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Northern Michigan University is featured in the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition. NMU earned a GreenScore of 91 points out of 99, securing a spot on the list of 388 unranked colleges that meet the standards for practicing and promoting environmental responsibility. This is NMU's second appearance in the guide.

The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University is hosting a new exhibit titled “SAME AS NEVER [anything to get out of here, right?]” through Dec. 15.

Brass Queens, a female-led brass band from Brooklyn featuring all-female horns with a sound that is deeply inspired by the New Orleans tradition, will perform at Northern Michigan University. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Reynolds Recital Hall. 

The Northern Michigan University Orchestra directed by Barbara Rhyneer and the NMU Choirs directed by Erin Colwitz will present a concert titled "Baroque to the Future" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University's popular animal-assisted intervention (AAI) program has appropriately gained a new Wildcat named Luna to complement the beloved Wildpups therapy dogs that routinely interact with the campus community, providing comfort, joy and companionship. Luna belongs to NMU social work major Emilee DeForge. After seeing her tortoiseshell feline's therapeutic potential in terms of personality and temperament, the Houghton native was eager to certify her pet for service.

Erhan Raif and his brother, Korhan, were flipping through Barron's Collegiate Guide in their native island country of Cyprus decades ago, seeking an international student experience in the United States. Northern Michigan University's profile attracted their attention because of its academic programs and size, among other qualities. They decided to trade the Mediterranean for Lake Superior in the early 1980s and embarked on what Erhan calls “an American adventure I'll always be grateful for in Marquette.”

Randi Clemens, executive administrative assistant/adjunct assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's English Department and an NMU alumna, is one of 16 individuals statewide selected to join the Michigan Arts and Culture Council's  2025–2026 Rising Leaders cohort. Clemens is the only representative from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to be named to this year's group.

Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities organization will host “An Evening with Anthony Ramos” on Monday, Nov. 17, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free for NMU students (1 ticket per ID) and $5 for the general public.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will host the 25th annual Sonderegger Symposium, which features several presentations revolving around Upper Peninsula history. The theme of this year's event is "Above and Below the Surface: Maritime History of the Great Lakes." It will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, in the Northern Center Ballroom IV. Admission is free, and includes a light lunch at noon.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Peter Baril is the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department's new chief officer. He earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from NMU in 2009.

Northern Michigan University ranks 22nd nationwide on a 2026 listing of affordable cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs compiled by Cybersecurity Guide, a resource referenced by leading cybersecurity professionals in academia, industry and beyond.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a contract for newly appointed President Chris Olsen and a negotiated agreement with employees in the AFSCME union at a special session held virtually this afternoon.

The Northern Michigan University Music Department will present three upcoming concerts to usher in November: Percussion Ensemble; Opera Theater Workshop; and the inaugural Wildcat Winds performance. All are free and will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University will host a welcome reception for incoming NMU President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer. The event is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Grand Ballroom of the Northern Center. Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend.

Northern Michigan University musical theater major Liam Fisher was one of only 12 performers nationwide selected to participate in a master class centered on the Broadway singing voice with Tony Award–winning composer and lyricist Adam Guettel. His selection came through a juried audition process organized by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

At the Oct. 27 campus forum, Northern Michigan University Interim President Gavin Leach provided updates on the presidential transition, enrollment-related initiatives, facilities projects, and impacts of both the finalized state budget and federal funding cuts. Other staff members gave presentations on progress related to the Grand Challenges in “Our Compass,” Northern's strategic plan. 

The nine recent appointees to the Northern Michigan University Alumni Advisory Board bring a diverse range of professional experience and perspectives. They represent decades of leadership across education, law, healthcare, engineering and public service. The recent additions are: Charlita Anderson White, Dan Blood, Cody Bonk, Alejandra Magaña, Ryan McAllister, Dan Miller, Jessie Neece, Kate Sartori and Josh Todd.