Success Story: Great Lakes campus hosts pair of prestigious conferences

Sep 25, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

September 25, 2019

Marine Technology student Max CroweA pair of conferences at the Great Lakes campus over the next week will advance national dialogue in two key program areas, showcase NMC’s top-tier marine technology (pictured) and culinary programs and facilities, and offer students an early glimpse at career prospects.

Great Lakes TechSurge: Lakebed 2030, a regional conference of the Marine Technology Society (MTS), will convene at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus Oct. 1–2. Internationally recognized for its conferences and technical symposiums, host cities for other upcoming MTS events include Houston, Seattle and Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The Traverse City event is held in parallel with a global initiative, Seabed 2030, which aspires to map the bottom of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director Hans Van Sumeren, the Great Lakes section chair of the MTS, said he proposed the conference here to be sure the lakes weren’t left out of that initiative.

“Mapping in general provides multiple users the ability to better understand impacts,” said Van Sumeren, including fisheries, invasive species, navigation and coastal resiliency, or changes due to climate impacts and water levels.

“Things that are real in the Great Lakes today,” said Van Sumeren, who estimated less than 10 percent of the Great Lakes lakebed has been mapped at high resolution. The conference will allow MTS members from academia, government and industry to discuss and prioritize what data to collect and how to do so.

“It won’t happen unless we have the conversations about prioritization and collaboration,” Van Sumeren said. “It furthers the opportunity for everyone to help shape what we’re doing.”

Great Lakes TechSurge comes on the heels of Farms, Food & Health, set for Thursday–Sunday at both the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and the Hagerty Center. It’s the second time the campus has hosted the event connecting farmers and local food advocates with health care providers. NMC chef instructors will offer culinary medicine training for accredited healthcare professionals in addition to speakers, workshops and a vendor expo.

Last held in 2017, a new addition to this year’s event is student scholarships. NMC student Maya Koscielny, who is studying both culinary sales and marketing and fruit and vegetable crop management, will attend thanks to an NMC scholarship that covers her registration fees.

“People just need to be made more aware of the health implications,” of their diet, said Koscielny, who hopes for a career in sustainable farming practices. She’s even going to trade in her Saturday morning free time to attend.

“I’d rather be going to (the conference) than sleeping in,” she said.

Registration for Farms, Food and Health is closed, but the public is welcome to attend the free expo from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Hagerty Center.

Meanwhile, Marine Technology students have the opportunity to see their research published via a poster symposium, and attend a career fair that’s part of Great Lakes TechSurge.

“They’re actively looking for students with our skills,” Van Sumeren said of the attendees. NMC offers the nation’s only bachelor’s degree in marine technology in the nation. Begun in 2015, the program just had its largest fall enrollment to date. A total of forty students are enrolled including Max Crowe, pictured top, conducting mapping and surveying work in Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior this summer.

“The student success is building momentum,” Van Sumeren said.

Great Lakes TechSurge is still open for registration and include speakers and demonstrations from NMC vessels and in the Great Lakes campus harbor.

Info Sec Alert! Keep Our Data Safe, Update Your Personal Devices

Sep 19, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

 Keep Safe, Stay Updated

Here at NMC we work rigorously to keep our software up-to-date to provide students and employees with a quality experience while using the software and ensuring that data is secure. Although NMC’s devices are kept up-to-date on campus, users frequently access NMC services from personal devices. Consider this: When was the last time you delayed an update on your smartphone or your personal computer? These updates give you the current version of your operating system and fix bugs. More importantly, updates fix security flaws. For this reason, it is important to keep your personal devices up-to-date. Security is an extremely important concern in all workplaces, classrooms, businesses, etc. At NMC, protecting employee and student privacy, including personal information, class information, files and documents, is always our priority.

Personal Devices to Keep up-to-date on:

Smartphones/Tablets

• iPhone IOS or Android OS
• Installed Apps

Laptops

• Windows or MacOS
• Installed Programs
• Webcam, Mouse, and Keyboard drivers

To start with, navigate to your device’s settings menu and look for the updates page.  Update your device and explore the different features that the new updates brings. What are you waiting for? Take a deep dive into your phone or laptop and see what you can learn.

Music community mourns Dave Parrish’s passing

Sep 19, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

The NMC family, as well as the larger Traverse City music community, mourn the passing of Dave Parrish. Dave lost a heroic eight-year battle with cancer last Friday, passing away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Dave made an enormous impact on the community — bringing joy, love and wonderful music to all who knew him and worked with him. Dave wore many hats in the TC music community — NMC Children’s Choir Director, TCAPS Music Department Chair, TCAPS Choir Director, TCCHS Humanities Instructor, NMC Extended Education lecturer… the list goes on and on.

There will be a Memorial Service at Central United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, at 11 a.m. to celebrate Dave’s life and legacy.

NMC’s Women in Aviation Chapter hosts Girls in Aviation Day 2019

Sep 19, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) will host a free program Oct. 5 to introduce local girls ages 8 to 17 to the career possibilities available in the aviation field. The day’s activities will take place at 2600 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City from 9 am to 1 pm. More than 40 girls along with their chaperones are expected to attend.

“We want our local girls to see that there are exciting careers available to them as engineers, astronauts, pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and dozens of other jobs with the aviation community,” says NMC’s WAI President Kate Hauch. “We will introduce girls to role models and educate them in a fun and supportive atmosphere.”

Limited to the first 50 girls, the NMC Chapter will join Women in Aviation International chapters around the world for this outreach event on Oct. 5, seeking to inspire the next generation of women in aviation. Chapters all over the world are putting on their own unique programs, and the U.S. states are proclaiming October 5, 2019 to be Girls in Aviation Day in their state. Attendees will also be able to earn the WAI Aviation Girl Fun Patch. Please reserve tickets through EventBrite.com.

“This program is free for participants and their chaperones with lunch provided,” added Kate Hauch. “We just want to see girls interacting with positive role models and considering aviation as they make their college and career plans.”

Women in Aviation International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. This is the second year the NMC chapter has hosted the event.

Release date: September 19, 2019

For more information:

Kate Hauch
Women in Aviation International NMC Chapter
(989) 450-9910
kmhauch@gmail.com

NMC names leaders for Dennos, nursing, Police Academy, library

Sep 16, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Four new directors have taken the helm at key divisions of Northwestern Michigan College continuing the college’s regional leadership in arts and culture, workforce development, and information/media technology.

All will facilitate the college’s shift to experiential learning and continue to forge connections between campus and community. They are:

Craig Hadley, Dennos Museum Center: Hadley comes to NMC from DePauw University in Indiana where he was director/curator with rank of assistant professor. He oversaw the recently accredited University Galleries & Collections, which serves as a hub for undergraduate teaching and research. Hadley also regularly taught independent studies and capstone courses, introductory museum workshops, and reading topics in the program’s museum studies minor. The NMC search committee highlighted Hadley’s understanding of the higher education landscape, passion for the mission of museums and desire for interconnected learning and building bridges as some of his strengths. Hadley succeeds Gene Jenneman, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Hadley »

Amy Jones, Nursing and Allied Health: With a lifelong commitment to education and nursing, Jones served at Mercy Hospital-Springfield (Missouri) in a variety of roles, from bedside nurse to risk management, over 18 years. Mercy held one of the few remaining hospital-based nursing programs in the United States, and Jones led the associate degree nursing program there for several years. An RN since 2000, Jones says her passion is patient-centered care. Her plans at NMC include maintaining the amazing work that has been laid as a foundation and continuing to seek opportunities for the nursing program to grow and serve the needs of the community. She succeeds Laura Schmidt, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Jones »

Gail Kurowski, Police Academy: Kurowski now leads the department she graduated from in 1983. She spent 20 years with the Michigan State Police, serving as a field training officer, as a legislative liaison in the executive division and in the recruiting and selection unit. The first woman to lead NMC’s Academy, Kurowski aspires to make it a destination program for anyone interested in the law enforcement profession. She succeeds Brian Heffner, who is now director of NMC’s Business Academic Area. Read more about Kurowski (photo not available) »

Kerrey Woughter, NMC Library: Woughter comes from Traverse City Central High School, where she was the teacher-librarian since 2004. During her tenure with TCAPS, Woughter was instrumental in developing the Front Street Writers Program, in partnership with the National Writers Series. An educator of more than 20 years, Woughter has high school library and classroom experience, served as adjunct-Communications faculty for Spring Arbor University and provided supplemental reference library services at NMC from 2009-13. One of Woughter’s first tasks will be planning the library’s move from the Osterlin Building to the West Hall Innovation Center, set for early 2020. Woughter succeeds Tina Ulrich, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Woughter »

Release date: September 17, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

Success story: Hawk Owls soaring

Sep 11, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

September 11, 2019

One-third of the region’s 40 under 40 winners have something in common beyond being young professionals who positively influence their community — they’ve attended classes at NMC.

Thirteen of the region’s 40 most influential leaders under age 40, as named by the Traverse City Business News this month, attended or graduated from NMC.

Illustrating the breadth of programs NMC offers, they work in a wide range of fields including banking and financial services, restaurants and hospitality, nonprofits, real estate, education, health care, government, and tourism. They are:

• Max Anderson, assistant vice president, Honor Bank;
• Andrea Deibler, co-owner, Raduno;
• Lindsey Dickinson, director of academic and career advising, NMC;
• Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, clinical manager, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency;
• Brandon Hunt, president, Mid-American Title;
• Nicholus Kopacki, site director, GVSU Physician Assistant Studies program;
• Courtney Lorenz, founder, Cultured Kombucha;
• Ben Marentette, city clerk, City of Traverse Clerk;
• Katy McCain, manager, Traverse City Tourism;
• Julie Moore, Physician Assistant, Addiction Treatment Services;
• Christopher Radu, partner, Elemint Wealth Management;
• Amy Shamroe, Jenkins Group and elected city commissioner;
• Nicole VanNess, parking director, Traverse City DDA.

Their resumes point to the value of NMC in the community. Through NMC’s University Center, Traverse City city clerk Ben Marentette earned both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees.

“You get a lot for your money. NMC allowed me to build a career without having to leave the city,” Marentette said.

Other list highlights:

• Seven of NMC-connected are also repeat winners: Anderson, Halladay, Hunt, Lorenz, Marentette, McCain and Shamroe.
• The eight women and five men among the NMC-connected is similar to the gender balance among the entire 40 over 40 list (22 women and 18 men.) NMC’s enrollment, however, is nearly 50-50 male-female.

Awards bestowed on retiring Nelson

Sep 5, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC President Timothy J. Nelson has been honored with a host of awards for his leadership and accomplishments during his tenure. Nelson, who will retire Dec. 31, 2019, after 19 years as president has recently received the following:

• Central Regional CEO Award, Association of Community College Trustees, to be presented at the ACCT Leadership Congress in San Francisco in October. As the regional recipient, Nelson is also a nominee for the national Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award.
• The Alliance for Innovation & Transformation (AFIT) Legacy Award, honoring an individual who has made exceptional and long-lasting contributions to AFIT and his or her organization, and has been a leading exemplar of transformative leadership in higher education nationwide. The recipient’s legacy is one that is not only extraordinary, but is rarely found. Only three Legacy awards have been granted by AFIT since the award was established in 2010.
• Michigan Community College Association legislative leadership — Nelson has held many roles within the organization representing all 28 Michigan colleges. He was recognized this summer for his longest-serving role, eight years as chair of the MCCA legislative committee, since 2011. Under Nelson’s leadership of the committee, the Michigan Legislature approved community college baccalaureate degrees, a signature achievement.
• National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award — Presented in May, the award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level and whose efforts have made a positive impact in the community. Nelson has been an Eagle Scout since 1968.

In his nearly two decades as president, Nelson has guided NMC through a transition from the traditional time-based, place-based and knowledge transfer system to a community college that is focused on competency based, content based knowledge application in pursuit of social, economic and talent development.

In addition to MCCA, his visionary leadership is sought at the local, state and national levels. He has served on many boards and associations, including four gubernatorial appointments by two different Michigan governors.

He and his wife, Nancy Johnson, plan to remain in Traverse City upon retirement.

Release date: Sept. 5, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Dining Service Hours for Fall 2019

Sep 3, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

NMC Dining Services include the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind / Starbucks in Osterlin Library and the Hawks Nest in East Hall. Hours may vary around holidays and dining services are closed during semester breaks and over the summer.

Hawk Owl Café

• Monday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Friday: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Northwest Grind / Starbucks

• Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

The Hawks Nest

• Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Meals on the Move will be in East Hall every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and  every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.

NMC Board of Trustees identifies Nick Nissley as first choice in presidential search

Sep 3, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to advance Dr. Nick Nissley as the first choice of five finalists to become the next president of NMC at a special board meeting Tuesday, September 3. The Board then unanimously voted to support Dr. Nissley in his role as president, if he accepts the position.

The Board will now extend an offer and begin discussions on a contract with Dr. Nissley. The contract will be submitted to and voted on by the Board. A formal announcement on the new president is expected within the month, with an expected start date of January 1, 2020.

NMC Board Chair Chris Bott said, “The Board is pleased to move forward with Dr. Nissley. He brings strong communication skills and proven experience in leadership and innovation. This process to identify the next leader of NMC has been competitive, thorough and transparent as the board’s most important job. We appreciate the dedication of the presidential search committee, employees and community members who participated in this process to identify the next leader of our community’s college.”

Nick Nissley, Ed. D. is an education executive with more than 25 years of experience including K-12, community college and university settings. He is currently Executive Director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Nissley has leadership experience in fundraising, professional development, human resources, teaching and the arts. His areas of focus include helping build individual and organization capabilities that support organizational effectiveness and innovation cultures in support of educational excellence. Dr. Nissley describes himself as a collaborative servant leader and “possibilitarian.”

A total of 67 people applied for the position. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews. The committee recommended five finalists for in-person interviews which included campus and community forums open to the public.

This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

“The board, this college and this community will be forever grateful for the service of Tim Nelson during his nearly 19 year tenure. We were not seeking to, nor could we replicate president Nelson who did incredible work to build this college into what it is today,“ said Chairman Bott. “We are now looking for the person who would be the right fit to lead this institution into the future. Each candidate has their own unique strengths. Ultimately the decision came down to who was the best fit at this time.”

Release Date: September 3, 2019

For More Information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu(231) 995-1019

NMC accreditation renewed, commended for continuous quality improvement

Sep 3, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s accreditation process—a key benchmark of the college’s overall quality—has been reaffirmed for the next 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission.

The reaffirmation process is the culmination of a comprehensive, eight-year cycle following a March 2019 site visit by HLC peer reviewers. Accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.

In its report, the peer review committee cited NMC’s “strong, clear, and well-presented evidence” on all five criteria for accreditation. It also praised NMC for its ongoing dedication to continuous quality improvement.

“Continuous quality improvement appears to be embedded within the culture of the college,” the report concludes.

NMC Executive Director of Research, Planning and Effectiveness Joy Evans said the clear-cut reaffirmation is “significant” for NMC and places it at the forefront among other Michigan community colleges.

“We not only met all criteria of accreditation but we are not on any form of interim monitoring, a rare finding for Michigan community colleges over the past several years,” Evans said.

Northwestern Michigan College has been accredited by HLC since 1961. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a gatekeeper agency within the accreditation process. The next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2028-29.

In addition to college-wide accreditation, many NMC programs maintain individual accreditations. Nursing programs in June received re-accreditation for the next eight years. In October, the Marine Technology program will host a site visit as part of its accreditation process. Learn more here.

Release date: Sept. 3, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Librarian Office Hours in Scholars Hall

Aug 29, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

New this semester – your NMC librarians are holding office hours in Scholars Hall!

Stuck on a research assignment, or want to enlist the help of a personal research collaborator? Curious to pick up some tips on how to avoid misinformation online? Or just looking for a homework break and someone to talk to? Stop by Scholars Hall 213 on Wednesdays between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.!