All News Releases

Northern Michigan University has launched the Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project Site, an initiative that aims to support teachers in developing their own writing skills and teaching practices, ultimately enhancing student achievement in writing across the Upper Great Lakes region. It is part of the prestigious National Writing Project (NWP) network.

Northern Michigan University's Criminal Justice Department will begin offering a new crime scene investigation (CSI) certificate this fall. The 16-credit program provides foundational instruction in criminal investigative techniques, forensic disciplines, crime scene reconstruction and evidence processing. The credential will benefit students who seek to gain entry-level employment in related fields.  

Northern Michigan University has received $35,000 from the U.S. Department of State to initiate study-abroad opportunities for education students that will better prepare them to humanize diverse populations and cultures in their teaching careers. NMU was one of 37 universities—and the only one in Michigan—to share in $1.3 million awarded via the 2024 Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) program grant competition.

Northern Michigan University will roll out a revised bachelor's degree program in elementary education this fall. The new dual-endorsement major in PK-3 and 3-6 is designed to prepare individuals to teach the core content areas of literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. It aligns with Michigan Department of Education certification requirements and involves campus-based coursework and clinical experiences.

Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies is featured prominently at the beginning of a PBS North "Native Report" episode addressing Indigenous education. The episode premiered on the Duluth-Superior station earlier this year and has aired on other PBS affiliates since, including a June 16 broadcast on WSWP-TV in West Virginia. 

NMU assistant professor of social work Vikash Kumar recently attended a "Research Academy on Migration, Health & Rights" in Kathmandu, Nepal. He has also been appointed to serve on an advisory committee for the International Consortium for Social Development's (ICSD) 24th Biennial International Conference, and reappointed as director of information technology for the ICSD.

Northern Michigan University 2015 BSN alumna and former Wildcat swimmer Jordan Iverson is likely to become the first Alaskan to complete the triple crown of open-water swimming. She crossed the English Channel on Tuesday—a swim that is still being certified—and previously completed the other two jewels in the crown: the 20 Bridges Swim in Manhattan; and the Catalina Channel in California.

Liz Wuorinen will serve as interim dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, effective July 1. Her term will be one year, or until a permanent solution to the college's leadership has been determined. She has served as associate dean in the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies and director of the School of Health and Human Performance for the past eight years. Her director role will continue during her time as interim dean.

NMU English Professor Russell Thorburn recently wrapped up an eventful academic year. He published his latest poetry book, “Let It Be Told in a Single Breath,” and used NMU's Studio 102 online media production space to experiment with a video podcast idea titled “Poetic Conversations with NMU Students.” He recorded two segments: one with Alessandro Scialanga from Sutri, Italy, who is also a member of the Wildcat soccer team; and one with Jennifer Figler, a nontraditional student and mother.

Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees has approved 2024-25 tuition and fee rates that support strategic goals of removing barriers to student access, investing in faculty/staff and infrastructure, and maintaining the university's financial strength and sustainability. The cost of attending NMU also will remain competitive, continuing as second-most affordable among the state's 15 public institutions.

Not long before a distant relative was among four students killed in the 2021 Oxford High shooting, Northern Michigan University alumnus John Hebert had co-founded a new business that provides full-time, onsite K9 teams certified for firearm and explosives detection to schools and other public entities. The irony of the timing is not lost on Hebert, but he said his personal connection to the tragedy only fueled his drive to offer additional measures to enhance safety for students, teachers and staff.

A multi-function seat belt buckle intended for space travel, developed by Northern Michigan University alumnus Curt Tucker and co-inventor Jacob Avery, is being reviewed by NASA Johnson Space Center engineers. This is just one of the innovative products Tucker has developed. Applications range from motorsports and military safety to medical mobility devices such as a wheelchair and docking system, next-generation crutches and a state-of-the-art physical therapy and nursing sling.

In an effort to increase the state's behavioral health workforce, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS) is providing 12 universities, including Northern, with $5 million in funding to support one-time $30,000 stipends for students seeking a master's degree in social work. Eligible students must already hold a bachelor's in the field and commit to two years of public sector behavioral health work in Michigan upon graduation.

The Second City 65th Anniversary Tour will make a stop at Northern Michigan University for two improv comedy shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, and Friday, June 28. The opening night performance will be followed by a party in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby.

Northern Michigan University will host Fresh Voices from the U.P., a new summer camp for all ages in which participants will adventure along the trails and Lake Superior shoreline and engage in workshops for all skill levels that promote storytelling through writing and music. They will also learn about the Upper Peninsula, the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy. Fresh Voices from the U.P. will be held Monday, July 15 through Thursday, July 18, leading up to the 44th annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival in Marquette.

Northern Michigan University Associate Professor of Accounting Stacy Boyer-Davis passed all parts of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination on her first attempt and will now apply for her Michigan CPA license.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations will host Alumni Fridays in Marquette County this summer. The NMU community is invited to join at various locations to connect, socialize and network with fellow Wildcats during Happy Hour. Additionally, alumni are invited to go back in time with a historical walking tour or discover campus with a virtual scavenger hunt.

Don Waddell, former Wildcat hockey defenseman and NMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee, is the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The longtime NHL executive agreed to a multi-year contract to help turn around the franchise days after stepping down as president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, which registered at least one win in the Stanley Cup playoffs in six straight postseasons.