Nov. 1 Town Hall Meeting Video
View the video of the Nov. 1 Town Hall meeting where NMC President Tim Nelson announced his decision to retire at the end of 2019 below. Read the news release here and his letter to NMC students here.
Four trustees elected
TRAVERSE CITY — Four current members of NMC’s Board of Trustees were elected to new or to complete terms in the Nov. 6 general election. They are:
- Douglas S. Bishop – First appointed to the board in 2006, Bishop was re-elected to his third six-year term. He will serve until Dec. 31, 2024.
- Kennard R. Weaver – The current board chair, Weaver was re-elected to a second six-year term. He will serve until Dec. 31, 2024.
- Rachel A. Johnson – The current secretary, Johnson was appointed to the board November 14, 2016, to fill the seat resigned by former Trustee Steve Rawlings. She was elected Tuesday to serve the remainder of the term originally held by Rawlings, which expires December 31, 2020.
- Jane T. McNabb – She was appointed to the board June 26, 2017, to fill the seat resigned by former Trustee Marilyn Gordon Dresser. She was elected Tuesday to serve the remainder of the term originally held by Dresser, which expires December 31, 2020.
All candidates ran unopposed. More information on the board and its meetings is available at nmc.edu/trustees.
Release date: November 7, 2018
For more information:
NMC President’s Office
(231) 995-1010
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-discriminationWalk for Health & Housing
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC sociology, social work and English students, in collaboration with Goodwill Street Outreach, will host the annual Walk for Health & Housing beginning at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12 departing from the Great Lakes Campus.
The walk helps raise awareness of homelessness and food insecurity in northern Michigan. Participants will spend about two hours walking through downtown Traverse City and back to the Great Lakes Campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Release date: November 7, 2018
For more information:
Lisa Blackford
NMC social work instructor
lblackford@nmc.edu
(231) 631-2253
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-discriminationNMC Jazz Concert December 1
On Saturday, December 1 the NMC Jazz Bands and Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert at Milliken Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and FREE to NMC students with ID.
The groups will be performing an array of swinging jazz standards plus Latin music styles by Count Basie, Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Leonard Bernstein, Tito Puente and more.
Have you registered yet?
Go online to your NMC Self Service today to register for Spring and Summer classes! Registration for all students is open and class availability will be best before November 9.
Register now! Need help selecting classes? Check in with the Advising Center in the Osterlin Building and use MAP (nmc.edu/MyMap).
On-Campus Jobs
Student jobs can be found on the Student MyNMC page under “Jobs On Campus.” Apply now for Fall 2018. (more…)
Tech Tips: Technology Help Desk Knowledgebase for Students
The Technology Help Desk maintains a knowledgebase full of useful information to help guide you through the technology used at NMC. To access the knowledgebase, from your myNMC homepage click on the “Technology Help Desk Knowledgebase” link below Password Self-Service & Tech Help Desk.
The knowledgebase can guide you through the use of technology and technology resources available to you at NMC, such as:
- Free Microsoft Office 365
- NMC WiFi
- Email-to-Print from any device
- Moodle
- Computer Lab Hours
- Self Service
- And many more!
**For more information, contact the Technology Help Desk at 231-995-3020 or visit students.nmc.edu/help**
Success Story: Keeping learning at the center for 18 years
November 2, 2018
NMC President Timothy J. Nelson on Thursday announced his plans to retire December 31, 2019, bringing to a close his tenure as the longest-serving president of the college.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have worked to achieve during my time at this college,” said Nelson, who has led NMC for 18 years. “I have committed myself to our ultimate purpose, which is to provide our learners and communities with the skills, experiences and values that will help them to create social and economic wealth during their lifetimes.”
Nelson first worked at NMC as residence hall supervisor in 1975 and returned to campus as executive director of administration in 2000. He was named president Feb. 26, 2001, and since then has made his motto “keeping learning at the center.”
Elaine Wood was a member of the Board of Trustees that hired Nelson. She said he was the clear choice in a search that yielded candidates from around the country.
“He was the ideal person to take NMC into the 21st century, in very creative, substantial ways,” said Wood, a trustee from 1990-2008. “Tim really stood out as having the kind of vision for NMC that was not only the most creative and the biggest, but also the most consistent with this community, the values of this community and the character of this community.”
From technology to a global economy, Nelson foresaw and prepared the college and community for changes and challenges, Wood said, adding that he brought both financial acumen and a grasp of learning systems.
“That is kind of a rare combination, to get somebody who’s well-rounded in both aspects,” she said.
As a result of Nelson’s leadership at the college, NMC has been recognized as:
- 2nd in the nation among community colleges in Military Times “Best for Vets” rankings
- Offering first community college baccalaureate in Michigan
- 16th for short-term study abroad nationwide
- 10th out of top 15 Best Drone Training colleges
- 16th out of 50 “Best Choice Schools for Culinary” nationwide
- Only ADCI-certified ROV pilot technician training program in the world
- Top 20 foundation endowment per student
“President Nelson has served this college and this community well during his tenure,” said NMC Board of Trustees Chairman Kennard Weaver. “We are fortunate to have had a leader of this caliber for much longer than the average community college president. The role of the college president is to provide vision, leadership, and focus to the growth of a college. Bringing in a new president means NMC can build upon the successes and stable system built by President Nelson, while also benefiting from new energy and ideas to continue to propel the college forward to the benefit of our students and our community. The Board is committed to a public and transparent process during this transition.”
The Board, with more than 42 years combined experience, has begun thinking about the succession process and how best to seek input from the college’s many stakeholder groups. Nelson looks forward to continuing in his current role and serving actively as an advisor during the transition period with support from the college’s long-serving leadership team. Updates to this public process will be made available at nmc.edu.
Nelson, 66, and his family plan to remain in Traverse City after his retirement, where they will continue to support NMC and other initiatives to improve the community.
Important Announcement from the President
It is with mixed emotions that I provide you notice that I will retire from my position as President of Northwestern Michigan College 14 months from now on December 31, 2019. By providing this notification now, there is sufficient time to execute a thoughtful, inclusive search for my successor. Rest assured, I will continue to give you my all during the ensuing time.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, the college and the region. I am incredibly proud of what the college has achieved during my time at NMC. We have committed ourselves to keeping learning at the center. This provides a basis to achieve our ultimate purpose, which is to provide you, our learners, and communities, with the skills, experiences and values that will help you to create social and economic wealth during your lifetime.
I have seen a lot of change in the almost 18 years I have been serving as president. Critical programs, such as maritime and aviation, have been redesigned; and first in the nation programming has been developed, including our marine tech and UAS programs. In each area of the college, people are innovating in order to assure learners’ success in a global society and economy. We now view our community as the world and are recognized as a leader in study abroad and international delivery of specialty programs. The physical, technical and data infrastructures of all our campuses have been completely rebuilt and renewed. As I look to the future, I am humbled to think that the people, programs and systems we have developed, position this institution for continued success in meeting our purpose well into the future.
I will truly miss not being here to continue to lead current initiatives or start new projects we have on the horizon, but at NMC there will always be great people designing and implementing new and innovative projects and practices. We are blessed with a dedicated college leadership, staff and faculty. You should have great confidence in their abilities to carry out the strategic agenda of NMC as we achieve our mission.
The Board, with more than 42 years combined experience representing the voters in leading NMC, has begun thinking about the succession process and how best to seek input from the college’s many stakeholder groups. I look forward to the next 14 months as I continue in my current role and will serve actively as an advisor during the transition period with support from the college’s long serving leadership team. Updates to this public process will be made available at nmc.edu.
My family and I intend to remain residents of Traverse City and will actively support NMC in any way we can. I’m not sure what lies ahead for us except I am sure we will continue to work to improve our communities. Again, I thank you for the opportunity to work with and for you and this amazing college.
Timothy J. Nelson
President
Success Story: Keeping learning at the center for 18 years
November 2, 2018
NMC President Timothy J. Nelson on Thursday announced his plans to retire December 31, 2019, bringing to a close his tenure as the longest-serving president of the college.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have worked to achieve during my time at this college,” said Nelson, who has led NMC for 18 years. “I have committed myself to our ultimate purpose, which is to provide our learners and communities with the skills, experiences and values that will help them to create social and economic wealth during their lifetimes.”
Nelson first worked at NMC as residence hall supervisor in 1975 and returned to campus as executive director of administration in 2000. He was named president Feb. 26, 2001, and since then has made his motto “keeping learning at the center.”
Elaine Wood was a member of the Board of Trustees that hired Nelson. She said he was the clear choice in a search that yielded candidates from around the country.
“He was the ideal person to take NMC into the 21st century, in very creative, substantial ways,” said Wood, a trustee from 1990-2008. “Tim really stood out as having the kind of vision for NMC that was not only the most creative and the biggest, but also the most consistent with this community, the values of this community and the character of this community.”
From technology to a global economy, Nelson foresaw and prepared the college and community for changes and challenges, Wood said, adding that he brought both financial acumen and a grasp of learning systems.
“That is kind of a rare combination, to get somebody who’s well-rounded in both aspects,” she said.
As a result of Nelson’s leadership at the college, NMC has been recognized as:
- 2nd in the nation among community colleges in Military Times “Best for Vets” rankings
- Offering first community college baccalaureate in Michigan
- 16th for short-term study abroad nationwide
- 10th out of top 15 Best Drone Training colleges
- 16th out of 50 “Best Choice Schools for Culinary” nationwide
- Only ADCI-certified ROV pilot technician training program in the world
- Top 20 foundation endowment per student
“President Nelson has served this college and this community well during his tenure,” said NMC Board of Trustees Chairman Kennard Weaver. “We are fortunate to have had a leader of this caliber for much longer than the average community college president. The role of the college president is to provide vision, leadership, and focus to the growth of a college. Bringing in a new president means NMC can build upon the successes and stable system built by President Nelson, while also benefiting from new energy and ideas to continue to propel the college forward to the benefit of our students and our community. The Board is committed to a public and transparent process during this transition.”
The Board, with more than 42 years combined experience, has begun thinking about the succession process and how best to seek input from the college’s many stakeholder groups. Nelson looks forward to continuing in his current role and serving actively as an advisor during the transition period with support from the college’s long-serving leadership team. Updates to this public process will be made available at nmc.edu.
Nelson, 66, and his family plan to remain in Traverse City after his retirement, where they will continue to support NMC and other initiatives to improve the community.
NMC President to retire after 2019
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) President Timothy J. Nelson today announced his plans to retire December 31, 2019.
He is the longest-serving president of the college and has led the institution for 18 years.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have worked to achieve during my time at this college,” said Nelson. “Beginning with my first job after college as the Residence Hall supervisor in 1975, to my return to campus as an Executive Director of Administration in 2000, and then being hired by the board to serve as President in 2001, I have committed myself to our ultimate purpose, which is to provide our learners and communities with the skills, experiences and values that will help them to create social and economic wealth during their lifetimes,” said Nelson. “I am humbled to think that as I look to the future, the people, programs and systems that we have developed together, position this institution for continued success in meeting that purpose well into the future.”
As a result of Nelson’s leadership, NMC has been recognized as:
- 2nd in the nation “Best for Vets” community colleges nationwide
- First community college baccalaureate in Michigan
- 16th for short term study abroad nationwide
- 10th out of top 15 Best Drone Training Colleges
- 16th out of 50 “Best Choice Schools for Culinary” nationwide
- Only ADCI-certified ROV pilot technician training program in the world
- Top 20 foundation endowment per student
“President Nelson has served this college and this community well during his tenure. We are fortunate to have had a leader of this caliber for much longer than the average community college president,” said NMC Board of Trustees Chairman Kennard Weaver. “The role of the college president is to provide vision, leadership, and focus to the growth of a college. Bringing in a new president means NMC can build upon the successes and stable system built by President Nelson, while also benefiting from new energy and ideas to continue to propel the college forward to the benefit of our students and our community. The board is committed to a public and transparent process during this historic transition.”
The board, with more than 42 years combined experience representing the voters in leading NMC, has begun thinking about the succession process and how best to seek input from the college’s many stakeholder groups. Nelson looks forward to continuing in his current role and serving actively as an advisor during the transition period with support from the college’s long serving leadership team. Updates to this public process will be made available at nmc.edu.
Nelson, who will turn 66 in 2018, and his family plan to remain in Traverse City after his retirement where they will continue to support NMC and other initiatives to improve the community.
Release date: 5:30 p.m., November 1, 2018
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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-discriminationWalk for Health & Housing
The annual Walk for Health & Housing begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Great Lakes Campus, Monday November 12 and will continue through downtown Traverse City with speakers addressing various topics along the way. The walk will last approximately two hours. The walk is hosted by Ryan Hannon of Street Outreach, Good Will in collaboration with ENG111, SOC101 & SWK121 classes. The walk helps to raise awareness to the issues of homelessness and food insecurity. Students, faculty, staff and all community members are strongly encouraged to come and participate in this powerful event.
Sports Break
Monday, November 19 from 2-6 p.m. at the Physical Education building, students and staff are invited to drop in and play dodgeball or cornhole. Take a break from studying/work and show up and play. No sign up needed.
Free Tasting And Food Prep Demonstration
Want to learn how to cook with affordable and healthy ingredients?
Need new recipes to spice up your life?
COME TASTE AND SEE HOW THE FOOD IS PREPARED
Wednesday, November 7, 1-3 p.m. in the Osterlin Library
Sponsored by:
NMC Culinary student groups
NMC Food Pantry
Lakeview Hill Farms
NMCBSU presents Bangladesh Supreme Court Justice Kumar Sinha and Golam Rabbani: A Night For International Peace
Monday November 5
Scholars Hall Room 109, 4-5 p.m.
NMC Black Student Union, the International Migrant Foundation, NMC International Affairs, and Youth Peacebuilders presents “A Justice for A Justice: Ensuring the Rule of Law and Democracy for Peace”, an event with guest speaker Kumar Sinha (left), former Chief Justice of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, and Speaker Golam Rabbani, an international social worker and human rights attorney.
Come learn about international politics and grasp the tools to promote international peace!
Intramural Flag Football Champions
To the right is a photo of NMC’s 2018 intramural flag football champions, “Tag Team”. The players are Carson Warren, Logan Schweizer, Jack Schweizer, Michael Moody, and Zachary Dennis. The team was undefeated and finished with a perfect 5-0 record.
NMC Veterans Day Recognition
Monday, November 12
Free breakfast from 0830-0900 in NMC’s Dennos Museum for veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and National Guard members. Following breakfast will be our annual Honor Walk to the flagpole between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings. Presentation of the colors, Taps and the three-volley salute will be performed by VFW Post 2780, The Traverse City Central High School marching band will perform the National Anthem.
Success Story: Pitch Night prize results from innovation incubation
October 24, 2018
A quartet of NMC student entrepreneurs won the top prize at TC New Tech’s October Pitch Night, bringing their product another step closer to market and bolstering the college’s reputation as an innovation incubator.
Hybrid Robotics, comprised of four students in NMC’s engineering technology and marine technology programs, was the crowd’s “clear favorite” at the October 2 event, said Russell Schindler (on the left), founder of TC New Tech. In a Traverse City version of the Shark Tank TV show, they competed against four other companies seeking the $500 prize decided by a live audience vote at the City Opera House.
Each company got five minutes to pitch their idea and responded to five minutes of questions.
CEO Matt Goddard (second from left) co-presented their innovation, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of floating and deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) into the water. The students built it in an engineering technology class last spring semester by customizing an off-the-shelf drone with everything from unique parts manufactured in the college’s 3-D printers to foam balls from JoAnn Fabrics. They are now refining the unit and concept.
“We’re trying to make a hybrid platform for the marine inspection industry,” Goddard said. “All this is proof of concept and we’re trying to get a production model by early next year.”
The $500 prize won’t get them there, but Schindler said Hybrid Robotics walks away with more than that one check.
“They now have bragging rights. They won the competition. It’s kind of an endorsement of their product, that they’re on the right track and deserve a second look by a serious investor.”
Goddard confirmed he and his colleagues, Ryan Mater, Clayton Harbin and Aaron Bottke have had such conversations since, but couldn’t reveal details.
Hybrid Robotics is now shaping up to be the second viable company to emerge from NMC’s Maker Space. Begun in 2014 at the Parsons-Stulen Building, the Maker Space offers both a place and a process for team-based, project learning that, when evolved to its highest level, can turn students into entrepreneurs. Interactive Aerial, a Traverse City company that specializes in drone inspections of interior, confined spaces, is the first.
“We wouldn’t have been able to build this without the support of NMC,” Mater told college trustees at an August presentation of the drone.
Instructor Keith Kelly (above), who taught the class in which the Hybrid Robotics team formed and developed their first unit, wants to see more.
“How can we make the transition with these teams from the college classrooms into startups?” Kelly asked. “That’s really the exciting stuff.”