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.
* * * * *
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
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-discriminationDemystifying the Financial Aid process
Thanks to Student Financial Services for hosting a Financial Aid Fair this week to guide students and their families through the FAFSA process and help students overcome financial hurdles.
These efforts help remove barriers and increase accessibility to education. NMC is a leader in providing scholarships; last year 31% of NMC students received scholarships. All students with at least a 2.0 GPA who apply to NMC before March 1 will receive a scholarship.The average number of public 2- year community college students who receive institutional aid throughout the United States is 5.5 percent according to the most recent National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NCES NPSAS:18-AC).
In addition to NMC scholarships and the existing State of Michigan scholarships, a new state scholarship—the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, is now available to students graduating high school this year. Eligible students will receive a minimum $1,750 plus the possibility of another $1,000, based on remaining need.
The Financial Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 8, from 4-7 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Prepping for the Career Fair
Students are invited to attend events that will help them prepare for the Career Fair on March 2.
On February 27 and 28, the Academic & Career Advising Center is offering career counseling and resume help from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby. For more information, email advising@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1040.
Celebrating fairy tales and folklore at the NMC Library
Notice the Libby
tag next to a title? This means the book is available as an eBook and can be found on the Libby app. All audiobooks can be accessed through Libby. Haven’t set up your Libby account yet? Follow these easy instructions!
books available to request from MeLCat!
Student Connect: International Tea
Join the International Services and Service Learning Department as we sample unique teas from around the world while getting together in a casual setting to make connections.
The event is Wednesday, February 8, from 9:15–10 a.m., in the Student Lounge outside the O100 offices in the Osterlin Building (#12 on the Main Campus Map).
Kudos!
Kudos to Ben Post, Dan Gentry, Paul Martin and Lisa Molmen! The Information Technology Services, Systems and LAN Management, and Educational Technology teams have worked together to develop the Moodle integration with Lumens. This was a large undertaking that has been in the works for about a year. The integration to Moodle allows Extended Education students the same access to the online learning classrooms in Moodle that credit students have. This enhances the delivery of joint offerings (NMC credit classes offered through Extended Education without the credit or need for the community member to apply to the college). A huge thank you to Ben Post, Dan Gentry, Paul Martin and Lisa Molmen!
Kudos to Sally Smarsty! Thank you to Sally, her team, and the students who coordinated the Gala to Give. Extended Education is honored and humbled by the generosity of these people and the community members who attended. They raised $5,000 in College for Kids scholarships that will impact many families this summer, making fun, educational, summer learning experiences available to more students who face financial challenges. A sincere and heartfelt thank you!
Kudos to Shelly Grant, Joy Goodchild and Elizabeth Sonnabend! Shelly Grant and Joy Goodchild led the development of a database query that pulls the program data necessary to meet the Pure Michigan Talent Connect requirements. The Michigan Training Connect (MiTC) is the state’s official eligible training provider list and this database will allow NMC to quickly add programs. Entry on this page allows Michigan Works! and other state agencies to pay for training at NMC. This provides the workforce development training necessary for the region’s economy. Without these listings, NMC would NOT be listed as a provider, reducing our visibility to the community. Currently listed programs include Aviation, Engineering, Welding, Nursing, eldercare, heavy equipment and many more. Elizabeth Sonnabend played two pivotal roles. She drove this action through the strategic plan. More importantly, she has added and troubleshot programs, has served as a liaison with the State of Michigan/Michigan Works! and has also showed others how to use the system. This was a true team effort to provide the data collection necessary to implement these new programs and maintain existing ones. Michigan Works! has mentioned NMC’s efforts many times as our programs help drive their success.
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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- Charlene Drow – Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor
- Taylor Lundberg – Adjunct Flight Instructor
Internal promotion
Ryan Deering was recently promoted to the Surveying and Geospatial Technologies Industry Recruiter. Congratulations, Ryan!
Open office hiring drop-in hours
Are you involved in hiring employees and want to learn more about NEOED’s Hiring and Onboarding software? Have questions on a position you’re hiring for or a new employee you’re onboarding?
Join us via Zoom on Mondays from 1-2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-noon. Training resources are also available on the Recruiting and Onboarding page.
Questions? Email hr@nmc.edu.