Employee anniversaries – July
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to the Financial Aid team (Skylar Berry, Jim Patterson and Judy Arnold). Every single one of these individuals excelled in their commitments to student support and operational efficiency, showing remarkable resilience and dedication throughout a particularly challenging and busy period.
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!
Brand countdown is on: Three weeks to go
We can’t wait to share NMC’s new brand with you, which officially launches on August 19.
You’ll start to see updated visuals, signage and messaging. Our brand is more than a logo. It’s a shared tool that shapes how we show up, what we highlight, and how people experience NMC. It influences everything from first impressions to long-term partnerships and helps us compete in a fast-changing higher ed landscape.
This work didn’t come from the outside in. It was shaped by more than 600 voices across the NMC community, including students, employees, alumni, donors and partners. A respected higher ed branding firm helped us listen, make sense of the input, and turn it into a clear, compelling brand strategy.
The strategy work was funded by a $100,000 Lumina Foundation grant. Implementation is being phased in over three years to manage cost and support adoption across the college.
This isn’t just about marketing. It’s a long-term investment in NMC’s future and in the region we serve as the only locally based institution of higher learning. We’re proud of where we’re going and we’re glad you’re part of it.
Board of Trustees approves 3-year faculty contract
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the NMC Faculty Association and the NMC Faculty Chairs Association, continuing the college’s focus on student success while aligning compensation with fiscal responsibility.
The FY26–FY28 contract was ratified by faculty on July 18 and approved by the Board on July 21. It covers 77 faculty members and one librarian, and takes effect August 1.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
- Compensation: Faculty will receive wage scale increases of 4% in 2026, 3% in 2027, and 2.5% in 2028. Those on steps 1–14 will also continue to receive annual step increases of 3.7%.
- Advising Model: The contract introduces an innovative new student advising initiative. Beginning in academic year 2027, every NMC student will be required to meet with an advisor until they have a My Academic Plan (“MAP”) in place. Faculty will play an active role in this process, receiving training in AY26 and advising a minimum of 12 students annually starting in AY27.
- Generative A.I. use: The contract includes a new article outlining expectations and philosophy regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
- Streamlined Compensation Structure: A provision known as the “prep bonus,” which previously incentivized faculty to teach across multiple course formats, has been concluded in favor of refocusing resources on direct student impact through the updated advising model.
“We appreciate the collaborative process that led to this agreement,” said NMC Board Chair Laura Oblinger. “This contract reflects NMC’s ongoing commitment to student success and sound stewardship of public resources. It supports faculty while continuing to evolve our practices to meet the needs of students and the region.”
“This agreement helps us build on what makes NMC special,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “We believe deeply in our students, foster a culture of innovation and are proud of a faculty committed to excellence. It’s a forward-looking step that positions us to grow with purpose and serve our community even more effectively.”
“The NMC Faculty Association and its chairs are proud to have decisively ratified a contract to serve our students over the next three years,” said social sciences instructor and NMC Faculty Association President Brandon Everest.
“Both sides worked diligently and in a collegial way to develop a fair contract that serves our students’ needs with what will be the most robust faculty advising program in the state for community college students. The contract also preserves our salary plan and best represents faculty in shared governance as we build the college’s future and support our students.
“It’s not only what teachers do in the classroom but also what we do alongside it that serves our students in achieving their learning and life goals. We are pleased to continue to provide what is the finest in community college education to our students and region.”
NMC anticipates five new faculty hires in fall 2025 to maintain instructional strength.
The NMC Faculty Association, affiliated with the Michigan Education Association, was formed in 2016 and entered into its first contract with the college that same year.
Release date: JULY 22, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationMedia mentions for July 21, 2025
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.
Adapted in TC: ADA Turns 35: A mixed celebration
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, July 20
(more…)
New books for July 2025
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Campus safety: Office furniture locations
NMC’s Campus Safety asks that employees do not place furniture in front of a fire extinguisher, fire alarm, AED Machine or exit door. These need to be easily accessible.
Kudos!
Kudos to the STT Security Team. Kindly thank the STT Campus Security/Safety Team for closing the parking lots at the Hagerty Center during the 2025 Air Show and Fireworks, allowing NMC employees a place to park and view the events. Their efforts deserve our attention and gratitude.
Kudos to Danielle Quinlan. Danielle Quinlan, Extended Education & Training’s Office Manager, has completed the LERN Certified Operations Manager program. According to LERN (Learning Resources Network), “No longer can everyone do everything, and your lifelong learning program needs people dedicated to day-to-day operations so your revenue generators can do their jobs! Efficient and effective operations can help generate an overall staff productivity increase of 25 percent or more.” Danielle has already begun increasing efficiencies within our office processes and roles. Additionally, Danielle has created better methods for customer support with registration, improved the student experience, and increased instructor support, along with the creation of an instructor handbook. Danielle continues to improve our operations with this certification in her toolbox.
Kudos to Augusta Kummer. We extend a huge thank you to Augusta for her incredible support at the 3DCP Ribbon Cutting event. She enthusiastically jumped in, greeting attendees, holding the ribbon, and assisting with setup and take down. Her warm and welcoming demeanor was truly appreciated by everyone.
Kudos to Ben Herman, Devin Hill, Ryan Deering, Carolyn Andrews, Chris Hanna, Rachel Urkowitz, Dan Goodchild, and Patrick Quinlan. The recent 3D Concrete Printer ribbon cutting event was a testament to incredible collaboration by this group. The amount of behind-the-scenes work put in was extraordinary—and warm and messy, but they truly stepped up as a team to make it a resounding success. Thank you!
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!
Welcome our newest hires
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Kevin Swainbank, supplemental employee – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew AB
- Dustin Taylor, supplemental employee – Food Service, Back Of House
Board of Trustees regular meeting
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Parsons-Stulen Room 222/224 on NMC’s Aero Park Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Please review your name, job title and department information in the employee directory by July 23
As part of NMC’s new brand rollout, Public Relations, Marketing and Communications will be printing new name tags for employees. By July 23, please take a moment to review your name, job title and department information in the employee directory. This will help ensure that the correct information is displayed on your name tag when they are printed.
If updates are needed, here is how to make the updates:
To update your preferred name:
-
- Go to ADP, select Myself > Profile, and choose View More under “Personal Info.” Make your edits and click Save.
- Check the box under the “Preferred or Chosen Name” heading to add a preferred name.
- Go to ADP, select Myself > Profile, and choose View More under “Personal Info.” Make your edits and click Save.
To update your your job title, department, or last name:
-
- Submit a help desk ticket (Report an issue > Enterprise Apps > Human Resources Systems > ADP).
We appreciate your attention to this by July 23. If you have any questions, please reach out to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
NMC to use 3D printing to address regional housing shortage
Thanks to the Construction Technology Division and NMC Foundation for successfully receiving more than $150,000 in grant funds for a 3D concrete printer. The printer will arrive on campus today for installation this week and will be incorporated into classes this fall. NMC plans to use this printer to revolutionize the regional construction industry and address its dire housing shortage while simultaneously giving graduates a competitive edge in employment.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for July 14, 2025
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.
3 Ypsi bakeries have opened in the past 2 years, and owners see “room for all of us to thrive” (GLCI alumnus)
Concentrate Media, July 13
(more…)
Reminder: Staff goals due in ClearCo by July 16
This is a friendly reminder that the due date for staff goals to be entered in ClearCo is July 16. Supervisors should review them by July 21 so employees can start working on their goals.
Need help? View this ClearCo Goal Creation and Management video for step-by-step instructions.
Key Reminders:
-
- Set goal dates to: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- ClearCo sorts goals by fiscal year. Details on how to review goal dates can be found below*
- No electronic submission/approval needed in ClearCo.
- Supervisors and employees should discuss and agree on the goals in advance.
- Set goal dates to: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Supervisors:
You’ll receive an email when goals are added/updated. Supervisors are able to edit employee goals. If you can’t see an employee’s goals, the employee should “Edit” each goal and make sure the My Supervisor box is checked.
-
- All employees need at least 4 goals.
- Updated goals throughout the year during your one-on-one to keep them current.
- Mark goals as “Complete” if they will not continue into 2025-2026.
View the staff performance and goals calendar dates.
If you need assistance, please submit a HelpDesk ticket for the fastest response time.
*How to Check Your Goal Dates in ClearCo:
-
- Go to MyNMC > ADP > ADP+ClearCo > Goals tab.
- Use the drop-down (top right) to view by fiscal year:
- Current Fiscal Year = July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Last Fiscal Year = Review and update any outdated goal dates
- Use Edit to adjust goal dates as needed.
- Completed goals appear on the lower right side of the page.
Kudos!
Kudos to Bridget Munroe. Bridget has led a group of staff to boost morale and community in the Osterlin Building for two years. Bridget makes sure that birthdays are celebrated and that regrets are acknowledged to all. She also plans outings for staff to get together after hours. We appreciate at her willingness to volunteer her time to make our days brighter.
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!
Welcome our newest hires
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Maggie Miron – Student Success Coach
- Tanja Wittrock – Biology Instructor
- Warren Leeseberg, student employee – Resident Assistant
- Kevin Calnan, supplemental employee – Deck Crew AB
Success Story: Donated tugboat will expand GLMA job opportunities and save money
July 9, 2025
Graduates of the nation’s only freshwater maritime academy will see significantly expanded job opportunities thanks to training beginning this week aboard the first vessel to join its fleet in more than 20 years.
Donated to NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy last fall, the Robinson Bay arrived in Traverse City June 19 fresh off a $500,000 overhaul paid for with federal and donor dollars. It passed U.S. Coast Guard inspection July 2. By the end of summer, up to 36 cadets may complete a 30-day training program aboard it, earning their mate of tow vessel license endorsement (TOAR).
“This will substantially increase their employment opportunities,” said GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. There are more than 5,000 tow vessels in the U.S. fleet, compared to 350 deep draft vessels where cadets traditionally have sought employment, he said.
The donation, valued at $300,000, will also save GLMA tow vessel leasing costs that have topped $50,000 per year, plus open the opportunity for new credentials. GLMA plans to work with the U.S. Coast Guard on approval for engine cadets to earn Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license endorsement.
The goal is to eventually develop this into a two-year associate degree program to add to the bachelor’s degree in maritime technology that GLMA currently offers.
Joining the T/S State of Michigan, the research vessel Northwestern and two smaller vessels in NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor, the Robinson Bay will increase the college’s strategic utilization of its unique location on Grand Traverse Bay.
“Most training will be in West Bay. We currently use our other small boats to practice towing with as well as the State of Michigan when available. Additionally, we utilize our simulator to meet program requirements,” said Cary Godwin, GLMA’s lead tow vessel instructor.
The Robinson Bay was constructed in 1958 and substantially rebuilt, including a new engine, in the early 1990s, Achenbach said.
CDA to RDA completion pathway coming in Jan. 2026
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will offer a new fast-track pathway to Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification in January 2026, providing current certified dental assistants (CDAs) with a way to expand their career opportunities in as little as one semester.
This CDA to RDA completion option is for any certified dental assistant who has two or more years of experience and currently holds a valid CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board and current CPR certification.
Applicants will receive college credit for their CDA certification. They will then complete 10 credit hours (four classes) with a limited number of in-person sessions. After successful course completion, the student is eligible to take the Michigan Registered Dental Assistant examination.
RDAs are able to perform more procedures independently than CDAs, which expands their career opportunities. Average base salary for a full-time RDA in Michigan is $37,140/year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession is expanding at a rate of 11 percent per year.
For more information, please contact Beckie Wooters , program director at 231-995-1240 or bwooters@nmc.edu. For more information about the dental assistant degrees and certificates NMC offers, visit nmc.edu/dental.
Release date: July 8, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)