Walk MS Traverse City to impact NMC campus June 20

Walk MS Traverse City will take place on Saturday, June 20, beginning at approximately 9 a.m. The event will start and end at Traverse City Central High School and will impact areas surrounding NMC’s Front Street Campus.

The event includes both a 1-mile and a 2.4-mile route. The 1-mile route enters campus through the US-31/College Drive entrance, while the 2.4-mile route travels around the perimeter of the Front Street Campus.

If you plan to be on campus during the event, please anticipate increased pedestrian traffic and possible delays. We encourage everyone to use caution when driving and allow extra time for travel. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we support this community event.

Planning an event? Bring the excitement and invite Swoop

Don’t leave Swoop on the sidelines! As we look ahead to 2027, we know many exciting events and celebrations are already in the works. If you’d like Swoop to make an appearance and bring the energy, now is the time to let us know! Help us plan ahead by submitting your Swoop appearance request as soon as possible.

Submit your request by filling out the Swoop Appearance Request Form

Kudos!

Kudos to Dave Weaver! Dave brought together a team for Smart Commute Week and coordinated all of the tracking and reporting. It was so much fun to hear and see all the ways people got to work in a way that reduced the carbon footprint. Thanks for keeping us all sustainable! 

Kudos to STT Security/Robert Basso! On Saturday, May 23, STT Security did a great job protecting the campus and visitors during the Bayshore marathon event which drew 8,500 runners. STT planned for the event and collaborated with multiple departments to ensure a smooth running operation! Great Job. 

Kudos to Nicco Pandolfi! Nicco presented at the Friends of Traverse Area District Library Annual Meeting Thursday, May 28. He gave a timely and well informed presentation about the current state of AI and book publishing. His willingness to share his knowledge on the topic with a group at our regional library was appreciated by all, as was the conversation he guided with the members of the public in attendance.


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Celebrating new chapters

These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!

    • Lucy Correia, student employee – Library Assistant
    • Brooklynn Golnick – Residence Hall Manager
    • Merek Roman – Adjunct Economics Instructor
    • Avery Verschaeve, student employee – Switchboard Operator & Welcome Desk

Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Cindy Virta – Academic & Career Advisor
    • Michael Piotrowski – Adjunct Audio Tech Instructor
    • Christian Beehler, supplemental employee – Mascot
    • Kaylee Bradeen – Student Success Coach
    • Joel Cairns – Adjunct Flight Instructor

Board of Trustees Executive Committee to meet June 15

TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet Monday, June 15 at 1 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. The meeting agenda is available online.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: June 11, 2026

 

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

Leadership Changes Supporting Student Success and Technology

Good morning NMC community, 

I’m writing to share an important leadership transition and several organizational changes that will help position NMC for the future.

After more than a decade of service to NMC and more than 30 years in education, Todd Neibauer has announced his intention to retire in December, 2026.

Todd joined NMC in 2013 and has served as Vice President for Student Services and Technologies since 2016. Throughout his career, he has brought a learner’s mindset to every role he has held, from teacher and technology leader to vice president. That unique combination of experiences allowed him to successfully lead one of the most distinctive portfolios in higher education, overseeing both student services and technology during a period of significant change for our college. This unicorn-like skill set allowed Todd to lead two portfolios (student services and technology). Most colleges have these roles as separate portfolios with two distinct leaders.

On behalf of NMC, I want to thank Todd for his steady leadership, commitment to students, and dedication to the College. Fortunately, we will continue to benefit from his knowledge and leadership throughout the coming year as we prepare for this transition.

Todd’s retirement also provided an opportunity to thoughtfully consider how we position NMC for the future. One of NMC’s strengths has always been our ability to adapt and respond to changing needs. Higher education continues to evolve rapidly, and student success, enrollment, technology, and AI are becoming increasingly important to our future. As we looked ahead, it became clear that these areas have grown in both scope and complexity and would benefit from dedicated leadership focus.

As part of this transition, Lindsey Dickinson will become Vice President of Student Success and Services effective November 2, 2026.

Many of you know Lindsey through her work across advising, enrollment, and student success initiatives. Over the course of her career at NMC, she has served in a variety of leadership roles supporting students and has become a trusted leader, collaborator, and advocate for student success. Lindsey brings deep experience, strong relationships across the college, and a genuine commitment to NMC’s mission. I am excited for the leadership she will bring to this role as we continue advancing our goals around student success, enrollment, and the overall student experience.

We will also return technology leadership to a dedicated Executive Director of Technology role, which will report to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, Troy Kierczynski, and serve as a member of President’s Council. In fact, this was the structure NMC used before Todd assumed his current vice president role. As technology has become increasingly important across teaching and learning, college operations, cybersecurity, data, and the responsible use of AI, we believe dedicated leadership and focus will best position us for the future.

Additional reporting changes associated with this transition include moving the Bookstore operations and Apartments into the Student Success and Services division (under Lindsey’s leadership) to better align student-facing services.

Over the past several weeks, we have been meeting with the departments most directly affected by these changes and discussing what this transition will mean for their teams. While much of the day-to-day work across the college will remain unchanged, these leadership decisions are important because they help ensure NMC is positioned to meet the needs of students and employees for years to come.

This transition is not about changing direction. It is about creating the leadership capacity needed to advance the priorities we have already identified together through our strategic plan. It reflects our commitment to student success, operational excellence, and future readiness, while building on the strengths that have long defined NMC.

Please join me in thanking Todd for his many contributions to NMC, and congratulating Lindsey on this well-deserved opportunity.

More information will be shared as we move through the transition period over the coming months.

Nick

Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010

NMC hosts Kids Free Fishing Day June 20

TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at the annual Rotary Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes campus.

Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 500 brown trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers including Rotarians and cadets from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy will help with baiting hooks and fishing skills. Members of the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club will clean the fish for the young anglers. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31. Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Rhonda & Michael Estes, Great Lakes Children’s Museum and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.

 

Release date: June 9, 2026

For more information:

Christopher DeGood
Traverse City Rotary Clubs
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601

 

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

Juneteenth celebration

NMC will host a number of events on Friday, June 19 to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday.

EVENT SCHEDULE

11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Juneteenth Community Day.
Free. 
Dennos Museum

4 p.m.
A Water Trail film screening. 
Free.
Dutmers Theater, Dennos Museum.

5–6 p.m.
Youth activities, vendors, food trucks
Free.
Founders Hall courtyard and Cedar Lot

5:30 p.m.
Children’s story time with TADL
Free.
Founders Hall courtyard

6–7 p.m.
Juneteenth program featuring special guest speaker Tyasha Harrison and guest performer Crystal Woodward-Turner
Free.
Founders Hall courtyard

8–9:30 p.m.
Family Freedom Skate
$5 admission; $5 skate rental
Civic Center, 1213 W Civic Center Dr.

Data Wranglers – June 2026

Data Wranglers

Insights. Impact. Student Success.

  • CURRENT RESEARCH

    Recent studies continue to show that students with a stronger sense of belonging experience:

    • Higher pass rates
    • Better persistence
    • Improved mental health outcomes

    Source: Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 2025

  • ORPE SNAPSHOT

    NMC’s strategic planning work continues to prioritize:

    • Student belonging
    • Gateway course performance
    • Advising engagement
    • Early support systems

    What We’re Exploring

    • Linking belonging survey data with course success outcomes
    • Expanding evaluation dashboards
    • Identifying student groups with differing experiences
  • DASHBOARD CORNER

    Recently Updated / In Progress

    • Course Demand Dashboard
    • Belonging & Course Success Dashboards
    • Strategic Plan KPI Framework
    • Gateway Course Reporting
    • EvalKIT Integration Projects

Media mentions for June 8, 2026

The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.

Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.

FOUR CHOSEN FOR HONOR: NMC names its 2026 Fellows
Record-Eagle, June 2
The Ticker, June 2 (more…)

Big Shout-Out to Our Step Challenge Champions!

A massive congratulations to everyone who laced up their sneakers and crushed our recent Step Challenge!

Here is a quick look at our mind-blowing final stats:

  • 88 total participants stepped up.

  • 58 goal crushers officially hit the target.

  • 15,306,208 collective steps taken.

  • 7,605 total miles crushed!

🌎
Fun Fact: 7,605 miles is roughly the distance from New York to Tokyo. We literally walked across the globe together!

🎉Thank you for bringing your energy, friendly competition, and determination to this challenge. Give your feet a well-deserved rest today—you’ve earned it!


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Traverse City Roller Derby Community Blood Drive at NMC

Blood drive graphicTuesday, June 16
3–6 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Rm. 104/105

APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED

*Walk-ins welcome, as schedule allows!

T-shirt

Donate and come get this Smokey Bear shirt-because only you can prevent a blood shortage!

Helpful tip: Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

For eligibility questions please call 866-642-5663.

Bishop, Huckles, Jonkhoff named NMC’s 2026 Fellows

Doug BishopDoug Bishop
(download high-resolution photo)
Jim and Diana HucklesJim Huckle with a photo of his late wife Diana
(download high-resolution photo)
Peg JonkhoffPeg Jonkhoff
(download high-resolution photo)
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) proudly announces the newest recipients of its highest honor, the NMC Fellow award: Former trustee Doug Bishop, longtime supporters Jim Huckle and the late Diana Huckle; and alumna, supporter and volunteer Peg Jonkhoff.

Bishop, of Traverse City, was first appointed to NMC’s Board of Trustees in July 2006 to fill a term vacancy and subsequently was elected to three successive six-year terms, completing 18 years of service in 2024. Bishop has been a significant financial supporter and holds emeritus status with the NMC Foundation Board. Practicing law in Traverse City since 1977, Bishop is also a retired captain of the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Jim Huckle and the late Diana Huckle have set a high standard for philanthropic contributions and influential networking on behalf of the college, with annual giving that began in 1991 and continues today with catalytic and transformative gifts, particularly toward the college’s newer, innovative programs such as the Experiential Learning Institute and freshwater initiatives.

Both Jim and Diana are Honorary NMC Foundation Board members.

Jonkhoff, a 1976 graduate of NMC, was named an Outstanding Alumnus in 2013. She serves on the NMC Foundation Board and is a member of the 75th anniversary steering committee. She is vice president at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home actively working with her family and caring staff and serves on many other community boards and organizations.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Doug, the Huckles and Peg, who are so dedicated to NMC’s mission,” said Mark Keely, NMC Board of Trustees chair. “They are all truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”

The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded since 1964 to individuals who have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the college, a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the college, continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors.

 

Release date: June 1, 2025

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
NMC Public Relations
(231) 995-1020
publicrelations@nmc.edu

 

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