Employee anniversaries – August
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Corbin Thompson and STT Security! On Sunday, August 2, NMC Employee Corbin Thompson and STT Security engaged with the Traverse City Police Department to locate a missing NMC student. The student was safe and received care. Thompson and Security acted quickly and showed their dedication to student safety. Well done.
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!
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- Cheryl Richmond – Adjunct Advanced Scientific Research Instructor
- Miran Bozicevic – Adjunct Math Instructor
- Dereck Dykes – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Gabe McBride, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Zach Doran, supplemental employee – Food Service Back of House
Osterlin computers reserved for students
A quick reminder for everyone: the computers and resources in the Osterlin building are reserved for student use. If you hear of or spot a community member looking for a device to use, please direct them over to the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center which is fully equipped with public-access computers to help non-students get connected. Thanks for helping us keep Osterlin’s resources focused on our students’ success!
Judy Arnold’s retirement party cancelled
Due to a scheduling conflict, today’s retirement party for Judy Arnold has been canceled. We hope to reschedule the celebration for a future time and will share details once a new date is confirmed.
After twenty-five years of incredible service, Judy Arnold has decided to officially retire. We are sad to see her leave, but we are incredibly grateful for the hard work, dedication, and expertise Judy has brought to our team over the years.
Please join us in congratulating Judy on her retirement and thanking her for her many years of outstanding service.
Executive and Building & Site committee meetings
Two committees of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet next Tuesday, Aug. 11. Both meetings will be held in Room 104/105 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich.
- Executive Committee: 2 p.m.
- Building & Site Committee: 3:30 p.m.
The official meeting notices are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Siciliano wins state leadership, service award
TRAVERSE CITY — As leaders from Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges gathered on Mackinac Island for the 2026 MCCA Summer Conference, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) recognized five exceptional individuals whose leadership and service reflect the values at the heart of Michigan’s community colleges. This year’s honorees include:
- Stephen Siciliano, Vice President for Educational Services at Northwestern Michigan College, who received the Outstanding Staff Award for nearly three decades of academic leadership. (download a high-resolution photo)
- Sherry Wyman, Chair of the Board of Trustees at West Shore Community College, honored with the Distinguished Service Award for her leadership as Chair of the MCCA Board of Directors.
- Debra Daniels, alumna of Delta College, recognized with the Outstanding Alumnus Award for more than 45 years of service to community college education.
- Jennifer Wixson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator at North Central Michigan College, awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award for her leadership in early childhood education and workforce initiatives.
- Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), recipient of the Special Recognition Award, for exemplary contributions and commitment to supporting the mission of Michigan’s community colleges.
“Sixty years in, our story is still being written by people like this year’s honorees,” said Brandy Johnson, MCCA President, noting the association’s 60th anniversary this year. “Their work on campuses, in classrooms, and on the national stage is exactly what keeps our mission moving forward.”
Stephen Siciliano – Outstanding Staff Award (download a high-resolution photo)
Dr. Stephen N. Siciliano, Vice President for Educational Services at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), received the 2026 Outstanding Staff Award in recognition of nearly three decades of academic leadership.
Siciliano has served as NMC’s chief academic officer since 1996. He also sits on the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential Advisory Council on Transfer, helping advance statewide transfer and student success initiatives. Before becoming vice president, he served as Humanities Division Director and full-time history faculty member, leading the college’s history, music, art, and philosophy programs.
Beyond his work in higher education, Siciliano is President of the Traverse Area Historical Society, a member of Traverse City’s Historic District Commission, and a unit commissioner with Scouting America. He holds an associate degree from Nassau Community College, a bachelor’s degree in history and mathematics from Adelphi University, a master’s degree in history from the University of Connecticut, and a doctorate in history from the College of William and Mary.
“Dr. Siciliano’s decades of leadership have shaped generations of NMC students and strengthened academic programming across our network,” said Johnson.
The Outstanding Staff Award is given in recognition and appreciation of professional achievement, service to humanity, and commitment to the community college mission.
Sherry Wyman – Distinguished Service Award
Sherry Wyman, Chair of the Board of Trustees at West Shore Community College, was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award for her leadership as Chair of the MCCA Board of Directors.
Wyman was elected to the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees in 2016 and was first appointed board chair in 2021, later reappointed in 2025 — becoming the first woman to serve as chair in the college’s history. She also serves on the board’s Executive Committee and previously served on its Administrative Committee.
Beyond her work at West Shore, Wyman is active across her community, holding leadership roles with the Mason County Central School Board, the Ludington and Scottville Chamber of Commerce, the Mason County Central Educational Foundation, the Scottville Main Street Board of Directors and Design Committee, and the Scottville Harvest Festival Committee. She earned an associate degree in business administration from Mid Michigan College and completed additional coursework at Central Michigan University. She and her husband, Randy, own Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville, and she is employed by West Shore Bank as a Commercial Loan Documentation Supervisor.
“Sherry brings the same care to our boardroom that she brings to her own community, and it shows in everything she does,” said Johnson. “We’re grateful for her steady hand this past year”.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented each year in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors of the MCCA.
Debra Daniels – Outstanding Alumnus Award
Dr. Debra Daniels, an alumna of Delta College, was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award, recognizing more than 45 years of service to community college education.
Daniels began her higher education journey at Delta College, where she earned an Associate of Allied Health degree. She went on to spend 20 years as a faculty member at Delta College and Illinois Central College and held academic and student affairs roles at New Mexico State University at Alamogordo, Kellogg Community College, and Polk State College. She later served as president of three community colleges: San Bernardino Valley College, Joliet Junior College, and Taft College.
Daniels earned a bachelor’s degree in allied health teacher education from Ferris State University and completed both a master’s and doctoral degree in education at the University of Illinois. Since retiring in 2022, she has remained active through volunteer service while enjoying travel, gardening, and time with her husband and grandchildren.
“Dr. Daniels’ four-decade career shows what’s possible when a community college education becomes a launching pad,” said Johnson. “Her journey from Delta College student to community college president is a powerful example for our students today.”
The Outstanding Alumnus Award honors exceptional achievement and commitment to the community college mission.
Jennifer Wixson – Outstanding Faculty Award
Jennifer Wixson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator at North Central Michigan College, received the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award for her leadership in early childhood education and workforce development.
Wixson has been a full-time faculty member at NCMC since 2019, following more than two decades as an adjunct instructor. She leads the college’s Child Care Initiative and Family Friendly Campus Initiative, two grant-funded programs that expand access to high-quality childcare, support student parents, and strengthen the early childhood workforce across northern Michigan.
A recognized leader in her field, Wixson serves as President of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children Governing Board and received the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award for her professional achievement and community advocacy. Before joining NCMC full time, she taught kindergarten and first grade for 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in child development and teaching from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in child development and family studies from Purdue University.
“Jennifer’s work connecting classrooms, employers, and families is exactly the kind of innovation that strengthens our communities,” said Johnson. “Her students, and her community, are better for it.”
The Outstanding Faculty Award honors professional achievement and dedication to the community college mission.
Jee Hang Lee – Special Recognition Award
Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), was recognized for his leadership on behalf of community college trustees nationwide and his longstanding support of Michigan’s community college mission.
Lee has led ACCT since 2021, providing leadership for more than 500 governing boards overseeing community colleges across the United States and internationally. Before being named president and CEO, he spent more than 15 years at ACCT in a series of leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and Vice President for Public Policy, where he directed the association’s advocacy work on federal appropriations, student financial aid, tax policy, and higher education policy.
Lee serves on the boards and advisory councils of several national higher education organizations, including the American Council on Education and the University of Maryland Global Campus Community College Leadership Program. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University.
“Jee Hang Lee’s leadership on the national stage has strengthened community colleges everywhere, including right here in Michigan,” said Johnson. “We are honored to recognize his commitment to our mission as we celebrate 60 years of MCCA.”
The Special Recognition Award is presented in recognition and appreciation of exemplary contributions and commitment to supporting the mission of Michigan’s community colleges.
About The Michigan Community College Association
The Michigan Community College Association is the unified voice and leading advocate for Michigan’s community colleges, empowering members to lead in the areas of student success, talent development, and community vitality. MCCA also strengthens public awareness and recognition of the role of community colleges, supports members in delivering education and training that is responsive to changing labor market needs, champions the strategies necessary to achieve equitable student success, and fosters collaboration, connection, and partnerships among community colleges and stakeholders. Learn more at mcca.org.
Release date: August 7, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discriminationPreparing NMC for its next chapter
Dear Colleagues,
After much thought, Stephen Siciliano has shared his plans to retire in June 2027, concluding an extraordinary career at Northwestern Michigan College.
Stephen’s own educational journey began at a community college, an experience that shaped the way he has led throughout his career. For more than 40 years, he has helped build the modern academic identity of NMC while living our mission of transforming lives and enriching communities. Whether expanding transfer opportunities, helping launch Michigan’s first community college bachelor’s degree, mentoring colleagues, or continuing to teach while serving as chief academic officer, Stephen has led with quiet humility, unwavering integrity and genuine care for others. His influence can be seen not only in our academic programs, but in the culture of service that continues to define our college.
We’ll have many opportunities over the coming year to celebrate Stephen’s remarkable career and thank him for the lasting impact he has had on NMC. His planned retirement also gives us something equally important: time.
One of my most important responsibilities as president is to ensure leadership transitions strengthen the college, not simply replace individuals. Rather than waiting until leadership changes occur, we’re using the coming year to thoughtfully prepare for NMC’s next chapter by strengthening leadership continuity and evaluating how responsibilities are organized across the institution.
To support that work, Jason Slade has been selected to succeed Stephen as Senior Vice President, effective May 2027. Jason will assume Stephen’s academic leadership responsibilities and serve as NMC’s Chief Academic Officer. As a former faculty member, academic leader, and strategist, Jason led implementation of NMC’s previous strategic plan and helped shape the development of our current strategic plan. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate institutional priorities into meaningful action.
I am also pleased to announce that Diana Fairbanks has been selected to serve as Vice President, effective May 2027, assuming leadership of the college’s strategic initiatives portfolio. Diana worked closely with Jason to help shape the college’s current strategic plan and has played a key role in helping the college align strategy, communications, and organizational change around our institutional priorities. Her deep knowledge of NMC, strong community relationships, and expertise in strategic communications and change leadership will help keep the college aligned around where we’re headed while helping the organization navigate change. Diana will continue to work closely with Jason to advance the College’s strategic initiatives.
Selecting experienced internal leaders allows us to build on existing strengths while maintaining momentum during this important period of transition. Jason and Diana bring complementary experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a shared commitment to NMC’s mission.
For most employees, there will be no immediate changes to reporting relationships, responsibilities or day-to-day work. While the future leadership appointments have been made, the organizational changes that support those transitions will be thoughtfully developed over the coming year, engaging the right people at the right time and communicating updates as the work progresses. Both Jason and Diana will formally assume their new roles in May 2027, coinciding with Stephen’s retirement. They will immediately, informally begin the transitioning process, and seek to navigate the learning curve that these new roles demand.
Please join me in congratulating Stephen on an extraordinary career, and in congratulating Jason and Diana on their future leadership roles. I look forward to working with all of you as we prepare NMC for its next chapter.
Nick
New addition to the Campus Safety & Security fleet
Exciting news! NMC Campus Safety & Security just received a brand new blue Polaris ATV to more effectively patrol the Front Street Campus!
Keep an eye out for our officers cruising smoothly across campus to ensure everyone stays safe and supported.
Cyber Minute: Beware the ‘syllabus update’ phish
Phishing emails disguised as urgent syllabus templates or curriculum updates are on the rise before the fall semester. Always check the actual sender’s email address before opening any attachment.
Media mentions for August 3, 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.
How Two Downstate Developers Became Major Traverse City Construction Players
The Ticker, Aug. 2
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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!
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- Michael Franklin – Science & Math Instructor
- Nancy Hayes – Adjunct English Instructor
- Niusha Rahjoo, 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!
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- Molly Cox – Adjunct English Composition Instructor
- Angel Repke – Adjunct English Composition Instructor
- Tawni Deike – Adjunct Math Instructor
- Ben Davila – Adjunct Audio Tech & Applied Music Guitar Instructor
- Jade-Lynn Vance – Adjunct Ceramics Instructor
- Skylor Dinnan, student employee – Library Assistant
Cyber Minute: Clean Up your Desktop and Downloads
Student records and sensitive files shouldn’t sit in your Downloads folder forever. Take 10 minutes to move confidential documents to Google Drive — or delete them entirely.
Police Academy training improves with TCPD vehicle donation
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Police Academy has a new training vehicle courtesy of the Traverse City Police Department.
The department donated the 2017 Ford Explorer Interceptor last month. Based on the Ford Explorer, it is a heavy-duty SUV designed specifically for law enforcement.
TC Police Sgt. and NMC instructor Jeremy Metdepenningen (download high-resolution photo) Equipped with emergency lights, a push bumper, a backseat cage, and a rear locker, other Interceptor features include engineering for high speed police pursuit and a perimeter alert system. Police Academy director Gail Kurowski said she used it in an emergency vehicle operations in-service training last year, and is delighted to add it to the Academy’s fleet.
“This vehicle is already outfitted with standard police equipment, making it ideal for us to use in training. It’s a win-win, saving Police Academy resources and helping us better prepare officers to keep our communities safe,” Kurowski said.
NMC offers two full-time, 16-week police academies per year. It is also the only Michigan academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, and far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Students who already have a degree can become an officer in just one semester, after passing a licensing exam. Find out more at nmc.edu/police.
Release date: JULY 28, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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 at 75: Our story comes to life
Thanks to the Explore History Day Committee and partner Home–Agency for creating Lasting Legacy, Bold Tomorrow: NMC at 75, a new video that celebrates NMC’s 75th anniversary. Home–Agency donated its services to help create the video, which premiered at Saturday’s Explore History Day and is available now to share on NMC’s YouTube channel.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
NMC Security: New emergency testing methods begin Aug. 3
At NMC, our first priority is to keep our entire college campus community safe. As part of that commitment, earlier this year NMC invested in a new, faster emergency notification system with more comprehensive capabilities. This system, Mitel Revolution, is tested the first Monday of each month.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, new and updated methods of communication will be included with the monthly test. Here is what to expect:
NEW:
- Overhead paging: In the Dennos and North Hall
UPDATED:
- Screen capture of laptops and desktops connected to NMC’s network or virtual private network (VPN), including campus monitors showing events and announcements. Previously, screen capture included only desktops and laptops. Users can close the notification by acknowledging it or exiting the window.
- Phones: We are increasing the speed of notifications to cell phones and landlines. Campus phones will also broadcast notifications in classrooms and offices. Calls come from 231-995-1101. You may want to save the number in your phone.
- Emails. Sender is “nmc-notifications.” You may want to whitelist it.
CONTINUING:
- Texting. Alerts come from “NMC Security.” You may want to save the number in your phone.
Students and employees are automatically opted into the emergency notification system. For more information on campus safety, visit nmc.edu/safety. Thanks for helping to keep campus safe.
Media mentions for July 27, 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.
Bergman provides legislative update
Alpena News, July 27
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