Emergency Management: Lockdown Alert
Purpose
A Lockdown Alert is issued to temporarily restrict movement on campus during a situation that could potentially endanger the welfare of the college community. (more…)
Alvin Hall: A road trip through America’s haunted racial past
Join the National Writers Series for an evening with Alvin Hall, author of Driving the Green Book. Alvin Hall wrote Driving the Green Book, an account of a 2000-mile journey across the country, using the Green Book as his guide to help him understand the experience of African Americans through the 1960s.
He will be talking about his experience at the City Opera House on Thursday, February 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music and the event starts at 7 p.m. followed by a book signing. The Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has purchased tickets for the event. Please get in touch with Marcus Bennett if you are interested in getting free tickets for the event at (231) 995-1401 or mbennett@nmc.edu.
Learn more about Alvin Hall by visiting www.alvinhall.com.
Code Red text alert system: verify your information
If there were ever an emergency on our campus related to safety, everyone who signed up for Code Red would be sent an immediate text to the phone number we have on file (i.e. shelter in place instructions). While the alert would also be sent to your email address, a text is the quickest way to get crucial information when every minute counts.
You may have signed up for text alerts when you were first hired, but please verify the information is still correct. Please access the text opt-in link and double check to see if your current cell phone number is accurate in our system.
If you have any questions about updating your information in self-service, please contact the NMC Technology Help Desk at (231) 995-3020.
Surveying industry invests in NMC to meet workforce needs
TRAVERSE CITY — As the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors convenes for its annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort next week, industry investment in NMC has led to a dedicated surveying technology program recruiter joining the college’s staff.
Download a high-resolution photo of Ryan Deering hereRyan Deering (right) stepped into the recruiter role Feb. 6. The new position is funded by a surveying industry donor.
“There is a real need and a shortage of survey technicians. Industry has recognized that need,” said Ed Bailey, director of NMC’s Marine Center.
An aging workforce, lack of awareness of the career opportunities, and demand for surveying skills have created the shortage. Launching a Surveying Technology associate degree in 2019 was NMC’s first response. Now, tackling that lack of awareness will be Deering’s job. He’s confident that he can attract students. NMC’s program is unique in that it offers instruction for land, marine, and air applications.
“Everything is combined. It’s woven together nicely,” said Deering, who also teaches welding at NMC. “It’s limitless, what you can do with a surveying degree.”
“It’s the integration part that really sets us apart. Nobody can touch our facilities,” agreed surveying instructor Carl Shangraw.
Land surveying classes, underwater ROV classes and drone classes are all taught at the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. NMC also has a campus harbor and vessel on West Grand Traverse Bay, and access to an airfield in Yuba where students can gain real-world experience in the marine and air applications.
Industry leader Leica also supplies NMC close to $1 million in surveying equipment each year for use in the program.
“I like the change of environment every day, (and) the great equipment they give us,” said student Gabe Parrish, 19, of Mesick. He plans to graduate next year.
Deering added that NMC’s small classes mean that students get plenty of time with that top-notch equipment, which is important to employers.
“You really get a lot of hands-on with the equipment,” he said. “Employers are really looking at that.”
In addition to students like Parrish just beginning professional careers, NMC and Deering hope to enroll more students like Jim Schiffer, a professional engineer with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission. Engineers can earn a surveyor credential with 30 credit hours, or about two semesters. Schiffer jumped at the opportunity. He will complete his coursework this summer.
“If you love anything technical, and you love solving problems, and you love being outside, it’s all there,” he said.
The Commission currently has no surveyor on staff, said Schiffer. The credential will also complement his consulting business in general civil and structural engineering.
Shangraw said he’s “optimistic” about Deering bringing in more students to the surveying program.
“I’ve seen him work with college kids. He’s phenomenal,” said Shangraw, who started at NMC three years ago after more than two decades of teaching at the university level. Besides the staff and facilities, NMC’s student support is “second to none,” he said.
“Every school says they’re student-centered. (NMC) means it.”
Release date: February 16, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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-discriminationSupport for Students
Good morning,
In the wake of the MSU shooting from last night, we wanted to take the time to share some important resources available for any students impacted directly or indirectly by this tragedy.
The NMC Student Life Office on main campus has free personal counseling available for students (zoom or in person) between the hours of 8am -5pm Monday – Friday. Please call 231-995-1118 or email us at studentlife@nmc.edu to schedule a time to talk with us.
In addition, two free after hours resources (available to anyone) include:
- 24/7 crisis phone line – dial 988 to speak directly to a crisis counselor.
- 24/7 crisis text line – text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to communicate with a volunteer crisis counselor.
Please take care of yourselves and each other during times like this.
Thank you,
Lisa Thomas
—
Lisa Thomas
Dean of Students
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1043
“And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.”
– The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
Campus Community Support
Dear NMC family,
My heart is heavy this morning about the tragedy at Michigan State University last night. This hits much too close to home. We all know someone with ties to MSU, including our own alumni. Like many of you, I am feeling both sadness and frustration. While some things are outside of our control, I want to reassure you we have many safety protocols in place and practice drills monthly. We also have many resources to offer support and help you process your feelings and concerns. Our teams in human resources and student services are sharing the details with you today. Most importantly, I want you to know that I am confident that our NMC family will continue to support one another, and help each other move through this.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Media mentions for February 13, 2023
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.
Michigan college teaches students to be chefs – on ships
MLive, Feb. 13
(more…)
New BSN program at NMC aims to counter nursing shortage
Last week, NMC and Davenport University announced that they are expanding their partnership so that NMC can offer a BSN program. The continued efforts from Tami Livengood, Stephen Siciliano, Munson Healthcare and Davenport University will allow students at NMC to attain their BSN in a shorter time frame and at a fraction of the cost of standard BSN programs.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Internal Promotions
Remy Barrat and Nick Schlappi were both recently promoted into roles as adjunct flight instructors. Congratulations!
Employee Anniversaries – February
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Alison Thornton! Alison brought together departments and student groups to raise awareness around cybersecurity and online safety in a fun and engaging way. Thanks to Ali and everyone involved for such a great event and for everything you do to keep us safe online.
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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- Alex Jones – Instructional Systems Technician
- Robert Watrous, Supplemental – Tutor
- Lisa Helferich, Supplemental – Front of House Food Service
NMC Concert Band, choral performances scheduled
TRAVERSE CITY — Two of NMC’s performance ensembles will present the following midwinter performances:
- February 24: NMC Concert Band & Grand Traverse Chorale. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
- February 26: NMC Choral performance, featuring the NMC Chamber Singers, Canticum Novum and the NMC Children’s Choirs. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium
Advance tickets are available at simpletix.com. Adults $13, seniors/students $8. At the door: Adults $15, seniors/students $10.
Release date: February 9, 2023
For more information:
Jeffrey Cobb
Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@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-discriminationNew NMC, Davenport University exclusive partnership helps create fast-track bachelor’s degree for nurses
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has chosen Davenport University as its exclusive partner in a first of its kind bachelor’s degree nursing (BSN) program that will start in May and aims to increase Michigan’s nursing workforce.
The concurrent program, in which students will be enrolled two years at NMC and a third year at Davenport, gives nursing students a faster, less expensive path to a BSN. Munson Medical Center requires its nurses to earn a BSN within five years of hire.
NMC will be among the first of Michigan’s 28 community colleges to roll out a BSN program under state legislation passed last summer. NMC issued a request for BSN proposals in mid-October. Nine universities submitted proposals seeking to partner with NMC.
“Meeting changing employer needs is a critical part of our work as a community college. I am proud of NMC’s fast response to this opportunity from the state and the high level of interest we received from potential university partners. It speaks volumes about the quality of our college, our nursing program and our graduates,” said Northwestern Michigan College President Dr. Nick Nissley.
NMC Director of Nursing Tamella Livengood said that Grand Rapids-based Davenport was selected due to their commitment to NMC’s strategic plan, as well as to offering an in-person option and local student support in Traverse City.
“One of the big differences will be the level of support we’ll be able to provide students,” Livengood said. “I think retention and completion will improve.”
“We have a decade-long partnership with NMC and Munson Healthcare to grow the talent needed to support the communities we serve,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “We are grateful to be chosen by NMC to grow our partnership to address the nursing talent shortage and create greater opportunities for our students to achieve academic and career success.”
Davenport has offered a robust and high-quality nursing program since 2006. All graduates are hired within six months of graduation.
In the new program, students could earn their bachelor’s in as little as a year after earning their associate degree at NMC and passing the registered nursing licensure exam, the NCLEX. In 2022, 95 percent of NMC’s associate degree graduates passed it on the first attempt, exceeding both Michigan and national averages.
Under the legislative initiative, community colleges can receive up to $2 million in state funding. NMC plans to hire three new professional nursing support staff: an adviser/recruiter, who will guide students through the four stages of nursing credentials; a nursing student navigator who will provide tutoring support, and a researcher responsible for tracking student success through the completion of the BSN. Funds will also be used for new equipment, including virtual reality and simulation equipment, Livengood said. Another $100,000 will be dedicated to student scholarships.
Haven Hall will be one of the first students. She will graduate from NMC’s associate degree program in May and plans to enroll immediately in the BSN program. NMC’s faculty and staff have encouraged her, she said.
“They challenge you to further your education,” said Hall, 20, who already works as a nurse technician in the emergency department at Munson Medical Center.
“Being able to work while I was in college helped so much,” said Hall, who also earned two nursing scholarships and a study abroad scholarship while at NMC. “I did not want to have to pull out a bunch of loans and be in a ton of debt.” She plans to remain in Traverse City, working at Munson, while completing her BSN.
The BSN cohort that includes Hall would graduate in 2024. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees are in-demand at Michigan’s hospitals. NMC has the largest associate degree nursing program north of Grand Rapids. In the last two years, NMC has graduated 91 ADN students; 64 of whom are employed at Munson.
“Munson Healthcare has long supported all strategies that promote the availability of highly trained nurses in our region. This includes partnering with Northwestern Michigan College to provide clinical instruction support to promote nursing graduates in our region. We appreciate the legislature for making this investment that will help to remove barriers for degree and career advancement and provides us with a new tool to support replenishing our healthcare talent pipeline,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare.
Grand Rapids-based Davenport University is already a partner at NMC’s University Center, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, technology and health. The private, non-profit university serves about 5,500 students at campuses across Michigan and online. With tuition among the lowest private universities in the state, Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience, and more than 60 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs.
Release date: February 8, 2023
For more information:
NMC:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (mobile – text preferred)
Davenport University:
Amy Miller
Executive Director, Communications & Public Relations
amy.miller@davenport.edu
(616) 443-9800
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-discriminationSuccess story: NMC, Davenport University to partner for 3-year nursing program
February 8, 2023
Northwestern Michigan College has chosen Davenport University as its exclusive partner in a first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that will start in May and aims to increase Michigan’s nursing workforce.
The concurrent program, in which students will be enrolled two years at NMC and a third year at Davenport, gives nursing students a faster, less expensive path to a BSN. Munson Medical Center requires its nurses to earn a BSN within five years of hire.
Haven Hall (right) will be one of the first students. She will graduate from NMC’s associate degree program in May and plans to enroll immediately in the BSN program. NMC’s faculty and staff have encouraged her, she said.
“They challenge you to further your education,” said Hall, 20, who already works as a nurse technician in the emergency department at Munson Medical Center.
“Being able to work while I was in college helped so much,” said Hall, who also earned two nursing scholarships and a study abroad scholarship while at NMC. “I did not want to have to pull out a bunch of loans and be in a ton of debt.”
She plans to remain in Traverse City, working at Munson, while completing her BSN. Offering convenience to students like her who are already in the workforce was a goal of state legislation passed last summer that allows the partnerships.
“Munson Healthcare has long supported all strategies that promote the availability of highly trained nurses in our region,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “This includes partnering with Northwestern Michigan College to provide clinical instruction support to promote nursing graduates in our region. We appreciate the legislature for making this investment that will help to remove barriers for degree and career advancement and provides us with a new tool to support replenishing our healthcare talent pipeline.”
NMC will be among the first of Michigan’s 28 community colleges to roll out a BSN program under the 2022 legislation. NMC issued a request for BSN proposals in mid-October. Nine universities submitted proposals seeking to partner with NMC.
“Meeting changing employer needs is a critical part of our work as a community college,” said Northwestern Michigan College President Dr. Nick Nissley. “I am proud of NMC’s fast response to this opportunity from the state and the high level of interest we received from potential university partners. It speaks volumes about the quality of our college, our nursing program and our graduates.”
“We have a decade-long partnership with NMC and Munson Healthcare to grow the talent needed to support the communities we serve,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “We are grateful to be chosen by NMC to grow our partnership to address the nursing talent shortage and create greater opportunities for our students to achieve academic and career success.”
Davenport has offered a robust and high-quality nursing program since 2006. All graduates are hired within six months of graduation.
NMC Director of Nursing Tamella Livengood (right) said that Grand Rapids-based Davenport was selected due to their commitment to NMC’s strategic plan, as well as to offering an in-person option and local student support in Traverse City.
“One of the big differences will be the level of support we’ll be able to provide students,” Livengood said. “I think retention and completion will improve.”
The BSN cohort that includes Hall will graduate in 2024. NMC has the largest nursing associate degree (ADN) program north of Grand Rapids. In the last two years, NMC has graduated 91 ADN students; 64 of whom are employed at Munson. NMC graduates also have a high success rate on the registered nursing licensure exam, the NCLEX. In 2022, 95 percent of NMC’s associate degree graduates passed it on the first attempt, exceeding both Michigan and national averages. Davenport has offered a BSN program since 2006.
Grand Rapids-based Davenport University is already a partner at NMC’s University Center, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, technology and health. The private, non-profit university serves about 5,500 students at campuses across Michigan and online. With tuition among the lowest private universities in the state, Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience, and more than 60 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs.
Volunteers needed for MATHCOUNTS on Feb. 10
NMC’s Engineering department, in conjunction with the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, will be hosting the Northern Michigan Chapter of the annual MATHCOUNTS competition on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the Beckett building. The event will take place from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. and will consist of several rounds of timed math contests undertaken by middle-school teams. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, scoring, and/or clean-up. Interested parties may reach out to Jay Smith at jsmith@nmc.edu for more information.
NMC Engineering has hosted this event in partnership with MSPE for several years. This year’s competition is the first since 2020 due to the pandemic.
About MATHCOUNTS: The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that reaches students in grades 6-8 in all US states and territories with 3 extracurricular math programs. Hundreds of thousands of students participate in our programs or use our resources each year. (OUR STORY | MATHCOUNTS Foundation)
Media Mentions for February 6, 2023
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: “Can you have sex?”
Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, Feb. 3
(more…)
2023 Outstanding Alumni nominations due
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is seeking nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Alumni awards. Nominations will be accepted through March 1.
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Nominees for this award should have demonstrated accomplishments that also reflect the NMC values of dedication to life-long learning, innovation and integrity, and respect for and collaboration with others. Recognition is not solely contingent on having received a degree or certificate from NMC, but on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives.
More information and the nomination form can be found on the NMC website at nmc.edu/alumni. Nominations may be submitted online. To have a paper nomination form mailed, those interested can call (231) 995-1834 or email alumni@nmc.edu.
The 2022 Outstanding Alumni recipients were Richard Gray, Dr. Annie Kritcher, and Bob Sutherland.. A complete list of past honorees may be found online. For more information about NMC’s Alumni program, visit nmc.edu/alumni.
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Northwestern Michigan College is a publicly funded community college that serves more than 50,000 learners annually throughout the Grand Traverse region and beyond. NMC offers associate degrees, professional certificates and bachelor’s degrees. The college is home to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and the Great Lakes Culinary Institute as well as nationally recognized aviation and unmanned systems programs. For more information, visit Northwestern Michigan College at nmc.edu.
Release date: February 6, 2023
For more information:
Carly McCall
Director of Alumni Engagement
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1834