Around NMU

Northern Michigan University is a state leader in cybersecurity education, according to rankings released by Programs.com. NMU offers the top-ranked associate degree program among Michigan universities or colleges, and the fifth-best bachelor's degree.

An interdisciplinary team of Northern faculty and student researchers is developing a new test that shows promise in diagnosing certain brain cancers quickly, affordably and non-invasively. Their work revolves around a novel biosensor called D2HGlo. When mixed with bodily fluids such as urine, plasma and serum, the tool lights up like a fluorescent beacon when it detects the presence of an abnormal molecule that plays a key role in tumor development. This “liquid biopsy” method could improve outcomes and reduce the physical and emotional toll on brain cancer patients.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at NMU will open a new exhibition July 9 that features the work of one of the U.P.'s most prolific photographers. It is titled "Munising in Black & White: The Photographs of Mary Jayne Hallifax." She was an in-demand commercial photographer who also captured numerous candid images of her hometown over seven decades.

Northern Michigan University's Technical and Office Professionals union, UAW Local 1950, has ratified a new contract effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The unit has 87 employees. Of those who voted, 59% were in favor of the agreement.

The Northern Michigan University Department of Music will present a second season of Its series, Summer Concerts at Reynolds (SCR). This year's events will all take place at 5 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall on Tuesdays in July and August. Admission is free, though donations will be gratefully accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the department to enhance the experience for students.

Nearly $73,000 in Green Fund-supported, student-led sustainability proposals have been approved for implementation this year. The six projects include enhanced access to public transportation; native plant signage; “feather-friendly” window dots to reduce bird collisions; an outdoor air quality monitoring sensor; bike station repair at the Wildcat Trailhead; and a nontraditional lawn test plot.

Northern Michigan University's 2026 North Coast Dance Festival will include two public performances featuring Giordano Dance Chicago, professional ballet dancers Julia Feldman and Mate Szentes, and NMU's CO/LAB Dance Company. The shows will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 25-26. They will be preceded by a jazz master class with Nan Giordano Wednesday evening—pre-registration is required—and followed by a free showcase presented by high school students participating in the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy summer intensives Saturday night.

The 2026 IncredibleBank Hope Starts Here Challenge, a variety of running and walking events designed to raise funds and awareness for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC), will be held on Saturday, June 13. The UMBTC is a collaborative effort between Northern Michigan University, UP Health System and the Superior Health Foundation. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. June 12.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a new NMU-American Association of University Professors (AAUP) contract, which was previously ratified by the faculty membership on May 15. The agreement covers one year for financial provisions and five years for non-financial elements.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum will host "North of the 45th," an annual juried exhibition featuring artists living in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota locations north of the 45th parallel, which is known as the halfway point between the equator and north pole. The show opens June 19 and will be on display through Sept. 4.