All News Releases

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced two new appointments to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Susan Corbin of Petoskey is director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Glenn Stevens Jr. of Royal Oak, originally from Marquette, is executive director of MichAuto and chief automotive and innovation officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“The Holocaust: History, Memory & Michigan Voices,” a new traveling exhibition created by the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, is on display at Northern Michigan University's Olson Library through April 30. An opening reception is scheduled at 4 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Library Atrium. A smaller exhibit on art as resistance is also featured.

“Disney's The Little Mermaid,” a musical adapted from the Broadway production and motion picture, will be presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy at Northern Michigan University Thursday, March 5-Sunday, March 8.

The Marquette Police Department ended the official search for Northern Michigan University construction management student Trenton Massey at 4 p.m. Wednesday. NMU had held an information session for the campus community earlier that day to address the university's involvement in the effort, advice related to self-care during stressful situations and an overview of available well-being resources.

The Northern Michigan University Quiz Bowl squad A recently finished in a tie for third place out of 12 teams at the National Academic Quiz Team (NAQT) sectional championship, which was held online.

Due to recent snow days and lost rehearsal time, the Northern Michigan University Orchestra's annual Children's Concert has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, in Reynolds Recital Hall. This is a free event.

Maris Cinelli, assistant professor of chemistry at Northern Michigan University, is leading important research to identify new plant-derived compounds that could combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She received NMU's Peter White Scholar Award for the current academic year to support the effort. Cinelli describes the award as a great honor, but is quick to credit the talent and dedication of the student researchers in her lab.

The Westerlies, a Grammy-nominated, New York-based brass quartet, will be the featured performer at the NMU Jazz Festival. The group will present the festival's opening concert, which also serves as a Siril Concert Series event, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The quartet will also join NMU's Jazz Band and Jazz Combo for the closing concert on Friday, March 20, at the same time and location.

Northern Michigan University 2017 construction management graduate Matt VanDenAvond has returned to his alma mater in a professional capacity to work on two major facilities projects that will serve future generations of Wildcats: the recently completed Phase I Harden Hall renovation; and two new apartment complexes being built on Presque Isle Avenue.

The Northern Michigan University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, directed by Steven Riley, will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in Reynolds Recital Hall. NMU assistant professor Theresa Camilli will provide piano accompaniment.

Northern Michigan University held a Feb. 13 rededication ceremony and ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of Phase I renovations to the upper floors of Harden Hall.

Northern Michigan University's Seaborg Center will host the annual Michigan Region I Science Olympiad tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the NMU Science Building. The competition typically draws about 300 middle and high school students from across the Upper Peninsula, who will participate in 46 events.

Northern Michigan University alumna Diane Husic was recently recognized at the 2026 NCAA convention for her longstanding leadership and contributions to Division II, including national leadership development programming for faculty athletics representatives (FARs) and efforts to strengthen the student-athlete experience in higher education.

Northern Michigan University Alumni John and Mary Henry have been inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris State University. Selection is based on nominees' technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries, as well as service to the profession and community. 

Rylee Jensen, a 2024 master's graduate of Northern Michigan University, and NMU Professor Diana Lafferty recently coauthored a journal article on a study of wild African herbivores. Collaborating with other researchers, they determined that environmental conditions, beyond strictly diet and anatomy, can influence the evolution of gut microbes that play a critical role in animal health and well-being.

Taylor Galaszewski, a recent Northern Michigan University biology alumna, coauthored a recent publication titled “On the taxonomic status of two large species of East African freshwater crabs” with NMU Biology Professor Emeritus Neil Cumberlidge and other collaborators.

Northern Michigan University's Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project has announced 46 regional award winners, from among 130 Upper Peninsula submissions, of the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Presented by the nonprofit organization the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the country's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a construction authorization for Harden Hall Phase II renovations and related capital projects during a special meeting held this morning via Zoom.

Former Northern Michigan University student and Wildcat football player Nick Baumgartner is competing in his fifth straight Olympics at age 44 as part of the USA snowboard cross (SBX) team, following his gold-medal win at the last Winter Games. Former Wildcat Nordic skier and 2020 economics alumnus Zak Ketterson is appearing in his first Olympics as a member of the U.S. cross-country ski team.