“A Century of Gender Justice Activism” virtual discussion

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

NOTE: The Oct. 16 event featuring Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been canceled.

TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and several academic speakers will appear at four virtual events this fall commemorating the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote.

An in-person voter registration drive Sept. 22 on NMC’s main campus will also be part of “100 Years of the 19th Amendment: Observing the Past and Looking Toward the Future.” Volunteers from the League of Women Voters – Grand Traverse Area will be available to register new voters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.

The virtual events are as follows:

• Thursday, September 17: The Constitution’s Suffrage Amendments: Giving Voice to Those Who Were Not Silent.
  7 p.m.— Panel discussion in conjunction with Constitution Day. Presenters and NMC instructors Mindy Morton and John Zachman will discuss the 15th, 19th, and 24th amendments and the individuals and groups whose political actions saw those amendments become political reality, and evaluate how these amendments impact our current political climate and elections. Morton is an adjunct instructor of history and Zachman is an instructor of political science and philosophy. Zoom Link: nmc.zoom.us/j/98632067245

• CANCELED: Friday, October 16: A Discussion on Elections and Voting with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
  7 p.m.— Hosted by Rachel Wilczewski, NMC sociology instructor, Secretary Benson will share information and her expertise on issues surrounding voter access in Michigan as well as information regarding the upcoming election and the recent actions in the state to reduce partisan gerrymandering. Live Q and A to follow a 30-minute presentation. Elected in 2018, Benson is the author of State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the secretary of state in enforcing election and campaign finance laws.

• Thursday, November 12: “A Century of Gender Justice Activism” with Caroline Heldman, Ph.d. Chair of Critical Theory and Social Justice Department, Chair of Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies at Occidental College.
  7 p.m.—Hosted by Shilo Smith, NMC psychology instructor, Heldman will present a timeline of the last century of gender justice activism with a focus on progress and pitfalls. She will analyze the current status of women in the U.S. after a century of pushing for gender justice. Zoom Link: nmc.zoom.us/j/94968308718

• Friday, December 4: “The Lesson of the Lark” Virtual Choral Concert
  7 p.m. — Hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs
  The NMC Music Department, Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs are premiering a new concert work celebrating the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage. This piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. It is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name, a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights.
  • Sign up for free tickets to the virtual event at MyNorthTickets. Those who register for the performance will receive a link to view the premiere and pre-premiere talk shortly before the event.

Release date: September 3, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
NMC Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

College and Michigan Tech to collaborate on Great Lakes research

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan Technological University and Northwestern Michigan College have formalized their intent to collaborate on Great Lakes research, with a focus on marine technology, freshwater science and professional development.

At a signing ceremony held Wednesday, Sept. 16, Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek and NMC President Nick Nissley noted their shared mission and complementary strengths in advancing Great Lakes research, as well as their mutual goal in collaborating to develop an internationally-recognized center of excellence in freshwater science and research.

Under a two-year Memorandum of Understanding, MTU and NMC agreed to:

• Cooperatively develop marine technology and operations plans
• Partner on freshwater science and research projects, and
• Collaborate on professional development projects that showcase Michigan Tech science and technology development and NMC workforce development programming

“I am especially grateful to Andrew Barnard at the Great Lakes Research Center along with Guy Meadows for their leadership and expertise,” Koubek said. “Our partnership with Northwestern Michigan College reiterates our mutual commitment to the protection and rehabilitation of the Great Lakes ecosystem and helps to ensure the economic longevity of our region and our state well into the future.”

“The collaboration is a great opportunity to re-imagine this important work for the future. Not only does it build upon the existing expertise of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, led by Hans Van Sumeren, but amplifies it through the assets of a trusted partner, Michigan Technological University,” Nissley said. “Together we are accomplishing great things for our region.”

Wednesday’s signing builds on a history of collaboration between the public institutions that dates back nearly 30 years. Last year, the two institutions signed seven new articulation agreements that allow engineering students to complete their first two years of study at NMC and then transfer to Michigan Tech with junior status.

The new MOU also demonstrates Michigan Tech’s continued commitment to northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse region. In March 2019, the university announced a three-year Memorandum of Understanding designed to explore collaborative opportunities in the Grand Traverse area. The memorandum included exploration of educational opportunities and services with and through NMC.

The MOU signed Wednesday reflects MTU and NMC’s mutual intentions to develop and implement collaborative activities and is not intended to create binding or legal obligations on either party.

Release date: SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Water conferences showcase college’s expertise

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Showcasing its expertise in water issues, Northwestern Michigan College will virtually co-host two major professional water conferences in the coming weeks.

First, in conjunction with the Marine Technology Society, NMC will host Great Lakes TechSurge: Lakebed 2030 Sept. 30–Oct. 2. This major international virtual conference brings together scientists and researchers, policy makers and government officials and industry professionals.

Lakebed 2030 is an initiative led by NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute to map the Great Lakes by 2030. Institute director Hans Van Sumeren will give the opening keynote address at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 30. In addition to mapping, technology, coastline and habitat are other conference topics.

NMC offers a bachelor of science degree in Marine Technology.

NMC hosted the same conference in-person at the Great Lakes campus in 2019.

Second, the 13th Annual Freshwater Summit will be held virtually this year over four October Fridays between 10 and 11:30 a.m. each day. Themes are:

• Oct. 2 – Great Lakes water levels
• Oct. 9 – Good Harbor Bay research
• Oct.16 – Whose Water Is It? Equity Concerns with Water Access & Management
• Oct. 23 – Local initiative lightning talks. Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Program Coordinator Constanza Hazelwood will talk about NMC’s Freshwater Studies program, in which students can earn the nation’s only associate degree.

The Freshwater Summit is a product of the Freshwater Roundtable and is organized by multiple organizations including GLWSI. Registration is free.

Release date: September 28, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence award winners announced

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence awards, which are given to NMC employees who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the college’s learners.

The awards were announced during the college’s virtual Opening Conference August 17. They are typically handed out during NMC’s Commencement and Retirement & Recognition ceremonies, which were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Faculty Excellence Awards

Scott Powell (high-resolution version)Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Scott Powell was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct Aviation/Assistant Chief Flight instructor Frank Jabour is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.

The winners are chosen by a student selection committee, and the criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.

Capt. Scott Powell has been an instructor for over 18 years. Students had this to say about him:

• The instructor cares very much about what students think in the classroom, always asking us if the material is understandable, and creates new ways to better the learning experience.
• The instructor’s thorough explanations and hands-on activities are easy to follow, but still challenge us and I always walk away with an understanding of how this truly applies.
• This instructor embodies all the traits of an excellent teacher. He earns our respect without needing to ask for it, is extremely patient, flexible in ability to approach a topic in many different ways to establish complete understanding, and is always up to date with current practice, not only of the industry, but in teaching as well.

Read more about Scott Powell here.

Frank Jabour (high-resolution version)Of Jabour, who has been an instructor for over 21 years, students said:

• The instructor treats every student fairly and will always stay after class to help with any questions you have. Kindest teacher I’ve had, and probably one of the most genuine people I know.
• This instructor is very passionate about what is taught and spreads that passion throughout the program. The instructor will take as many different approaches as necessary to make sure that every student in the classroom has the necessary understanding of the material.
• This instructor brings the material to life and is able to relate the material to past and present experiences that allows his students to grow and understand its significance. He not only stays current but actively motivates students to stay engaged with the industry.

The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.

Staff and team Excellence Awards

Bobbi Garner (high-resolution version)NMC’s Staff and Team Excellence award winners are nominated by their supervisors and colleagues for doing work which inspires others and exhibiting commitment “above and beyond” to the NMC mission, vision, and values.

Bobbi Garner, Office Manager of the Science & Math Academic Area, won this year’s Staff Excellence Award. During the spring semester, she worked late into the night and over a weekend to get 70 students rescheduled in classes after an instructor had to cancel classes due to an emergency. Her work helped 23 of those students graduate on time in the spring.

Educational Technologies team (high-resolution version)NMC’s Educational Technologies team, who were integral in the transition to virtual learning this past spring, won this year’s Team Excellence Award.

The team —Director Terri Gustafson, Ryan Bernstein, Mark DeLonge, Justin Guillard, Chris Hanna, Kyle Morrison, Ben Post, Dennis Schultz and Sherry Trier — held daily Zoom office hours and fielded five times as many help desk tickets this past March as the previous March due to the transition. This summer, they provided a virtual boot camp program for teaching online and hybrid courses to over 90 NMC instructors.

Release date: August 25, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Academic World Quest

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s International Affairs Forum will host 18 area high school teams at its annual Academic WorldQuest from noon-5 p.m. February 6, at the Hagerty Center.

The teams will compete for the chance to participate in the national competition, the flagship youth education program of the World Affairs Councils, to be held in Washington, D.C. in April. Topics in the 2020 competition include preventing violent extremism, ocean protection and US-Russia Relations.

“Academic WorldQuest has a great atmosphere of friendly competition. Studying current topics in foreign affairs helped me expand my view of the world, and traveling to Washington, D.C. was a fantastic experience,” said Ted Roe, a 2019 Traverse City Central High School graduate and member of the Trojans’ winning team. Currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, Roe participated in AWQ for three years.

The event is free and open to the public. Sponsors include: The Traverse City Record-Eagle, Jimmy John’s, Shanty Creek Resort, Target, Best Buy, Common Good Bakery, Mundos Roasting & Co, Cicero’s Pizza. State Theater, Cherry Republic, Grand Traverse Pie Co. and Paesano’s Pizza.

Release date: JANUARY 27, 2020

For more information:

Julie Doyal
juliedoyal@yahoo.com
(231) 649-1781

Record $1.28 million in NMC scholarships awarded

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

Number of student recipients rises 45 percent

Traverse City — Northwestern Michigan College has awarded a record amount of scholarship dollars to a record number of recipients this academic year, another example of NMC’s commitment to break down barriers to education, including financial.

As of Feb. 3, the college had awarded $1.28 million in scholarships to 964 recipients for the 2019-20 school year. That’s a 12-percent increase in dollars awarded and a whopping 45 percent increase in recipients. In 2018-19 the college awarded $1.14 million to 662 recipients.

NMC Director of Financial Aid Linda Berlin said the increase is the result of process enhancements undertaken to encourage more scholarship applications, so that available funds are fully awarded. Enhancements included a second application cycle, a communication plan to students and a reformatted, more user-friendly application.

As a result, applications grew from 22 percent of students in 2016-17 to 28 percent last year. Simultaneously, scholarship funds awarded rose from 74 percent of available to 82 percent. Berlin expects to see those numbers continue to improve this year and next.

“We’re trying to make (scholarships) more accessible to all our students, and we’re trying to get the message out, it’s not just about merit,” Berlin said. Financial need, area of study, and hometown are all common scholarship award criteria.

Scholarship funds are donated through the NMC Foundation, which has made scholarships one of four priority areas in its current $35 million Be What’s Possible comprehensive fundraising campaign. Read more.

Recipient Dani Valentine, 26, is in her second semester at NMC. For the fall 2019 semester, she got a $500 scholarship. This spring, she was awarded two more totaling $1,500. After earning her associate’s degree at NMC, Valentine plans to complete her bachelor’s through NMC’s University Center, and then complete a graduate degree in optometry at Ferris State.

“It’s definitely a long road, but because of scholarships I feel like I can do this,” Valentine said.

One of her spring scholarships is the Global Opportunities scholarship for students studying abroad. Valentine will use the $1,000 to participate in NMC’s first-ever trip to Iceland. She plans to earn NMC’s Global Endorsement in addition to her degree.

“I think it will help set me apart for anything I apply for in the future, as far as jobs or grad school,” she said.

The average 2019-20 scholarship award is $1,327. Berlin said that her office is trying to keep the average above $1,000. Tuition and fees for a student like Valentine — a Grand Traverse County resident enrolled in 12 contact hours per semester and studying an NMC general program — total $1,714 per semester.

“I’m really just super grateful for all these scholarships, not just for me, but anybody,” Valentine said. ‘It really does make a huge difference. Any small amount really helps.”

• To help students and families learn how to pay for college, NMC will hold its annual Financial Aid Fair from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 in the Osterlin Building. This event is a comprehensive overview of the cost of college, types of financial aid, finding and applying for scholarships, and a special session for Native American students. Individual assistance is also offered.
• A culinary scholarship-specific workshop will be held from noon-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant on the Great Lakes campus.
• A tech-aviation scholarship-specific workshop will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 in Parsons-Stulen 217/219 on the Aero Park Campus.

Release date: February 5, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Futures for Frontliners could drive “huge surge” in NMC enrollment

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — More than 1,000 frontline workers have applied to NMC in the three weeks since the free tuition program was announced.

Futures for Frontliners offers free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.

NMC Director of Admissions Cathryn Claerhout said 1,038 applicants had been filed as of Sept. 30. Many of those still need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if conversion from application to enrollment conforms to NMC’s patterns (79 percent this fall) it could translate into a significant enrollment increase in January.

“We’re delighted,” Claerhout said. “There’s a huge surge we could be seeing.”

Essential industries include health care, financial services, food and agriculture, law enforcement and first responders, water and wastewater, transportation and more. NMC is also offering virtual information sessions on completing the FAFSA Oct. 20, Nov. 7 and 20 and Dec. 10. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.

Announced Sept. 10 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Futures for Frontliners has drawn more than 60,000 applicants statewide. The application period runs through December 31, 2020, with enrollment available beginning in January of 2021. Scholarship recipients may also choose to start in the summer or fall 2021 semesters.

In addition, NMC is also participating in Michigan Reconnect, another statewide program aimed at filling the state’s skills gap by helping adults over age 25 earn a degree or certificate. Beyond these two programs, NMC has more than 650 institutional scholarships available.

Claerhout said in the Grand Traverse region there are 19,000 adults over age 25 who do not have a degree. “We’ve got pockets of students, typically older students, that we have great potential (aid) for,” she said.

Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.

To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit nmc.edu/frontliners.

Release date: October 6, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

New Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Construction Complete Ahead of Fall Semester

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

Entrance (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus is substantially complete and ready for the Fall 2020 semester. The building is now open to NMC employees and students after receiving its letter of occupancy from the state fire marshal.

The building’s Hawk Owl Café food court is expected to open by Thursday, August 20 for the college’s Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, following a July 29 county health department inspection.

The building will be limited to about 50 percent of its maximum capacity for now, along with other NMC facilities, as the college reopens. NMC is in Stage 2 of its 4-Stage Reopening Plan, which allows employees and students on campus Monday through Thursday and others on campus by appointment.

Due to stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus pandemic, work on the building was paused for a month beginning March 24. As restrictions eased, outdoor landscaping work began April 24. Construction on the building itself resumed May 7. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the 54,000-square-foot facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9. Radio station WNMC will follow later this summer.

Atrium (download a high-resolution version here)Work on the $14.4 million project began in the late summer of 2018. The project combines state investments of more than $7 million for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a multi-story facility with innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces. An additional $6 million was involved in moving the library from its location in the Osterlin Building to the building and constructing that part of the building, where it will offer expanded services and hours.

The project has received extensive campus, community and legislative support. NMC is planning a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony and tour during the fall semester.

Release date: August 5, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

COVID-19 update: Region now in Phase 4, NMC remains at Stage 2

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City region and the state have recently set new record highs in cumulative coronavirus cases, new daily cases and active cases. In an effort to curb this increase, and the health impact on the people in our communities, the state has moved our region from phase 5 to phase 4 and increased restrictions across Michigan on gathering size and masks. Please note NMC remains at stage 2 of its reopening plan and continues all safety protocols including requiring masks and social distancing on all campuses.

Since the start of the pandemic we have remained committed to two main goals: keeping our students and employees safe and limiting the disruption to learning. With the increase of cases in the region and on our campuses, it is critical that each of us continues to do everything we can to keep the virus from spreading at NMC, at home and in the community. In addition to wearing face masks and practicing social distancing and good hygiene, please make sure you do the daily health self-screening and please stay home if you believe you might be sick with any illness or have been in close contact with a positive case. Instructors and supervisors are ready and willing to work with you on this and know it will take all of us together to limit the spread of the disease.

We only have 3 ½ weeks to go before Thanksgiving break where we will pivot to remote learning as planned. We will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and will adjust our response as needed to work to keep you safe. Our hope is that we can continue to deliver learning and services as we are now without increasing restrictions.

We will also continue to communicate with you about cases on campus. You can find more information on NMC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, resources, safety guidelines and feedback form at nmc.edu/covid-19.

Release date: October 30, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Virtual help available for filing the FAFSA

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — FAFSA gotcha frustrated? Confused? Stuck?

NMC’s Office of Student Financial Services will offer five virtual information sessions on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the first step to receive any kind of federal financial aid. About 80 percent of scholarships require the FAFSA as well.

Dates are Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for each 30-minute session. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.

Student Financial Services will also hold two virtual scholarship workshops: Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for these as well.

Release date: October 8, 2020

For more information:

Student Financial Services
sfs@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1035

Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director honored with Marine Technology Society award

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Hans Van Sumeren, the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), has been honored with the 2020 Outstanding Service Award by the Marine Technology Society (MTS).

The award recognizes Van Sumeren’s outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Society. Highlights include:

• Serving as chair of the MTS Great Lakes Section
• Creating the Marine Technology student section within the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
• Partnering with MTS to create the first Marine Technology Camp in 2016 and continuing to host the camp every year since
• Hosting the first TechSurge – Lakebed 2030 – to establish the parallels from the Seabed 2030 effort and promote the mapping of the Great Lakes as equal importance to the global mapping initiative
• Serving as the guest editor for the most recent issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal devoted to LakeBed 2030

MTS will formally present the award to Van Sumeren on October 8 at its Global OCEANS 2020: Singapore – U.S. Gulf Coast conference.

“Marine technology has an impact upon virtually every aspect of our global society,” said MTS President Zdenka Willis. “This year’s awardees represent the ‘best of the best’ in our field and their efforts are helping to advance the goals of the marine technology community while inspiring all of us to meet some of the greatest scientific, educational, and political challenges of our time.”

“Hans has been a true visionary in his work through the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute since its inception, including the creation of the first and only Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Technology in the country,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “We are fortunate to have his leadership at our College, in our region and increasingly throughout the world.”

Van Sumeren will also help lead Great Lakes TechSurge LakeBed 2030’s virtual conference September 30 – October 2, 2020. The event will bring together science and research, policy, government, and industry professionals to focus on Great Lakes marine mapping and observation data, develop a strategy to catalog new and existing lakebed information for shared use and share the latest technology advancements with the Great Lakes community and advance business development in the region.

The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is strategically positioned to engage individuals and organizations, both locally and globally, in advancing skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Areas of expertise include marine technology and freshwater studies.

The Marine Technology Society promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology. Incorporated in 1963, the international society brings together businesses, institutions, professionals, academics, and students who are ocean engineers, technologists, policy makers, and educators.

Release date: August 27, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC selected for new FAA UAS training program

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Northwestern Michigan College’s UAS (drone) training program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI.

To be selected, a college/school had to meet criteria including; having an accredited Associate degree focusing on UAS, FAA certification of UAS pilots, operation of both multi-rotor and airplane style systems, training in functional areas including agriculture, environmental services, infrastructure and utility inspections, petroleum, oil and gas inspections, and public safety.

According to the FAA, the purpose of the UAS-CTI program is to create long-term relationships with institutions of higher education that focus on preparing candidates for careers in all aspects of UAS. The UAS-CTI program’s goal is to collaborate with schools to deliver up-to-date UAS training that matches the requirements of the National Airspace System (NAS) and helps prepare qualified applicants for careers involving UAS. In addition, these new UAS-CTI institutions will support the FAA’s efforts to expand the aviation workforce of the future while providing additional opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students.

“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program ten years ago,” said NMC UAS Director Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”

The FAA UAS-CTI designation allows NMC to participate with the FAA in shaping the future UAS training environment including training methods and standards through workshops, seminars and other programs. The FAA will also be a resource to help students with job placement, internships and other opportunities.

In addition to the CTI program, the FAA is asking two-year institutions like NMC to participate in the Consortium for Small UAS Technology Training. Sauerbrey says the UAS industry and FAA have seen programs like NMC’s offer responsive, agile, hands-on technical training that prepares students to enter the workforce faster and better prepared.

NMC’s UAS program celebrates its 10-year anniversary in September 2020. Since it began, the program has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Release date: August 26, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tony Sauerbrey
Director, Unmanned Aerial Systems
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925

NMC’s Scholarship Open golf outing raises more than $100,000 for scholarships

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of Northwestern Michigan College raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships on Thursday, August 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa during the 39th annual Scholarship Open. This year’s event was in memory of long-time college volunteer and community leader Jim Beckett.

More than 234 golfers and volunteers participated, and more than 120 sponsors made donations ranging from $250 to $10,000.

“The funds raised at this event are critical for NMC students,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director, NMC Foundation. “Especially now, scholarships make it possible for students to stay in school.”

The NMC Scholarship Open, one of northern Michigan’s premier golf outings, provides access to higher education through Honors, Presidential, Academic Area, and other scholarships. This tournament has raised more than $2 million since its inception in 1982.

This year’s event was modified to meet the health and safety guidelines established by the College and the Resort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Individuals and organizations can support students any time of year, with gifts of any size, at nmc.edu/give. Gifts to the Scholarship Open are part of the NMC Foundation’s Be What’s Possible campaign, which aims to raise $35 million to support NMC students.

Release date: August 7, 2020

For more information:

Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822

Community invited to new president reception

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the community to meet its 11th president, Nick Nissley, at a welcome reception from 5–7 p.m. Friday Jan. 17, at the Hagerty Center at NMC’s Great Lakes campus.

Nissley, an education executive with more than 25 years of experience, says there’s no place he’d rather be than NMC. While his first day in the office was Jan. 2,  Nissley said he’s been doing his homework on the college since his contract was finalized in October 2019.

“It’s obvious to me, NMC is a strong college in a strong community – it has a proud history and a future of possibilities,” he said. “Being here at NMC is a calling. It’s a calling for me to share my strengths.”

Those strengths are broad and diverse. Nissley’s career includes experience in K-12, community college and university settings. He 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.  Nissley describes himself as a collaborative servant leader and “possibilitarian.”

“I believe in NMC’s role that we have played historically, and that we must imagine together as we look to the future – our role in improving the lives of people and strengthening the fabric of our community. Together, let’s be driven to think and act beyond boundaries, and to achieve more than was originally imagined. That’s the possibilitarian spirit of NMC,” he said.

RSVPs are not required and there is no cost to attend the reception, which will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Nissley’s most recent position was Executive Director of Cincinnati’s School for Creative & Performing Arts (SCPA) — the first K-12 public creative and performing arts magnet school in the country, recognized as a model magnet arts school and a crown jewel of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). He previously served as Dean of the Business Division of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, one of Ohio’s largest community colleges.

Release date: January 7, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC joins basic needs initiative to support students

May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC this month joins a statewide initiative to help students connect with resources to support basic needs. The Michigan Community College Association was awarded a $442,000 grant to launch the initiative focused on improving student completion and success by addressing economic instability among students including access to food, housing, transportation, childcare and other basic needs.

The Michigan – Building Economic Stability Today (MI-BEST) effort is funded through June 2022 by a grant from the Los Angeles-based ECMC Foundation as part of its Basic Needs Initiative, designed to address and alleviate basic needs insecurity among students. National survey findings reported that 45 percent of respondents had been food insecure in the past 30 days, 56 percent had been housing insecure in the previous year and 17 percent had been homeless during that year.

NMC will begin by forming a team of college personnel and community leaders. Dean of Students Lisa Thomas, NMC’s project lead, said members will include executive leadership, advisers, faculty, development/fundraising staff, financial aid staff and community partners.

“What I would hope is we learn some ways to better structure or provide internal supports to our students,” Thomas said.

NMC has offered a food pantry since November 2017. It serves between 80 and 90 people per month. This year’s usage is on pace to equal the 2018 academic year, the first full year of operation, when 1,087 total people were served.
In addition to the food pantry, Thomas also has emergency textbook funds available, as well as gas cards and BATA passes for students with transportation issues. Now, accessing those resources is handled on a case by case basis, rather than systematically.

“We’re going to take a deep dive to see what are the structures and processes in place at NMC to see what is supporting or what is a barrier to students completing their education,” Thomas said.

The Michigan Center for Student Success is leading the initiative for the MCCA and will partner with nationally-recognized organizations including the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement and Trellis Research along with Michigan-based organizations including the Michigan Association of United Ways, MiBridges, and Public Policy Associates to support Michigan’s participating community colleges.

“We know that the lack of access to basic needs is frequently the reason that students leave college,” said Erica Lee Orians, executive director of the Michigan Center for Student Success at the MCCA. “NMC’s participation in this initiative is a critical component of our student success efforts.”

The Michigan Center for Student Success, founded in 2011, serves as a hub connecting leadership, administrators, faculty, and staff in their emerging and ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes, emphasizing linkages between practice, research, and policy. The Center has led statewide initiatives focused on reengaging adults, developmental education, transfer, veterans, and advising. The Center is part of the 16-state Student Success Center Network working with over half of the community colleges across the nation.

Release date: January 14, 2019

For more information:

Lisa Thomas
Dean of Students
lthomas@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1043