community Mental Health Program, and Project Rehab, a substance abuse program that was located in Grand Rapids.