Employee Anniversaries
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
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 »
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff, and congratulating current NMC staff on their new positions!
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:
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:
Does the United States need to have another constitutional convention?
In observance of Constitution Day, Dr. John Zachman, a political science instructor at Northwestern Michigan College, will lead a discussion of the ways the American political system could benefit from substantial amendments to the United States Constitution. Participants will be actively engaged in voicing their own thoughts and ideas on this topic!
The discussion will take place Tuesday, September 17 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in Osterlin 203.
The library will also be celebrating our nation’s governing document of 231 years with a cake in the Osterlin lobby at noon. Come enjoy a piece and ponder what perspective you might bring to Dr. Zachman’s afternoon discussion!
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”
To help with this, NMC will be showcasing 2020 academic study abroad opportunities at a Study Abroad Info Session 12:15-12:45 p.m.on September 25 and 26 in HS 114 (choose one). Come hear faculty and students who have traveled with NMC answer questions and discuss how YOU can make it happen!
Topics covered will include course selection, itineraries and financing (including the Global Opportunities Scholarship) for experiences in Bosnia/Croatia, Brazil, Cuba, England, Iceland, Ireland, and Spain. For more information, contact International Services and Service Learning at (231) 995-2524.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past weeks. 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 Osterlin Library.
NMC board chooses new president
Record-Eagle, September 4
Interlochen Public Radio
UpNorthLive
Cincinnati Enquirer (more…)
Please select one training session and join us to learn about the new ADP payroll and HR information system.
All employees
Tues- September 10 in University Center 205
Wed- September 11
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. (more…)
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)
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:
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.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Hungry to learn? Attend the September LIFE Lunch and discover interesting people, places and ideas. Join Ed Bailey, Director of Business Development for Marine Center at Northwestern Michigan College, for a dynamic presentation showcasing a team of dedicated college students, new technology and a coral reef in Indonesia. This project was part of a capstone course for students in the Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program at NMC.
Learn how students used their project management skills to integrate the collection of water quality data, unmanned aerial imagery, and ROV (remotely operated vehicle) video to meet the criteria of the sponsoring research institution at a remote location. Enjoy amazing pictures of the beautiful land, air and seas they traversed around the Bunaken Nation Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia!
Bring a sack lunch; beverages and dessert are provided. Pre-registration is required.
I offer my congratulations to Dr. Nissley as the incoming president of NMC. Thank you to all of the campus and community members who participated in the search process. It was open, transparent and effective. Our Board of Trustees should be commended.
The next four months will race by and there will be much to accomplish during the transition to new leadership. I am confident that we will all work to provide information and support that will assure Dr. Nissley’s successful entry to NMC and our college’s continued success into the future. Holly Gorton, Chief of Staff to the President and Board will coordinate the transition process working with the Board, the campus, members of the community and me.
I look forward to welcoming Dr. Nissley and his family to Traverse City and am certain he will be a great asset to the college and community.
Tim
Timothy J. Nelson, President
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
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.
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.
Make your password memorable but tough to crack. Why? Because your password protects very private employee as well as student information that is federally protected thru FERPA including: Grades, Moodle Coursework, Email correspondence, Scholarship Info, Student Services Information and more! Here’s some info on how to create a good password.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
Final candidate wants to move NMC into the future
Record-Eagle, August 30 (more…)