Welcome to NMC!
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff, and congratulating current NMC staff on their new positions!
Success story: Hawk Owls soaring
September 11, 2019
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:
- Max Anderson, assistant vice president, Honor Bank;
- Andrea Deibler, co-owner, Raduno;
- Lindsey Dickinson, director of academic and career advising, NMC;
- Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, clinical manager, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency;
- Brandon Hunt, president, Mid-American Title;
- Nicholus Kopacki, site director, GVSU Physician Assistant Studies program;
- Courtney Lorenz, founder, Cultured Kombucha;
- Ben Marentette, city clerk, City of Traverse Clerk;
- Katy McCain, manager, Traverse City Tourism;
- Julie Moore, Physician Assistant, Addiction Treatment Services;
- Christopher Radu, partner, Elemint Wealth Management;
- Amy Shamroe, Jenkins Group and elected city commissioner;
- Nicole VanNess, parking director, Traverse City DDA.
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:
- Seven of NMC-connected are also repeat winners: Anderson, Halladay, Hunt, Lorenz, Marentette, McCain and Shamroe.
- The eight women and five men among the NMC-connected is similar to the gender balance among the entire 40 over 40 list (22 women and 18 men.) NMC’s enrollment, however, is nearly 50-50 male-female.
Constitution Day at NMC
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!
Study Abroad Info Sessions
“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.
Media Mentions for September 9, 2019
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…)
ADP Payroll System goes live September 22
Please select one training session and join us to learn about the new ADP payroll and HR information system.
Who will be impacted by ADP?
All employees
Why attend an ADP training?
- On September 22, all hourly employees will begin entering time into ADP
- Time sheet approvers will begin approving time cards on September 30 in ADP
- All employees will use ADP self-service to view/edit their personal information in ADP
Scheduled training sessions:
Tues- September 10 in University Center 205
- 11 a.m.
- 2 p.m.
Wed- September 11
- 10 a.m. – Osterlin 203
- 11 a.m. – Osterlin 203
- 1:30 p.m. – Beckett 146/147
- 2:30 p.m. – Beckett 146/147
Maintenance/Custodial Only training
- 8:30 a.m. – Osterlin 113
- 7 p.m. – Beckett 217
Kudos!
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
Employee Anniversaries
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Position Vacancies & Supplemental Employment
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. (more…)
President’s Update for September 9, 2019
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff
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…)
Awards bestowed on retiring Nelson
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:
- Central Regional CEO Award, Association of Community College Trustees, to be presented at the ACCT Leadership Congress in San Francisco in October. As the regional recipient, Nelson is also a nominee for the national Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award.
- The Alliance for Innovation & Transformation (AFIT) Legacy Award, honoring an individual who has made exceptional and long-lasting contributions to AFIT and his or her organization, and has been a leading exemplar of transformative leadership in higher education nationwide. The recipient’s legacy is one that is not only extraordinary, but is rarely found. Only three Legacy awards have been granted by AFIT since the award was established in 2010.
- Michigan Community College Association legislative leadership — Nelson has held many roles within the organization representing all 28 Michigan colleges. He was recognized this summer for his longest-serving role, eight years as chair of the MCCA legislative committee, since 2011. Under Nelson’s leadership of the committee, the Michigan Legislature approved community college baccalaureate degrees, a signature achievement.
- National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award — Presented in May, the award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level and whose efforts have made a positive impact in the community. Nelson has been an Eagle Scout since 1968.
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.
Release date: Sept. 5, 2019
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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-discriminationUpcoming LIFE Lunch Sept. 20
Friday, Sept. 20, Noon–1:30 p.m., University Center Rm. 215/217
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.
Register online HERE OR call (231) 995-1700 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.)
Congratulations to Dr. Nissley
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
Dining Service Hours for Fall 2019
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.
Hawk Owl Café
- Monday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Northwest Grind / Starbucks
- Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
The Hawks Nest
- Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
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.
Take Action! – Passwords
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.
Media Mentions for September 3, 2019
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…)
NMC Board of Trustees identifies Nick Nissley as first choice in presidential search
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to advance Dr. Nick Nissley as the first choice of five finalists to become the next president of NMC at a special board meeting Tuesday, September 3. The Board then unanimously voted to support Dr. Nissley in his role as president, if he accepts the position.
The Board will now extend an offer and begin discussions on a contract with Dr. Nissley. The contract will be submitted to and voted on by the Board. A formal announcement on the new president is expected within the month, with an expected start date of January 1, 2020.
NMC Board Chair Chris Bott said, “The Board is pleased to move forward with Dr. Nissley. He brings strong communication skills and proven experience in leadership and innovation. This process to identify the next leader of NMC has been competitive, thorough and transparent as the board’s most important job. We appreciate the dedication of the presidential search committee, employees and community members who participated in this process to identify the next leader of our community’s college.”
Nick Nissley, Ed. D. is an education executive with more than 25 years of experience including K-12, community college and university settings. He is currently Executive Director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Nissley has leadership experience in fundraising, professional development, human resources, teaching and the arts. His areas of focus include helping build individual and organization capabilities that support organizational effectiveness and innovation cultures in support of educational excellence. Dr. Nissley describes himself as a collaborative servant leader and “possibilitarian.”
A total of 67 people applied for the position. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews. The committee recommended five finalists for in-person interviews which included campus and community forums open to the public.
This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.
“The board, this college and this community will be forever grateful for the service of Tim Nelson during his nearly 19 year tenure. We were not seeking to, nor could we replicate president Nelson who did incredible work to build this college into what it is today,“ said Chairman Bott. “We are now looking for the person who would be the right fit to lead this institution into the future. Each candidate has their own unique strengths. Ultimately the decision came down to who was the best fit at this time.”
Release Date: September 3, 2019
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu(231) 995-1019
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 accreditation renewed, commended for continuous quality improvement
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s accreditation process—a key benchmark of the college’s overall quality—has been reaffirmed for the next 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission.
The reaffirmation process is the culmination of a comprehensive, eight-year cycle following a March 2019 site visit by HLC peer reviewers. Accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.
In its report, the peer review committee cited NMC’s “strong, clear, and well-presented evidence” on all five criteria for accreditation. It also praised NMC for its ongoing dedication to continuous quality improvement.
“Continuous quality improvement appears to be embedded within the culture of the college,” the report concludes.
NMC Executive Director of Research, Planning and Effectiveness Joy Evans said the clear-cut reaffirmation is “significant” for NMC and places it at the forefront among other Michigan community colleges.
“We not only met all criteria of accreditation but we are not on any form of interim monitoring, a rare finding for Michigan community colleges over the past several years,” Evans said.
Northwestern Michigan College has been accredited by HLC since 1961. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a gatekeeper agency within the accreditation process. The next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2028-29.
In addition to college-wide accreditation, many NMC programs maintain individual accreditations. Nursing programs in June received re-accreditation for the next eight years. In October, the Marine Technology program will host a site visit as part of its accreditation process. Learn more here.
Release date: Sept. 3, 2019
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019