Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and our Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) today remember Gordon Lightfoot upon news of his passing yesterday at age 84.
The Canadian singer-songwriter was named an NMC Fellow — the college’s highest honor — in 1989 for his financial contributions to the maritime program. Through a named scholarship, Lightfoot has provided financial aid for dozens of students.
Best known for his ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” Lightfoot immortalized the tragic sinking of the ship in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Among the total crew of 29, one GLMA cadet and one alumnus lost their lives aboard the ore carrier that day. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy hosts its Mariners Memorial Service annually on Nov. 10 to honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and the oceans.
During a concert in 1976 in Traverse City Lightfoot announced he would donate $10,000 toward establishment of a scholarship fund in honor of the GLMA cadet and alumnus. He gave annually to the fund from the song’s royalties. Lightfoot later added to the fund with a portion of proceeds from sales of his limited edition signature guitar and allowed the song to be used in the IMAX movie “Mysteries of the Great Lakes,” contingent on a significant donation to the NMC fund.
We are grateful for the support Lightfoot offered NMC, GLMA, the cadets and the maritime industry. His legacy and support to future cadets lives on. We wish him fair winds and following seas.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
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
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
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.
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!
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.
On Tuesday, October 11, the Center for Instructional Excellence and the Professional Development Institute will host the seventh NMC October Conference. This is a college-wide professional development event for all regular faculty and staff, as well as adjunct faculty.
An appointment has been sent to your Google calendar. The College will be closed to allow all faculty and staff to attend. We are excited to have everyone together again, face-to-face for this event!
Our morning will begin at 8:00 am at the Milliken Auditorium with light refreshments, followed by a welcome and a keynote address. Our speaker is Dr. Todd Zakrajsek, learning science author and speaker from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the Lilly Conferences.
We will have a wide variety of sessions available for all NMC faculty and staff to come together to share ideas and learn new strategies, ultimately giving everyone an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.
This year’s theme is: NMC Next: Unlock Your Full Potential, based on NMC’s Vision and Strategic Plan, and provides an opportunity for the College to invest in you, our employees! I can’t stress enough how important each of you is in helping our learners succeed. It takes every person in every position on campus to assure quality experiences and outcomes for our students. This day gives us the opportunity to invest in each other.
Check your calendars for a more detailed agenda with a list of sessions that will allow you to plan your day.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Nick
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
I hope you are finding your rhythm this semester and feeling optimistic from the energy and engagement offered by our students and colleagues. It’s easy to feel upbeat when we see more friendly faces in the Hawk Owl Café, but there are also some important points of pride taking place behind the scenes. That’s what I want to lift up for us to celebrate today with our new strategic plan, NMC Next.
Last year, we all created this plan together to focus our efforts on the most important work here at the College and to prepare for a successful future. Now, more than half way through our first year, I want to share some great successes that you and your colleagues are accomplishing.
Strategy 1: Future-Focused Education
We are ahead of schedule and making great progress to increase our number of online/hybrid courses thanks to the guidance of Mark DeLonge and Ryan Bernstein. Their smart approach to training has resulted in more faculty becoming peer reviewers and is building excitement for others to participate.
Strategy 2: Student Engagement and Success
Thank you everyone who helped with Welcome Week activities! Not only is this a fun way to support our students, it also supports Strategy 2, objective 1. Not only are we forging an important sense of belonging, but we’re also tracking attendance so we can measure the impact on student success.
Strategy 3: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We have a passionate and dedicated team advancing this important work and have met some major milestones already. NMC’s first Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Marcus Bennett, started in his role in July. Also this summer, the NMC DEI Core and Employee teams merged to become the NMC DEIB Advisory Council and completed DEIB training through Grand Valley State University.
Strategy 4: Community Partnerships and Engagement
Thanks to Elizabeth Sonnabend, Laura Matchett and Ed Bailey for helping the college advance our skilled trades goals. They’ve been busy developing workforce and professional development training across all industry sectors in response to employer needs. With the assistance of MiWorks!, they have secured funding to allow participants to attend these training sessions, sometimes for free, providing the skills necessary to upscale the community’s workforce.
Strategy 5 – Institutional Distinction and Sustainability
Chef Les Eckert, the entire GLCI team, and many others across the college have completed the incredibly hard work of reimagining the institute. This effort touched nearly every aspect of the program and resulted in new content, shorter courses, and a renewed optimism for the future success of GLCI.
We also have to give a shout out to the ORPE team of Joy Goodchild and Shelly Grant for developing dashboards that allow us to easily track all of the data related to the objectives. Transparency and accountability are central to the success of our strategic plan.
These are only a few examples of the great work that’s happening all across our College. I am proud of all of you for staying focused and continuing to make progress. It’s important that we remain committed to seeing this work through to completion and just as important to celebrate our success along the way!
Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade, in true engineer fashion, is making sure everything is running smoothly and on schedule. It is a lot to keep track of, but he does a great job of making sure the information is accessible. Attached you will find his fall report on the status of our entire strategic plan. I encourage you to read it and congratulate your teams and colleagues on all your hard work. While we have more work to do, we already have so much to be proud of!
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
I am pleased to announce Jennifer Hricik, currently the NMC Foundation’s Major Gifts Officer, will serve as Interim Associate Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Foundation for the next year.
Jennifer will help lead the Foundation through its strategic planning process that officially launched this month. Upon its anticipated completion in December 2022, we will launch a national search for the permanent position.
Jennifer is a values-grounded servant leader, committed to the NMC mission – delivering lifelong learning opportunities to transform students’ lives and enrich our community. Since she began with the Foundation in 2016 she has worked to connect donors to opportunities at NMC, allowing them to significantly impact students and our community. She was a key contributor to the success of the “Be What’s Possible” Campaign, helping raise more than $40 million.
Jennifer’s passion for learning pre-dates NMC. Her higher education-focused career includes work in the areas of: enrollment, strategic planning, marketing, branding, and development. She has worked as an associate director of college admissions, gaining valuable student-facing experience and deep understanding of student needs. Additionally, she has worked as a consultant and director of client services for an education-focused consulting firm, gaining valuable collaboration and project management skills, serving a broad range of higher education institutions.
Even if you have not had the opportunity to work directly with Jennifer, you likely know her through her infectious positivity and collaborative relationships across our campus and community. Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to her new role.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to share that we will soon be undergoing a leadership transition within the NMC Foundation.
Associate Vice President for Resource Development and Executive Director of the NMC Foundation Rebecca Teahen will be leaving the college July 15. During her more than ten years of leadership, the Foundation has evolved into a model for community college philanthropy. Rebecca overhauled the traditional view of giving and lived the vision for Be What’s Possible with a new style comprehensive campaign which raised a record-setting $40.3 million from 5,200 donors. Today the NMC Foundation is one of the top 20 community college foundations in the United States. The Be What’s Possible campaign is one of the largest and most successful campaigns ever undertaken by a community college foundation. Thanks to her leadership we also have a growing alumni network, with 27,000 graduates and 58,000 former students, and robust participation with the community through the Foundation Board and committee members.
There is never a good time for leadership transitions, but Rebecca’s thoughtfulness to see the campaign through its successful completion is key. We are also just beginning the important work of strategic planning with the NMC Foundation to support the College’s strategic plan, NMC Next. We are currently working with the NMC Foundation Executive Committee and key stakeholders on a transition plan that will help guide the NMC Foundation through this planning process and toward long-term success. We also know that the NMC Foundation is very strong financially and well equipped with talented staff who will continue to serve our students and donors. We will of course keep you updated as the process continues.
Please join me in thanking Rebecca Teahen for her successful career at NMC. As you know, she and her family have a long history with the NMC community and I know she will always be a strong supporter of the valuable work we do.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
It’s an exciting and busy time at NMC! Please join us for a virtual town hall to hear the latest from President Nissley on the work that unites us as a college community, including the official launch of NMC Next our new strategic plan!
The event is planned for this Friday, January 28, 2022, from 8–9 a.m. Topics will include: enrollment, NMC Next Strategic Plan, COVID-19, Q&A, and a little something for each of you!
The session will be recorded for those unable to attend.
To join, please use the Zoom webinar link included below or in the calendar appointment.
When: Jan 28, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Good morning NMC community and welcome to spring semester 2022!
A new year and a new semester always fills me with the sense of possibility that new beginnings bring us! I am excited to be back together working toward our common goals — transforming student lives and enriching our community — even if we’re not physically together right now. Regardless, we are united in our commitment to learning and our shared success. We’ve learned new things about ourselves over the past two years. For instance, I am a ‘people person’ and love the energy I feel from seeing and engaging with our students and employees on campus. But even when I can’t see you as often as I’d like, I have discovered that I can still feel that energy that connects us all as an NMC community. That is what lies at the heart of NMC Next — our new strategic plan that includes a new Mission, Vision, Values and Learner Experience pledge that we drafted together over the past year. That common sense of purpose inspires me everyday I wake up — to serve you and our mission. I can’t wait to share NMC Next with you after the Board of Trustees meets to approve the work later this month. While I am not sure where the pandemic will take us next, I am confident that we will continue to be connected as an NMC community, with a clear purpose, and a plan to help us move forward towards our shared vision of ‘what’s possible’.
Please remember to take care of yourself, your classmates, colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. Know that we are all here to help each other succeed. NMC is a special place and I am so grateful I get to share it with you.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
As a reminder, Monday, January 10, 2022, is NMC’s January Conference, which will be held virtually this year. You should have also already received a calendar appointment with this same information and link to the Zoom webinar.
Below is a timeline of the morning session, which should be of interest to all NMC faculty and staff, and will include a short break midway through the conference.
9:00 a.m. Program Begins
Update from President Nick Nissley
New Employee Introductions
Strategic Plan Update Break (approximately 9:45-10:00 a.m.)
Guest Speaker: Dr. Paolo Guadiano (speaking on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging)
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Selection Committee is seeking nominations for the 2022 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 attached for your reference.
Please see the attached nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via email to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
NMC President Nick Nissley and nursing student Kendall McNitt share three simple steps on how to to keep safe and stay healthy this fall and winter: Stay home if you or another household member are sick; wear a mask indoors while at NMC; and wash your hands thoroughly and often. Learn more at nmc.edu/covid-19.
NMC President Nick Nissley and nursing student Kendall McNitt share three simple steps on how to to keep safe and stay healthy this fall and winter: Stay home if you or another household member are sick; wear a mask indoors while at NMC; and wash your hands thoroughly and often. Learn more at nmc.edu/covid-19.
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we head into 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 serving the community, by organizing a project to provide 125 Thanksgiving meals to NMC students and local families who need a little extra help this year.
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. You can donate as an individual, or join together with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! The class is asking us to help them collect:
Mini Marshmallows (125 bags)
Cranberry Sauce (125 cans)
Red collection bins will be located on main campus at the Innovation Center, Osterlin Student Success Center and at Parsons-Stulen on the Aeropark Campus.
There are other ways you can help too! The class is looking to make an even greater impact by also raising money. All of the funds raised will go towards the 125 meals. Any additional funds raised will support the NMC Food pantry or be used towards next year’s project. Every donation will be matched up to $5,000! And you might even win a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge by donating. To give go to nmc.edu/give and follow these simple steps.
Select the amount to give.
Designate gift to “other.”
Manually enter “Food For Thought Thanksgiving Project.”
All contributors will receive a receipt.
Email the receipt to Cam Walker walke299@mail.nmc.edu to be entered to win a two-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge.
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 Mahli Braak at braakm@mail.nmc.edu.
Thank you for your help. Together we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick Nissley, President
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Good afternoon Northwestern Michigan College family,
Over the past three weeks, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Maritime Administration, and the entire U.S. maritime industry has been addressing the issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment onboard U.S. merchant vessels. This work has been necessitated by the report of a serious sexual assault of a midshipman enrolled at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Due to the seriousness of this incident, I feel it’s important to address this issue with you. First, I want you to know we stand with the survivors of sexual assault and harassment and condemn the actions reported in this incident. Second, I want to share how Northwestern Michigan College and our Great Lakes Maritime Academy have been working to improve the safety of our cadets.
Safety, onshore and while underway has always been a top priority for the College and the Academy. The initiatives and best practices we have developed and adopted over the past decade, in an effort to make certain the cadet experience is positive and free of harassment, include the following:
The Office of Student Life provides in-person Title IX/Campus SaVE Act training to all cadets prior to their first classes. This training is again provided to all cadets at the end of second semester, subsequent to sailing onboard the Training Ship State of Michigan.
All cadets complete Social Responsibility training, as approved by the U.S. Coast Guard during their first year at the Academy.
Every cadet meets with the GLMA Superintendent individually prior to sailing on a commercial vessel. The superintendent provides an avenue for safe reporting, including his and the Dean of Students contact information if there are any incidents. There is also an option to report anonymously.
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Sea Project Syllabi have been amended to include contact information for reporting inappropriate behavior.
NMC now administers a survey at the end of every sea project to allow students to anonymously describe their experience.
The Academy staff has adopted the practice of reaching out to each cadet who is sailing onboard a commercial vessel via text message, to ensure their safety.
We are also committed to continuous improvement. After listening to alumni of the maritime program, during the last year we’ve convened a cross campus team to:
Further collaborate with GLMA, NMC Student Life, and the staffs of the other state maritime academies to share best practices in order to prevent harassment and assault onboard training ships
Continue to find ways to assist cadets to adequately prepare for their sea projects, and ensure their safety.
In early November, the GLMA Board of Visitors will hold its annual meeting. The topic of ensuring a safe experience for cadets will be a primary agenda item. Among the initiatives we will begin, that Board of Visitors members have committed to assisting with, include:
Vetting ships that carry GLMA cadets using a system developed by the federal government for use by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and
Visiting vessels while cadets are onboard.
These actions are important and critical to the success of the College, the Academy, and the cadets. I want to personally assure you that we take these concerns seriously at every level of the organization. I have been particularly impressed with the commitment of the entire faculty and staff of Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy, and their dedication to addressing this issue. We are committed to our cadet’s safety and we are continuously working to improve our learning environment. It is critically important to me that all of our students feel safe while enrolled at the College, preparing to serve the nation as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
We are not alone in this important work. Attached you will find a letter from the Consortium of State Maritime Academies which was sent last night to Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. This letter states that this recent incident, “is not a single academy incident, nor is it a single shipping company incident, nor a single shipping union incident,” and that as one of the nation’s six state maritime academies we are “deeply committed to working with the entire maritime industry to actively address sexual harassment and assault.” I am confident together we can make positive change.
Thank you,
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Release date: October 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications dfairbanks@nmc.edu (231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
