Campus Safety: See something, say something
See something that you’re not sure is right? Help keep NMC safe and say something. If you notice suspicious activity, call Campus Safety at (231) 995-1111. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Extended Education Opportunities
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes (remember, you must be logged into your student account to view) and browse classes for you and yours this spring!
KNIFE SKILLS
The ultimate secret to unlocking your confidence as a home chef begins with choosing the right blade and knowing how to use it. Chef Les Eckert will guide you through sharpening your culinary technique. Julienne, dice, concasse, mince, and chiffonade your way through an abundant basket of fresh produce, then enjoy a delicious meal prepared from your labor. Read more about Knife Skills.
Thursday, Sept. 10; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $34 per person (Public price: $125)
Swing Into Strength: The Kettlebell Revolution
New! Ditch the monotonous gym routine and embrace the dynamic power of the kettlebell. This high-energy experience focuses on fluid movements that build explosive strength, enhance cardiovascular endurance, and sharpen core stability all at once. Read more about Swing Into Strength.
25 sessions; Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 15–Dec. 15; 5–5:45 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $60 per person (Public price: $349)
Functional Fitness
This functional fitness class will blend flexibility, strength training, aerobics, posture improvement, and breathing techniques to increase overall fitness and enhance recovery. Participation in this class will be alongside others with individualized goals, abilities, and limitations — a personalized experience unique to each participant. Read more about Functional Fitness.
25 sessions; Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 15–Dec. 15; 4–4:45 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $40 per person (Public price: $349)
Employee accomplishments
We’re excited to celebrate some wonderful accomplishments among our employees! Please join us in congratulating our colleagues and recognizing the dedication, hard work and growth that made these milestones possible.
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- Laura Korch, Suzanne Bessette and Grant McKay moved from provisional to regular status faculty.
- Carolyn Andrews recently completed her Master’s in Design, Learning, and Technology from Central Michigan University.
Kudos!
Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend! If you look at the Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s website, you’ll find that NMC has 15 Programs of Study listed. These range from degree programs such as an Associate Degree in Nursing or Engineering, to noncredit certificates in Industrial Sewing and Paralegal. What you won’t see yet are the additional 20 programs that are in the queue for approval. NMC Extended Education & Training is adding new NMC credit and noncredit programs each year thanks to Elizabeth Sonnabend, Program Manager for the Work & Career Division. This is a portal used by anyone seeking training in Michigan. Potential students can find programs by searching by topic or institution. Having programs listed on MITC is a requirement for future Workforce Pell-approved programs; it’s basically “step 1.” Some of these programs meet initial Workforce Pell program requirements such as hours of study and length of program. Elizabeth is positioning NMC for future Workforce Pell program opportunities. Thank you, Elizabeth, for going above and beyond to include both credit and noncredit programming in your role as Work & Career Program Manager. These applications are extremely tedious, and I appreciate your diligent work in submitting these to MITC.
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!
Internal promotions
The following employee were recently promoted. Congratulations!
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- Lindsey Dickinson — Vice President of Student Success & Services
- Hannah Rodriguez — Director of Student Success & Retention
- Mitch Paul — Aviation Dispatcher (full-time)
- Melanie Griffith — Nursing Student Success and Enrollment Specialist
- Kat West — Nursing Instructor
- Anne Verschaeve — Food Services Office Manager
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Isaac Hintz, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Susan Froussine – Business Instructor
- Conner Anderson, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Drake Dunham, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Grant Dunham, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ella Gilliam, student employee – Fitness Center
- RJ Hill, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Sophia Lanza, student employee – Resident Assistant
- Natalie Laprad, student employee – Resident Assistant
Registration open for NMC fall community classes
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training announces the release of its Fall Catalog, featuring over 150 diverse learning options for adults and youth alike. The catalog is now accessible online at www.nmc.edu/ees and registration is open for all classes. Tuition waiver benefits apply for full-time NMC employees and their dependents. Adjunct employees should inquire about benefits at the time of registration.
Designed to inspire curiosity both at home and abroad, this fall’s newly launched programming introduces a diverse range of immersive experiences. Highlights include a contemporary art series developed in collaboration with the Dennos Museum Center, interactive thematic culinary evenings, and an international excursion to Poland. Each thoughtfully designed program promises to deliver memorable, high-impact learning opportunities.
Alongside these new custom experiences, this fall also marks the return of many informal and short courses, spanning an array of captivating topics. Taught by local experts, topics include culinary, art, recreation, nature, music, fitness, technology, and more. Classes are perfect for individual learners as well as couples, friends, and parents or grandparents with kids.
Beyond community classes, NMC Extended Education & Training also extends its offerings to businesses and individuals looking to upskill. Custom training programs and corporate retreats are available; tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of organizations. For more information, complete this form. Adult learners looking to take their career to the next level can connect with Student Navigator, Shirl Martin for help finding a flexible training program or new career path. Get started today by calling 231-995-1700 or emailing shmartin@nmc.edu.
This fall Extended Education begins a new chapter in the Parsons-Stulen building at NMC’s Aero Park Campus. Their walk-in office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To view the full range of classes and reserve your seat, visit www.nmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, email ees@nmc.edu.
Release date: august 18, 2026
For more information:
NMC Extended Education & Training
ees@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1700
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-discrimination2027 Outstanding Alumni nominations are open!
Do you know a remarkable NMC grad who’s made a difference? Whether they’re a recent graduate or a trailblazer from years past, we want to hear their story! Use this form to submit your nomination.
Nominations and self-nominations are open through October 30. Final selections will be announced in late fall.
For more information or questions, please call (231) 995-2826 or email alumni@nmc.edu.
Neurodiversity Support Center
Do you identify as autistic? Do you have ADHD, OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia or other neurodiversity? Yeah? Did you know NMC has a Neurodiversity Support Center (NSC)? We do! Come check us out. We’re in the lower level of Scholars Hall (room 13) and are open Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. We’ve got a sensory-friendly space to come hang out, study, meet others, or just take a break.
We also host a weekly seminar (Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. in SH 09) where we explore team-building, self-advocacy, social skills, awareness campaigns and events, and more!
We know college can be a lot. We know it’s not always easy. We know it can sometimes feel alienating or lonely. But you’re not alone. NMC is full of connections and support. It’s full of belonging. The NSC wants to be a part of that. Come check us out – we’d love to see you!
NMC recognizes Summer Dean’s List students
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 212 students who made the summer semester Dean’s List, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
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-discriminationUpdate on Anchor & Edge, NMC’s Strategic Plan
In July and August, the Board of Trustees heard updates on two of the Strategic Drivers in Anchor and Edge, NMC’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan: Living Our Brand and Community Partnerships:
Living Our Brand integrates NMC’s brand platform directly into institutional decision-making, providing a unified framework to align college priorities, investments, and cross-departmental operations with the college’s core strengths. Driven by the central theme of transformative impact, this driver pairs “Anchor” strategies (purposeful education pathways and serving as a community cornerstone) with “Edge” strategies (a culture of innovation and distinguished academic programs). Key objectives under this driver include leveraging AI in instruction and operations, expanding experiential learning like the nEXt endorsement, embedding in-demand durable skills into curricula, and strengthening regional and national program outreach. Additionally, it encompasses brand management actions such as modernizing physical spaces through master-plan projects, executing the Dennos Museum rebrand, and establishing a data-informed enrollment ecosystem to support the student journey. July’s Board update focused on Living Our brand and the newly restructured Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, formerly known to most as OOPs, the Office of Possibilities.
Community Partnerships continues to build NMC’s collaborative framework to connect departments, align college goals with regional economic needs, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. By evaluating and prioritizing mutually beneficial relationships, the college leverages key partnerships to deepen student experiences, support local industries, and optimize institutional resources. Key objectives of this driver include transformational economic initiatives—such as the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, the NorthSky Consortium’s drone corridor, and the Northern Michigan Attainment Collaborative—as well as hands-on learning support through industry scholarships and entrepreneurship networks. It also enhances community vibrancy and campus life through programming with local organizations like the International Affairs Forum and wellness offerings for employees. August’s Board update focused on specialized training offered by the Northern Michigan Attainment Collaborative, a 10-county collaborative effort to cultivate a skilled workforce by increasing the percentage of people with a credential or degree to 60% by 2030. This initiative will expand the middle class, provide families with opportunities to thrive, and drive economic growth and stability across the region.
Cyber Minute: Lock Your Screen Every Single Time
As you prep your classrooms, build this habit now: press Windows + L (or Ctrl + Cmd + Q on Mac) every time you step away from the podium. Every. Single. Time.
Kudos!
Kudos to David Hosler, Rob Rider, Dave Weaver, Dylan Schaub, Mark West, Patrick Quinlan, Tom Caswell, Dan Hoseit, Max McColl, and Cam Palmer! HUGE thank you to the Facilities and Systems & LAN Management Teams for moving Extended Education & Training over to Parsons-Stulen from the Boardman Lake Campus this week. Our department had been there for several decades, let’s just say it wasn’t a “light” move. Everything happened on schedule and smoothly. Our office is now set to open back up on Monday, August 17th, in line with the opening of fall registration.The Facilities team included Patrick Quinlan, Tom Caswell, Dan Hoseit, Max McCall, and Cam Palmer. The Systems & LAN Management Team included David Hosler, Rob Rider, Dave Weaver, Dylan Schaub, and volunteer support from Mark West over in the Business Office at BLC. Thank you everyone; we really appreciate your hard work and stewardship of our supplies, materials, devices, and random things!
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!
- Isaac Hintz, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Susan Froussine – Business Instructor
Media mentions for August 17, 2026
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: The financial toxicity of healthcare (Retired instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability)
Record-Eagle, Aug. 16 (more…)
Extra emergency notification test set for Aug. 19
At NMC, our first priority is to keep our entire college community safe. As part of that commitment, earlier this year NMC invested in Mitel Revolution for its more comprehensive capabilities and faster deployment. As shared in Intercom last month, the first test of all new capabilities occurred Monday, Aug. 3 during the regularly scheduled testing the first Monday of each month. In order to give faculty an opportunity to experience the new methods before classes begin, we are planning an additional test Wednesday, Aug. 19 at approximately 9 a.m. Here is what to expect:
NEW:
- Overhead paging: In the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, The Dennos and North Hall
UPDATED:
- Screen capture of laptops and desktops connected to NMC’s network or virtual private network (VPN), including campus monitors showing events and announcements. Previously, screen capture included only desktops and laptops. Users can close the notification by acknowledging it or exiting the window.
- Phones: Faster notifications to cell phones and landlines. Campus phones will also broadcast notifications in classrooms and offices. Calls come from 231-995-1101. You may want to save the number in your phone.
- Emails. Sender is “nmc-notifications.” You may want to whitelist it.
CONTINUING:
- Texting. Alerts come from “NMC Security.” You may want to save the number in your phone.
Students and employees are automatically opted into the emergency notification system. Regular monthly testing will next occur Tuesday, Sept. 8, due to the Labor Day holiday, and continue on the first Monday thereafter: Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 for fall semester.
For more information on campus safety, visit nmc.edu/safety. You can also contact Security Director Garrett Croon with questions (gcroon@nmc.edu, 231-995-1747). Thanks for helping to keep campus safe, and have a great semester.
eCampus partnership with NMC Bookstore
The NMC Bookstore is excited to announce their new partnership with eCampus, bringing students a more convenient way to access their course materials. Students have expressed their preferences and frustrations around course materials and we have heard them clearly say that they are looking for an easy shopping experience, low prices and the ability to rent and return their textbooks. The partnership with eCampus allows us to better assist our students with what they need.
Benefits to students include:
- Free expedited shipping to the Bookstore in 2-3 business days
- Free shipping to a student’s home for orders over $59
- A price match guarantee, matching competitor websites as well as brick and mortar competitors
- Rental options for all titles (excluding consumable items like lab manuals)
- Visible buyback pricing at time of purchase
- Immediate access for digital purchases
- Free prepaid shipping labels for returning rental books
- Online buyback store and free prepaid shipping labels for any books sold to eCampus
- Select titles include complimentary 7 day digital access while the student’s book is in transit
- Expanded payment options, including credit card, debit card, Venmo, Paypal and financial aid
- A student dashboard that consolidates all information a student needs: rental due dates, access to shipping labels, access to digital books and purchase history
The NMC Bookstore will not have physical inventory in store; students will need to order directly from the eCampus website. It can be found at nmc.ecampus.com; when a student logs into the eCampus website, a personalized list of books and materials is generated for the student, eliminating any confusion over what to purchase.
The NMC Bookstore will continue to stock items such as lab kits, uniforms, school supplies, and all the Hawk Owl merch that our students love. The bookstore staff is available to assist students with ordering and questions about their materials; an ordering kiosk will also be available in the store for students who would prefer to have some support placing their order.
Classes participating in the AutoAccess program will continue to use the same digital platform that students are used to, via the VitalSource Bookshelf. Students will simply use the eCampus Course Materials tab in Canvas instead of the VitalSource tab, and will have the same experience that they are accustomed to.
Faculty will have access soon to a Student Readiness Dashboard; this tool will show which students have purchased their materials (and when), giving better transparency to the data regarding student buying habits.
Fall book information will be available starting July 1 at nmc.ecampus.com; financial aid will be available for students Aug. 3 – Sept. 9.
Please reach out to Sarah Denniston at sdenniston@nmc.edu with any questions.
Board of Trustees regular meeting
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m. in 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.