All News Releases

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Neil Cumberlidge has received The Crustacean Society Excellence in Research Award (TCSERA), a prestigious honor given to colleagues who have significantly advanced the field of carcinology, or crab biology. His substantial body of research on freshwater crabs was judged by the TCSERA Awards Committee to have had an overall influence on this field, as well as making a significant contribution to crustacean biology in general.

Northern Michigan University alumna Jodie Cain Smith has garnered international recognition for her writing. The United Kingdom-based Page Turner Awards, dubbed the “Rolls Royce” of writing award programs, selected her published novel Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe for adaptation to a feature film screenplay in late 2022. The book also won for Best Anthology & Compilations.

When Alan McEvoy was in his early 20s, a close friend confided in him that she had been raped. He wanted to help, but said his good intentions collided with his ignorance. McEvoy quickly realized how ill-prepared he was to deal with the complexities and consequences of sexual violence, and to respond with the appropriate language, sensitivity and support that would make him a true ally in her recovery.

Northern Michigan University has been ranked as one of the best colleges for non-traditional and adult learners by Abound, a college guidance system. While online learning options have increased, the schools featured in this particular listing continue the tradition of on-campus engagement while also adapting and catering to adult students' unique circumstances, providing them with an efficient way to attend school in person while giving the attention they need to their jobs and families.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will kick off Pride Month with a Drag Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Four veteran performers and two newbies will take the stage in a traditional drag show format. They hail from Las Vegas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and Marquette.

The Northern Michigan University Student Veterans of America organization partnered with the UP Together with Veterans suicide prevention initiative on the second annual tombstone cleaning event. This year's location was the Ishpeming cemetery. The 25 volunteers cleaned more than 100 veteran tombstones dating from the Civil War to WWII. 

Northern Michigan University 1988 accounting alumna Lynette Lorenz recently signed a three-year contract as the new county administrator for Iron County. She retains the financial and human resources duties she completed as an administrative assistant before being promoted internally.

Northern Michigan University 2005 MPA alumna Sarah Davy is one of two recipients of the 2023 Bay College Outstanding Staff Award. She serves as academic support coordinator for Bay's West Campus, working directly with students and connecting them with college and local resources aiding in their academic success. She also works with business technology and TRiO Students, supporting them in their individualized career plans and/or the completion of their chosen degree path.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health will present a virtual town hall program that focuses on project updates regarding regional behavioral/mental health efforts. The event is scheduled from 7-8 p.m. EST Thursday, May 25th. 

Northern Michigan University Philosophy Professor Antony Aumann was a guest on the May 16 episode of Dr. Phil on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), titled “Artificial Intelligence: Too Smart for Our Own Good?” He was interviewed from NMU during the show, which also featured a studio panel of experts. Aumann shared his story, which has generated international media coverage, of reading a paper submitted in his class that appeared too well-written based on the student's previous performance. When Aumann questioned the real source, the student admitted the content was generated by an AI app.

Jill Hoffman of Skandia, a Northern Michigan University and the NMU Regional Police Academy instructor and assistant prosecuting attorney for the Marquette Prosecutor's Office, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. 

Northern Michigan University will serve as a host site for a free criminal conviction expungement eligibility clinic offered through the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 19, in 1318 Jamrich Hall. Not all criminal convictions are eligible for expungement under Michigan law, but individuals seeking to have theirs considered must pre-register by 5 p.m. Friday, May 12. 

The Northern Michigan University Wildcat Battalion commissioned nine NMU cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a ceremony held on May 6. The cadets took their oath of office and had bars pinned on their uniforms. Maj. Scott Little, department head and professor of Military Science, was the featured speaker at the ceremony.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved room and board rates for the 2023-2024 academic year, along with three new academic programs: a master of science in applied sports and exercise psychology; a graduate certificate in applied clinical psychology; and a cosmetology hair culturist certificate.

Northern Michigan University student Esther Byington received a belated lifesaving medal earlier this semester for her role in rescuing two women in distress after riding a personal watercraft in rough waters during high winds. The incident happened last summer, as Byington was working her second season with the Muskegon County Marine Services Crew.

While he was an undergraduate student at Northern Michigan University, Tom Isaacson (‘96 BS) began to consider the idea of becoming a professor. After initially working for five years in the public relations field, including with the Chicago White Sox, he earned a master's and doctorate. Isaacson “hit a home run” by joining the Northern faculty in 2012, making his dream a reality. He is an associate professor of public relations in NMU's College of Business. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees awarded a posthumous associate of arts degree in general university studies to the parents of Carson Needham, a student from Traverse City who was tragically killed in a February head-on car crash with a wrong-way driver while returning to campus from downstate.

Northern Michigan University has announced the poster presentation winners from its Celebration of Student Scholarship held April 20. Categories included undergraduate lower division, undergraduate upper division, graduate projects, group projects and the people's choice award. 

Northern Michigan University academic departments have announced their outstanding graduating seniors and graduate students. Most will receive their degrees at NMU's spring commencement on Saturday, May 6, in the Superior Dome.