Nov 6, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Selection Committee is seeking nominations for the 2025 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows can be found here for your reference.
Please complete the nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Monday, December 2, 2024.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Nov 1, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I look forward to spending time with friends and family over a Thanksgiving meal. I am asking for your help to ensure we can all share in this important tradition.
Recently, instructor Kristy McDonald invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community, helping feed the hungry (and affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).
They believe everyone should experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 20. You can donate individually or join with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located in the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus. The class aims to collect:
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- Cans of Sweet Potatoes (29 oz)
- Granola Bars (boxes)
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes, including a Cheese Lady gift basket, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes and a $250 gift card, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, a $50 gift certificate to Lobdell’s, and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Thanks-for-Giving”). Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help students apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Thanks-for-Giving).
Students are hosting a glow skate event on November 8 at the Howe Ice Arena located in the Traverse City Civic Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Entry is $10 with a $5 skate rental fee.
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know firsthand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information or if you have any questions, please email Lily Moon at moon35@mail.nmc.edu or Kristy McDonald at kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Thank you for your help. Together, we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick
Sep 18, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I am writing to inform you about an important change in how Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will manage its facilities operations moving forward. After careful consideration, NMC has decided to end its long-standing contract with Sodexo, which has provided facilities management services for our college since 2006. Effective November 30, 2024, we will transition to an internal facilities management model, with NMC directly hiring employees to fill these roles and oversee these essential operations.
Why are we making this change?
This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to agility, responsiveness, and alignment with NMC’s strategic goals. By bringing the facilities management team in-house, NMC will be better positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of our students, staff, and campus. This move will also allow us to focus more directly on professional development, ensure stronger alignment with our mission, vision, and values, and enhance communication across all levels of facilities operations.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be hiring two new critical positions as part of this reorganization:
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Campus Safety Coordinator: This new full-time role will report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and be responsible for safety, security, emergency management, occupational and environmental health and safety, and more. Previously, this position reported through facilities and was provided through our Sodexo contract in a half-time capacity.
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Facilities Project Manager: This new full-time role will report to the Director of Facilities and focus on the execution of our recently approved campus master plan, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
We are able to add these new positions with no additional costs to the college due to the savings we will realize from ending the Sodexo contract as well as savings from project management/owner’s representative consulting services that would otherwise be necessary for our large construction projects.
What does this mean for Sodexo employees?
Our contract with Sodexo will end on November 30, 2024, and with it, the roles of five Sodexo employees who have served NMC will conclude. We recognize and are grateful for their contributions to our college community over the years. These individuals have played a valuable role in keeping our campus running smoothly, and while their next steps will be managed by Sodexo, we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
What’s next?
We understand that there may be some concerns about service disruption during this transition. While there may be some temporary slowdowns, we are working diligently to prioritize the hiring of these positions to ensure minimal disruption. Our facilities and security teams will continue to manage day-to-day operations, and we remain committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone on campus.
We appreciate the work that Sodexo and its employees have done for NMC over the years. However, as we look ahead, we are confident that this transition will position the college for long-term success, allowing for greater control, improved efficiency, and alignment with our strategic objectives.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work through this transition. I’d like to thank Troy Kierczynski and Hollie DeWalt for their leadership of this change. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Aug 28, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
With a mixture of disappointment and pride, I am writing to inform you that on Thursday, NMC’s Board of Trustees will consider a resolution requesting that the Benzie County Clerk withdraw the annexation questions previously approved for the Nov. 5 ballot.
I am disappointed that Benzie voters will not have the opportunity to access more affordable — even free in many cases — education and skills training via annexation. However, I am proud to recommend this action to the Board based upon our shared NMC values of integrity and respect.
Last Wednesday, Aug. 21, NMC learned we cannot expand our Board of Trustees to include two Benzie residents, which was stated in the ballot language. This language had undergone review at multiple points at the state and local levels. Upon learning of the error, we attempted to correct the language in collaboration with the Benzie County Clerk so voters could make the best decision for themselves based on accurate information. We were not successful.
For the entire 73 years of our history, NMC has built a reputation of trust and honesty. I am not willing to risk that reputation by continuing an annexation effort that included inaccurate information. Therefore I am recommending to the Board that we suspend our effort and withdraw the proposals. Tomorrow, they will consider a resolution to do so formally.
Following that decision, NMC intends to step back, regroup, and determine how to best move forward, in Benzie and beyond, since northern Michigan families deserve the same access to higher education as the rest of the state. We extend our thanks to the leaders and supporters of Yes 4 Benzie, many of whom have been involved with the effort for more than a year. Northwestern Michigan College is an oasis in a higher education desert, and remains committed to bringing affordable, accessible higher education and skills training to our entire region.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Jan 23, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
Trustee Rachel Johnson shared with the Board of Trustees last night she is resigning from her position for personal reasons.
Trustee Johnson first joined the board in November 2016. During her tenure she served as Chair and Vice Chair, as well as a member of the Presidential Search Committee, Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Foundation Board. During this time she has exemplified our NMC values, especially those of integrity, respect and stewardship. Please join me in thanking her for her service to our college community.
Michigan law requires the Board to appoint a replacement trustee within 30 days, who will fill the term until the next regular community college election. That election is in November 2024. Registered voters of Grand Traverse County are eligible to apply for the vacancy.
Commitments for the non-compensated trustee position include but are not limited to the following:
- Regular board meeting, typically the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
- Board study sessions and committee meetings scheduled as required
- Annual Board retreat—sometimes overnight
- Participation in other college functions including commencement, receptions, ceremonies, events
- Travel periodically for purposes of professional development and representing the college at various state and national association meetings. Trustee travel is paid by NMC
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. February 6, 2024. They may be submitted online, emailed to lmoritz@nmc.edu or sent or delivered to:
Trustee Search
Office of the President
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Application materials are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Final appointment will be made by the full NMC Board of Trustees at a special meeting on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Additional materials are available upon request and questions may be directed to the President’s Office at Northwestern Michigan College at (231) 995-1010.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Jan 2, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear colleagues:
Following are our institutional priorities for professional development for 2024-2025.
It is encouraged to link your sabbatical and professional development leave proposals to one or more of the college strategies and/or the college mission.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) by January 31, 2024. Endorsements required: three peers and the appropriate academic chair. The application form can be found here.
The CIE board will evaluate and approve applications using the criteria laid out in the guidelines. CIE will make its decision no later than February 28. CIE-approved applications go to the VP for Educational Services and the college President for final approval. CIE forwards the applications to the Vice President for Educational Services for prioritization by ESIMT. The Vice President of Educational Services will then make a recommendation to the President no later than March 1, 2024.
Staff Sabbatical Leave – Salaried staff must submit endorsed requests to Hollie DeWalt, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, by January 31, 2024. Endorsement required: appropriate executive staff officer.
The Associate Vice President of Human Resources will review staff applications in consultation with executive staff by March 1, 2024, and make a recommendation to the President.
Professional Development Project and Leave Requests – Faculty and staff requests should be reviewed as a part of annual goal planning. For both faculty and staff, professional development activities may only be approved as funds are available and budgeted for this purpose.
For more information regarding sabbatical and professional development policies and procedures see Staff HR Policies D-753.00, D-753.01, and D-753.02, and Faculty Chair and Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Any additional questions can be addressed to Human Resources (ext. 5-2612) or the Center for Instructional Excellence (ext. 5-1046).
Additional Resources:
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Dec 4, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Advocates for Benzie County is sponsoring several listening sessions to hear residents’ needs and concerns regarding higher education access in Benzie County. As the group has been promoting the sessions, NMC wanted to ensure that our students and employees have also heard about the sessions. The dates, times, and locations are listed below.
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- Monday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Frankfort (City Hall)
- Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Benzonia (Mills Community House)
- Thursday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., Honor (The Gathering Place)
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m., Lake Ann (United Methodist Community Center)
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, 12 p.m., Frankfort Rotary (Hotel Frankfort) (NMC President Nissley Presenting)
- Thursday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m., Eagles Club of Interlochen
- Thursday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church in Elberta
- Tuesday, Jan. 23 7:30 a.m., Benzie Sunrise Rotary (Lucky Dog Bar) (NMC President Nissley Nick Presenting)
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the NMC Presidents Office at nmcpresident@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1010 with any questions or concerns.
Dec 1, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Selection Committee is seeking nominations for the 2024 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows is here for your reference.
Please complete the nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Thursday, December 21, 2023.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Nov 1, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I hope you are looking forward to Thanksgiving as much as I am. To make sure we can all share in this important tradition I am asking for your help.
For the tenth annual year, Kristy McDonald’s Professional Communications class is partnering with the NMC Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan to donate to 125 families in the Traverse City community. Boxes–each of which feeding approximately six people–will be distributed at the NMC gym on November 20.
If you are enrolled at NMC as a student (part-time or full-time), you can apply to receive a full Thanksgiving meal for you and your family. The process will be confidential and convenient. The boxes also supplement for the days after the holiday itself, easing any uncertainty families might have.
Any monetary contributions that are collected in our month-long drive results in donors having the chance to win prizes like a weekend stay at the Delamar Hotel, an Elev8 family climbing package, a wine tasting for six at Chateau Chantal, and other prizes by donating $10 or more at nmc.edu/give. (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to other,” and type in “Thanks For Giving.”) Donors can only enter the prize drawing once. Winners will be announced after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Community members also have the option to donate at a glow skate event hosted by our class on November 3 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Howe Ice Arena in the Traverse City Civic Center. Admission will be $10 to enter and $5 to rent ice skates.
The final option to assist is to donate pop cans in their marked bins, found in NMC’s North Hall, East Hall, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center and Parsons-Stulen Building. The bins will be collected twice a week from now until November 13. If any departments are interested in donating items, please contact Meredith Kilbourn at kilbou14@mail.nmc.edu.
Thank you for your help. Together we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick
Oct 25, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates
NMC Community,
I want to share with the NMC community an exciting update on the Pitch for the Trades Competition. You may have heard bits and pieces of this story during the October 10th Professional Development Day, but I’d like to fill you in on the details.
Our NMC Construction Technology program was selected as a finalist for the NACCE (National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship) Pitch for the Trades competition – with a chance to share part of a $150,000 grand prize! NMC’s Construction Technology Program, led by Carolyn Andrews, Construction Coordinator, is pitching the idea of adding 3D home printing technologies to the curriculum. Yes, the future is here, and 3D printed houses will have a role in the future of home construction. From small workforce neighborhoods to unique custom homes, 3D printed homes and communities are beginning to expand, and our local industry partners are taking notice.
Will Kitchen, from NMC’s Office of Possibilities (OOPS), identified the NAACE pitch opportunity, and Carolyn and Dan Goodchild quickly jumped in realizing this was a way to innovate the Construction program and be on the forefront of a new technology. Teaming up with Al Everett (developer and Principal of Thrive TC) and Lauren Tucker (Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area), they created a pitch. Their pitch was to deliver on the potential for 3D printing in our Construction curriculum, and a way forward for prototyping an actual 3D printed house here in Traverse City.
After successfully pitching along with 19 other semi-finalists, earlier this month, the team was one of just six teams selected to move on to the finals on Monday, October 30th. While there is no virtual option to watch, the entire NMC community will be cheering them on. No matter what the results, we are incredibly proud of Carolyn, Will, and Dan for taking the risk of trying something new and looking towards the future – a future where 3D printing of homes becomes the norm. A special thanks for the support provided by OOPS and the encouragement from partners like Lauren Tucker and the Home Builders Association.
Please join me in wishing them luck with the pitch! Go Hawk Owls!
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Oct 2, 2023 | President Updates, Student News
Dear Students,
I am pleased to inform you of an important opportunity you will be offered in the coming days to participate in a survey of the institutionalization of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness on our campus. Participation will entail completing a 15-minute web-based survey; your unique link to the survey will be emailed to you from Surveys@srs.brooklyn.cuny.edu in the coming days.
This survey was designed to determine the state of your sense of belonging on our campus. Your views are especially important to us as we strive to increase the satisfaction of all students and to make NMC a great place to learn.
The survey is completely confidential and will be handled through the survey provider’s project team.
We welcome this opportunity to learn from an independent and research-driven study. We believe that NMC has the potential to be one of the best places for our students to thrive. However, data from the DEII study will be meaningful only if we have broad participation.
Within a week, you will receive an email from surveys@srs.brooklyn.edu, directing you to the online survey. The survey is easy to complete. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Dr. Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or Surveys@brooklyn.cuny.edu.
Thank you in advance for helping us through participation in this study.
Sincerely,
Drs. Nick Nissley and Marcus Bennett
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Sep 15, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community:
I have an important development to share with you.
A group known as Best Benzie, comprising dedicated Benzie County residents, is actively exploring the possibility of Benzie County joining the NMC district through an annexation vote that could occur in November 2024. Currently, Benzie County is not part of any community college district.
Here are the key highlights of this annexation initiative:
- Enhanced educational access: If approved, Benzie County residents would gain the opportunity to attend NMC as in-district students, benefiting from significantly reduced tuition rates compared to the current out-of-district rates.
- Access to programs: Approved annexation would enable Benzie County residents to participate in valuable programs such as Michigan Reconnect as in-district students, ensuring they receive the full range of program benefits.
- Millage rate: Benzie County landowners, in the event of approval, would be subject to a millage rate of 2.0574 mils, aligning with the current rate for Grand Traverse County landowners.
- Financial impact: NMC stands to gain an additional $2.6 million of tax revenue annually if the annexation proposal is approved.
- Democratic process: It’s important to note that the decision to allow this issue onto the ballot rests with the NMC Board of Trustees. They will evaluate the level of interest from Benzie County residents and decide accordingly. After that, it would be up to the eligible voters to decide.
- Community collaboration: Should voters endorse the annexation and millage, NMC is committed to collaborating closely with community members and various groups to shape an educational facility and staffing model that aligns with the missions and needs of the Benzie community.
- Education center: In line with this commitment, NMC envisions establishing a physical presence in Benzie County, including teaching and classroom space, a state-of-the-art computer lab, technology resources for students, versatile meeting spaces for interactions with students and community groups, and dedicated office space for permanent and visiting staff.
This potential annexation discussion is still in the early phases. I will be representing NMC in these talks along with several trustees and college executive staff members. Next steps include:
- Stakeholder gathering: On September 19, Best Benzie will hold a meeting to inform key stakeholders of the desire to move forward with annexation.
- Town Hall: In October, Best Benzie will hold a town hall meeting to share the intention of annexation with the Benzie County community.
- Listening sessions: Following the Town Hall, NMC will host listening sessions from October to December to better understand the Benzie County community’s needs.
This annexation initiative holds the potential to significantly enhance educational opportunities in our region, foster collaboration, and positively impact the lives of Benzie County residents. We will continue to keep you updated as this process unfolds. In fact, we’ll be holding upcoming meetings on our campus to keep you further informed of what’s unfolding.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Aug 14, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the Aug. 12 passing of Dr. Kari Kahler, a cherished member of our Northwestern Michigan College community for more than 40 years. Many of you knew she had been fighting cancer for several months. Today, we remember her incredible career and contributions to NMC. Kari’s journey began as a Conference Center Coordinator in 1982 and grew to embody our NMC value of lifelong learning. Over the years, her unwavering dedication and passion for student success left an indelible mark on our institution. Her career at NMC culminated with becoming Associate Dean of Learning Services in 2012. For more than a decade she oversaw Academic & Career Advising, Disability Support Services, Honors, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Success, and Tutoring.
Kari’s commitment to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) as the advisor of the Alpha Rho Pi chapter was truly remarkable. Since assuming this role on May 12,1997, she became a true PTK ambassador for Northwestern Michigan College. She embodied the spirit of PTK by ensuring its visibility on campus, attending events, and sharing her unyielding passion with students. Under her guidance, the Alpha Rho Pi Chapter thrived and grew, becoming a beacon of excellence.
Her legacy shines brightly through her tireless efforts to nurture student leadership. Kari’s collaborative spirit and boundless enthusiasm led to initiatives that impacted not only PTK students but the entire student body. She spearheaded the establishment of the first-ever “Student Leadership Luncheon,” creating a platform to recognize and celebrate student leaders across campus. Her involvement extended beyond PTK, as she co-founded the College’s inaugural Rotaract group, providing students with opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills through service. Kari’s impact resonated throughout the campus, with her students assuming leadership roles in various student organizations.
One of her most cherished accomplishments was the Blair Mentoring Project, which she co-founded with Emily Witte at Blair Elementary School. Through this project, Kari and her team paired NMC student mentors with Blair fifth graders, nurturing their leadership potential and fostering resilience. She helped these students see themselves as future leaders and college students.
Kari’s dedication went beyond PTK. She played an instrumental role in keeping the Food Pantry operational during the pandemic, served on the BBQ board for many years, led the Developmental Education Committee, and managed the honors program at NMC. Her commitment to student success was palpable, and she supported numerous students who faced challenges, always striving to provide them with the help they needed to thrive.
Her impact extended to the regional level, where she served as Michigan’s regional coordinator for PTK. She provided guidance and insight to the regional officer team, acting as a liaison to PTK headquarters. Her dedication was recognized in April 2015 when she received the distinguished regional coordinator award from headquarters.
Outside of her professional commitments, Kari found solace in camping and cherished her little piece of heaven on earth in Leelanau County. Her family, including her husband Chad and her children Cori and Casey, held a special place in her heart.
Kari’s passion for fostering student leadership, her dedication to Phi Theta Kappa, and her immense contributions to Northwestern Michigan College will forever be remembered. As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate her legacy and the positive impact she had on countless lives.
Human Resources will be sending out further communications regarding grief support services available on campus later this week. Do not hesitate to reach out for resources. The true impact of her work is with the countless lives she touched. But I also want to shine a light on just how dedicated she was to our College and all that we represent. A true servant leader, we are all better for knowing her and having her be part of our community.
Kari and her family established the Dr. Kari Kahler Scholarship at Northwestern Michigan College and have asked that gifts be directed to this scholarship in her memory. This scholarship will honor her legacy by providing financial assistance to former Blair Elementary students as they pursue their education at NMC. Learn more about the scholarship and donate here.
NMC Positions (42 years of service as of 2023)
- Conference Center Coordinator 1982–1986
- Residence Hall Supervisor 1981–1987
- Career Planning and Placement Specialist 1985–1990
- Assistant Director, Housing/Student Activities/Campus Activities 1987–1990
- Director of Housing & Student Life 1991–1996
- Adjunct – Psychology – 1998–2021
- Coordinator – Center and Employment Services – 1997–2006
- Director of Learning Services 2006–2012
- Associate Dean of Learning Services 2012–Present
NMC Leadership/Engagement
- Classification Review Team Member
- Honors Committee – Honors Director
- Food Pantry Team Member
- Barbecue Board – College Liaison
- PDI Advisory Board – Member
- Crucial Accountability Instructor
NMC Recognitions
- Employee of the Term – 1989 Winter Term – Awarded
- Foundation Excellence Award 1995 – Awarded
- Foundation Excellence Award 2005 – Awarded
- Foundation Excellence Award 2012 – Awarded
- Team Excellence Award 2021 – Nominee (Learning Services)
Phi Theta Kappa Roles & Recognition
- PTK – Alpha Rho Pi Chapter Advisor
- Michigan Regional Coordinator
- Student Development Representative – PTK Honors Program Council 2020–2024
- PTK Leadership Studies Curriculum Instructor
- Recognition: PTK Faculty Scholar – 2020
- Recognition: Continued Excellence Award for Advisors 2022
Feb 27, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates
Good morning NMC community,
I am pleased to share an important update regarding the college’s accreditation cycle, including results from the recent mid-cycle assurance review.
As you know, in 2019 NMC started on an Open Pathway to maintain accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC.) This is a 10-year cycle focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. The Open Pathway option includes regular monitoring, a mid cycle Assurance Review, a Quality Initiative project and an end of cycle Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation.
We are now on the other side of our Mid-Cycle Assurance Review point. I am pleased to share that HLC formally notified us in January that NMC “Met” all Core Components of the Criteria for Accreditation. This result indicates the strength of the college in meeting the HLC expectations in all areas. The next step along the pathway is for NMC to propose a Quality Initiative project between September 1, 2023 and June 2025. Once the proposal is approved by the HLC, we will begin work on our project. The completed project is due no later than June 1, 2028. Stay tuned for more information as we co-create this important college project.
While our accreditation truly takes a college-wide effort, I want to specifically thank Joy Goodchild, NMC’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, for her leadership and role in authoring the Assurance Argument, as well as Lisa Balbach and Nick Roster in their significant contributions in authorship. I also want to thank those who provided their support leading to our successful review: Shelly Grant, Stephen Siciliano, Wayne Moody, and Michael Anderson.
I look forward to engaging our college community around the next phase of this important work!
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Feb 14, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC family,
My heart is heavy this morning about the tragedy at Michigan State University last night. This hits much too close to home. We all know someone with ties to MSU, including our own alumni. Like many of you, I am feeling both sadness and frustration. While some things are outside of our control, I want to reassure you we have many safety protocols in place and practice drills monthly. We also have many resources to offer support and help you process your feelings and concerns. Our teams in human resources and student services are sharing the details with you today. Most importantly, I want you to know that I am confident that our NMC family will continue to support one another, and help each other move through this.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Dec 20, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear colleagues:
Following are our institutional priorities for professional development for 2023-2024.
It is encouraged to link your sabbatical and professional development leave proposals to one or more of the college strategies and/or the college mission.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) by January 31, 2023. Endorsements required: three peers and the appropriate academic chair. The application form can be found here.
By February 15, CIE forwards the applications to the Vice President for Educational Services for prioritization by ESIMT. The Vice President of Educational Services will then make a recommendation to the President no later than March 1, 2023.
Staff Sabbatical Leave – Salaried staff must submit endorsed requests to Hollie DeWalt, Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources, by January 31, 2023. Endorsement required: appropriate executive staff officer.
The Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources will review staff applications in consultation with executive staff by March 1, 2023, and make a recommendation to the President.
For more information regarding sabbatical and professional development policies and procedures see Staff HR Policies D-753.00, D-753.01, and D-753.02, and Faculty Chair and Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreements..
Any additional questions can be addressed to Human Resources (ext. 5-2612) or the Center for Instructional Excellence (ext. 5-1046).
Additional Resources:
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Nov 3, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over a meal this Thanksgiving. To make sure we can all share in this important tradition I am asking for your help.
Recently, instructor, Kristy McDonald, invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills, while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community – literally, helping feed the hungry (and, affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).
They believe everyone should get to experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 14. You can donate as an individual, or join together with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located at the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus. The class aims to collect:
- Mini Marshmallows (10 oz. bags)
- Granola Bars (boxes)
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes; including Red Wings tickets, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, passes to Bay Meadows family golf course (including cart fees), and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Food For Thought.”) In addition, a private donor has pledged to match monetary contributions up to $5,000. Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help a student apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Food for Thought Form).
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know first hand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Michael Wittman at wittmam@mail.nmc.edu.
Thank you for your help. Together we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick Nissley, President
Oct 17, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Selection Committee is seeking nominations for the 2023 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows is here for your reference.
Please use the nomination form here to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Thursday, December 1, 2022.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
