Department News

Northern Michigan University's athletic training program recently marked 25 years since its first graduate in 2001. From its humble beginnings as a small certification track, athletic training has evolved into a master's degree offered in two formats: as a 3+2 program for students who first earn a bachelor's in sports science from Northern; or as a stand-alone for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree at NMU or elsewhere.

Students from NMU's Communication and Media Studies Department earned awards and competitive scholarships at the 2026 Michigan Association of Broadcasters' (MAB) Student Awards ceremony in Lansing.

Northern Michigan University students completed a two-week study abroad program titled "Gateway to India: Culture, Community & Social Change" earlier this semester. The international social work course provided them with a "transformative" cultural immersion and global learning experience focused on cultural humility, diversity, community engagement and global social development. 

Northern Michigan University Social Work Associate Professor Vikash participated in the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, held at United Nations Headquarters earlier this semester.

Northern Michigan University's Director of Choral Activities, Erin Colwitz, was selected to serve as conductor in residence at New York City's Carnegie Hall for an April 21 Masterwork Festival Chorus performance. She took full advantage of the opportunity to bring along her own singers, creating a memorable experience for 28 students from the NMU Arts Chorale and 99 members of the Marquette Choral Society, which she also directs. The delegation sang alongside professional chamber orchestra musicians and soloists who typically perform at the Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department recently announced the recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Forest Roberts Theatre.

Three Northern Michigan University Social Work Department faculty members attended the most recent World Summit for Social Development at the National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar. The summit is one of the most significant global events in the field, according to NMU associate professor Vikash Kumar, who attended with colleagues Karl Johnson and Caroline Cheng.

Northern Michigan University Art and Design students Keall Emmers, Lex Klamer and Keziah Arrington, along with alumnus James Asava, have recently been recognized for their work in a variety of ways, including an award, scholarship, exhibitions and acceptance into a graduate program.

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Diana Lafferty and some of her students recently concluded efforts to capture and collar moose as part of cooperative research team that also involves members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Michigan DNR. The team focused its winter work on the core moose population area in the western Upper Peninsula.