The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Due to outside sporting events on Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, NMC Campus Security will restrict access to the Cedar Parking Lot. Campus Security will be present at the entrances to the Cedar lot to grant access to NMC employees, students and visitors.
For more information, contact Campus Safety Coordinator Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231)995-1747
We are thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2026 NMC Staff Excellence Award and the NMC Team Excellence Award.
These individuals and teams have been nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in their service to our students, our colleagues, and the community. Please join us in congratulating this year’s finalists!
The following staff members have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the NMC mission and values:
Marcus Bennett
Amy Burns Bailey
Skylar Berry
Liz Celeste
Shannon Croll
Cindy Duby
Brittany Hanbury
Patty Cron-Huhta
Laura Stevens
Karen Ford
Eileen Vaughn
Lisa vonReichbauer
Nicole Wenstrup
Katy Knight
Dan Simon
The following teams have demonstrated outstanding collaboration and commitment to the NMC mission and values:
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to NMC. Congratulations to you all!
The award recipients will be revealed and celebrated during our annual You Made It Possible employee recognition event. Join us for this year’s special NMC 75th Anniversary reunion event (and swag)!
Please RSVP by accepting the calendar invitation and join us for the excitement!
Event: You Made It Possible
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
For questions: hr@nmc.edu or call the HR team at 995-2612
We look forward to seeing you there!
April 22, 2026
Swoop! There he is!
Or will be on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., in all his green-feathered glory, at a special 75th anniversary Student and Community Block Party. The entire community is invited to welcome Swoop, NMC’s new mascot, and then enjoy other festivities on the Front Street campus to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
Running from 3–7 p.m. the Block Party coincides with the end of the spring semester. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, neighbors and friends are all invited to partake of free carnival rides, activities and live music. Food from several local food trucks will be available to purchase.
After his introduction by NMC President Nick Nissley, Swoop will then make the rounds of the party for photo opportunities. Mascots from the Traverse City Pit Spitters, NMC’s University Partners and Traverse City West High School will join the welcome party, too.
NMC adopted the northern hawk owl as a nickname in 2013, and the concept was embraced by the college. Swoop was first visualized as a two-dimensional logo character in 2014. Each graduate receives a “Hawk Owl alumni” T-shirt. The student cafeteria is named the Hawk Owl Café.
The occasion of NMC’s 75th anniversary this year was a fitting time to embody Swoop as an official mascot, and planning for Swoop’s arrival started in late 2024.
“We want NMC to feel vibrant and alive for our students and our community, and finally having Swoop home is a big part of bringing this vision to life.” said Zach Whitaker, manager of NMC Alumni Relations, where Swoop makes his home in between event appearances. “He’s here to cheer on our students and learners as they navigate challenges and celebrate all their accomplishments through their time with us and beyond.”
Advance registration is encouraged. A rain date has been set for Sunday, April 26. For more information, visit nmc.edu/75.
Are you in TC this summer? NMC is looking for the faces of our college! No modeling experience? No problem. We want real students, real smiles and real community vibes. Let’s capture the season together. Fill out the short form below and we’ll reach out to you as our summer photography/video/testimonial schedule goes into action! Please note: this is a volunteer opportunity and is not paid.
Fill out the Summer 2026 call for volunteer student models form
Got questions? Email publicrelations@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law.
Good afternoon NMC community,
I have some good news to share about funding for the college, and it’s the result of a lot of careful work behind the scenes over the past couple of years.
Over that time, we took a close look at whether Northwestern Michigan College qualified for the federal Employee Retention Credit, a relief program tied to organizations that kept employees on payroll during the very disruptive time of the COVID pandemic. Based on our financials in 2021, we did qualify, and we completed the detailed process required to claim the credit, filing our request in early 2024.
I’m pleased to share that we have now secured approximately $9 million in ERC funds, including interest.
This did not happen automatically. It required detailed financial analysis, persistence, and follow-through over an extended period of time. I want to recognize former trustee Chris Bott for encouraging us to take a closer look at our eligibility, and Vice President of Finance & Administration Troy Kierczynski for leading the work to see it through. We also appreciated the assistance from Congressman Bergman’s office along the way.
Just as importantly, this reflects how this college showed up during the pandemic. We made a deliberate decision to retain our full-time employees and continue serving students. That took commitment across the college, and it is part of what made this credit possible. Thank you for that.
These funds will help us move forward on priorities already identified through our strategic plan and campus master plan, including student-facing spaces, campus infrastructure, and long-term improvements that support our mission. At the same time, they represent one part of a much larger financial picture, and the work in front of us remains significant.
This is also a reminder that business as usual is not enough. We have to keep looking for opportunities, doing the work to pursue them, and following through when they align with our mission. That is what revenue diversification looks like in practice, and it takes effort across the institution to make it happen.
The process itself took time, and there was uncertainty around timing and final approval. We made a deliberate decision to wait to communicate broadly until funds were received and confirmed, so that we could share clear and accurate information.
We will continue to be thoughtful in how these funds are used and ensure they are aligned with the priorities we have already set together. I must emphasize, such one-time funds will not be used to support annual operating budget needs. But, they can and will be used to support construction/capital budget needs.
I’m grateful for the work happening across this college every day. This is a good example of how steady, disciplined effort over time can create real opportunity for our students and our community.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
TRAVERSE CITY — Media is invited to cover the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center’s “topping off” celebration from 9–11 a.m. Friday, April 24 at the Discovery Pier parking lot, 13271 S. West Bay Shore Drive (bay side of M-22).
A topping off celebration is a-time honored construction tradition, marking the placement of the building’s final structural beam. It is a milestone in the Center’s construction, which began in September 2025 and is on track for completion in spring 2027.
The $29.1 million project is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University and 20Fathoms. From 9–10 a.m. these community partners and donors will sign the beam. At 10 a.m. the beam will be craned into place at the construction site across the street.
The 38,000 square foot facility is a landmark project establishing northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories and business incubation under one roof, the Center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures and opportunities become careers.
The project has already secured more than $28 million in commitments from federal, state and private funders, with fundraising ongoing for equipment and the public exhibit space. Once complete, the Center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs and generate research with global applications.
Visit freshwatercenter.org to learn more.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
TRAVERSE CITY — Three committees of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet this week in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich.
The official meeting notices are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
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.
Crucial Conversations for Accountability is a two-day course that is strongly recommended for all supervisors, academic chairs and program coordinators, but all regular employees are welcome with supervisor approval. While Crucial Conversations for Accountability may sound like a “gotcha” approach, it is exactly the opposite. The training provides practical tools grounded in mutual respect, active listening and collaborative problem-solving. During this two-day training, learn how to have difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships. Attendance is required both days for course completion.
Friday, May 15 AND Friday, May 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (on campus)
Register through NeoEd Training using these instructions. For questions, contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu.
NMC will host a mobile food pantry on Monday, April 20 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. We have 3,505 pounds of goods including instant mashed potatoes, dried beans, raisins, apples (bulk), eggs, cutie tangerines, frozen zucchini and celery.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
This program is designed for NMC students and is open to anyone in the community who is in need. Interested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
NMC is participating in Denim Day a week early on April 22. Everyone is encouraged to wear denim that day if you are able to as a way to show support for survivors during sexual assault awareness month. To learn more about Denim Day and its origins please visit denimday.org.
These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
Northwestern Michigan College announces its 5th Annual Learning Symposium, scheduled to take place from April 23 to May 2. This event, sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute, will showcase the diverse ways NMC students and faculty engage in high-impact teaching and learning.
The Learning Symposium will feature a variety of student and faculty artifacts, experiences and scholarship. Attendees can expect to see oral and poster presentations on research and community engagement projects, academic courses, service learning experiences, and community partnerships. The learning symposium highlights experiential learning and other high-impact practices in and/or out of the classroom.
NMC solutions: Student presentations
1–4 p.m.
Scholars Hall, room 205
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium presentations
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Displays and Artifacts
Timothy J Nelson Innovation Center lobby and hallways
Reflective Table Talks
Noon–1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallways
This is an informal session where students and staff will share about their projects and events at tables in the hallways
NMC solutions: Student presentations
1–4 p.m.
Scholars Hall, room 205
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
Brandon Everest’s SOC 201 student presentations
1–2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 104/105
Kristy McDonald’s BUS 231 NMC Hero Race student presentation
3–4:10 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
Becca Richardson’s MTH 120 student poster presentations
1–1:45 p.m.
Health & Science Building atrium next to the bookstore
Charles Macphee’s EGY 105 student presentation
6–9 p.m.
Aero Park Laboratories, room 222
nEXt Endorsement student capstone presentations
2:30–5:10 p.m.
Janis Room, Dennos Museum Center
Honors Convocation
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
For more information about the 2026 NMC Learning Symposium, please contact Tracy Welch, Experiential Learning Institute Office Manager, at (231) 995-1170, elinstitute@nmc.edu.
We are looking forward to celebrating all of our wonderful colleagues at our You Made it Possible on May 13. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the following employees who have reached milestone anniversaries:
5 Years
10 Years
15 Years
20 Years
25 Years
30 Years
35 Years
At the March 23 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Jason Slade presented a summary of Strategy 1: Future-Focused Education:
Objective 1: AI Integration The college aims to embed responsible and effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) use across teaching, learning, and operations to improve student outcomes and workforce readiness.
Success Indicators: Faculty and staff will receive training to add ethical AI enhancements to curriculum, while students will develop digital skills required for 4-year transfer institutions. NMC will adapt to meet the needs of regional employers
Year 1 Focus: Identify “AI navigators” and develop a departmental AI decision-making framework covering ethics, cost, and impact. Identify employer and transfer institution needs and expectations.
Objective 2: Experiential Learning & Durable Skills This objective focuses on integrating work-based learning and “durable skills” (soft skills) across all programs to enhance employability.
Success Indicators: Align curriculum with priority skills identified by regional employers and expand the experiential learning endorsement (nEXt). Create opportunities to provide career resources, micro internships, and pathways to apprenticeship credentials.
Year 1 Focus: Identify programs lacking experiential activities and roll out durable skills language into a new faculty-led advising model. Identify opportunities and funding mechanisms for additional work-based projects.
Objective 3: Distinguished Programs NMC intends to invest in and innovate “distinguished programs” that attract students from outside the immediate region.
Success Indicators: Increase visibility and stature for Aviation, Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Great Lakes Culinary Institute, Maritime Academy, and the Water Studies Institute (GLWSI). Leverage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Develop advanced certifications for UAS courses.
Year 1 Focus: Develop a comprehensive UAS strategy. Align GLWSI and FRIC for academic and professional blue tech training. Full utilization of GLMA’s Robinson Bay tug.
Objective 4: Support for At-Risk Students The college will use a data-driven approach to support students in courses with high DFW (D, F, or withdrawal) rates.
Success Indicators: Scale the CollegeEdge preparedness program and implement coordinated early interventions in gateway courses to improve outcomes. Increase success and retention rates for at-risk students.
Year 1 Focus: Define “at-risk.” Improve workflows. Create an early alert process. Establish sustainable funding for CollegeEdge.
The full Strategic Plan March 2026 memo can be found here. The Strategic Plan Steering Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 2 at 11 a.m. in TJNIC 104/105.
A dancer in a past graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2026 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Four Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cherry lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
Julieanna Frost
Native American Student Organization faculty advisor
(734) 368-8569
jfrost@nmc.edu