Dec 2, 2024 | Intercom
Kelly Yauk
(high resolution image)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has named Kelly Yauk as its new Marketing Director. A key member of the college’s Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications team, Yauk will lead strategic enrollment marketing initiatives in collaboration with the Admissions office, advancing NMC’s efforts to connect with prospective students through innovative and integrated strategies.
Yauk, of Traverse City, has more than 14 years of experience developing marketing communications strategies and delivering data-driven results. She comes to the college from local manufacturer TentCraft, where she led digital marketing strategy, content creation, marketing operations, social media management, outreach and sales enablement and sustainability strategy.
Prior to TentCraft Yauk worked in digital marketing operations for the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa from 2014-2021. There she managed digital marketing, website, database and social networking activities for the Grand Traverse Resort and casino properties.
Higher education in Michigan is more accessible and affordable than ever, thanks to state programs like the Community College Guarantee for high school graduates from 2023 onward and Michigan Reconnect for adults 21 and older without a degree. These initiatives align closely with NMC’s strategic priorities to expand opportunities for both traditional and adult learners. With four consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, NMC is building momentum to connect even more students to the resources and programs. Yauk will play a critical role in ensuring potential students understand the benefits of these programs and how NMC’s distinctive academic offerings can help them achieve their goals. Her expertise in advanced, data-driven marketing strategies will be vital to reaching and inspiring a diverse range of students to take the next step in their education.
“Kelly brings the expertise and vision NMC needs to continue adapting to the changing expectations of today’s students,” said Diana Fairbanks, associate vice president for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications. “Her leadership will be instrumental in building on our enrollment growth and supporting NMC’s goals of delivering innovative, future-focused education.”
Yauk graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in English. At MSU she was in the Honors College and a member of the women’s varsity crew team. She is a member of the Grand Traverse Area Spartans Connect, the Traverse City Track Club, and the Traverse Connect Women’s Leadership Cohort.
Release date: December 2, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Dec 2, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
NMC looks to rejuvenate ‘sister school’ partnership with technical institute in China
Ticker, Dec. 1
(more…)
Dec 2, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Looking for creative ideas for gifts this holiday season? Check out the Campus Bookstore’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide! Visit bookstore.nmc.edu to find great ideas under the gift section. All items featured in the gift guide are also available in store.
Those who visit the Campus Bookstore in person during December 9-13 can also finish their holiday shopping with big savings! All clearance items will be an additional 50% off.
Dec 2, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kristy Jackson: Kristy successfully completed and passed the Certified Program Planner recertification through our industry’s guiding organization, LERN (Learning Resources Network). Skills highlighted in the program are pricing, marketing, catalog/description recommendations, youth programming, programming for those 55+, and general programming best practices, among others. Nice work, Kristy!
Amy Burns Bailey and Tracey Welch: Thank you to both of them for all of their efforts during National Apprenticeship Week. The week celebrated the NMC apprenticeship students with daily events, celebrations and goodies. Thank you for making our students feel special.
Amy Burns Bailey: Kudos to Amy Burns Bailey for all the wonderful National Apprenticeship Week events she planned and hosted. These events recognized and celebrated NMC’s apprentices and the companies who partner with NMC to create opportunities for growth and success in their fields.
Bill Czyzyk: Bill worked with the Extended Education team to provide data on Extended Education students who have contributed to the Foundation since 2020. Guess what—Extended Education students have contributed $2.6+ million to NMC since 2020! Thank you, Bill, and the Foundation for engaging our continuing education students, and turning them into donors!
Katy Knight: Katy is always so positive and reassuring. She is ready to take on anything and always puts the students first! Her level-headedness and communication skills are so appreciated!!
Wayne Moody: Wayne Moody officially joined the Emergency Assistance team in January of 2024, and we can’t say enough for what a support Wayne and his team are for helping out students with much needed car repairs that allow our students to stay in their courses and continue their education. Seeing our Automotive instructors and Automotive students stepping up to help get our students’ cars back on the road is so gratifying for our emergency assistance team, and we can’t thank Wayne and his team enough for the care and time and efforts they give to our emergency assistance program. Due to the large geographical area our students travel from, Wayne’s wealth of knowledge and connections to car repair shops around northern Michigan is also priceless. Thank you, Wayne, for all you do for our students!!!!
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!
Dec 2, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Amber Edmondson, student employee – Environmental Science Lab Assistant
- Andrea Beehler, supplemental employee – Enrollment Services Assistant
- Kelly Yauk – Marketing Director
- Alana McKinnie – Resource Development Assistant
- Angie Adamick – Facilities Custodial Manager
- Seth Turner – Records & Registration Assistant
Dec 1, 2024 | Intercom
With the winter closure fast approaching, it’s a good time to make sure you’re subscribed to NMC’s Holiday Calendar! Click here to add the calendar (you must be signed into your employee account).
If you want your own calendar to display as busy, click the three dots in the right-hand corner of the appointment and then select the “Copy to…” feature.

Nov 26, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Folks,
Thanksgiving always gives me pause, offering an invitation to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for—and to say thanks to you. An attitude of gratitude seems to be woven into the fabric of our NMC culture. Just this past week, I saw it expressed by students, faculty, and staff alike.
I saw thankful student mentors offering friendship to the Blair Elementary mentees and others engaging in the Walk for Health and Homelessness, showing compassion for those experiencing housing insecurity. I saw Kristy McDonald’s service-learning class handing out Thanksgiving meals, providing members of our community—including NMC students and their families—an opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration. I also saw our faculty and staff welcoming TCAPS 5th graders to explore our campus and learn about health occupations. These efforts help young students begin to imagine themselves at NMC and perhaps in a future career in health care.
Day in and day out, students enter our doors. By choosing NMC, they are making an investment in a college education, believing that their time, effort, and resources will pay off in the form of greater opportunities and improved lives for themselves and their families. They trust us to help them move from where they are today to where they hope to be tomorrow. There’s no more meaningful and fulfilling job than ours: to support that hope and help ensure they succeed in that investment.
An added benefit of our community college mission, as you know, is that we not only transform students’ lives but also enrich our community. Community and regional prosperity are central to our work. We have the privilege of serving as leaders in fulfilling this mission: transforming lives and enriching our community.
Lastly, while many issues may divide people today, at NMC, we remain united by our shared values: Learning, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, Inclusion, Innovation, Stewardship, and Excellence. I am deeply grateful for how our NMC family exemplifies these values. It’s one more reason to give thanks this season.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Nick
Nov 25, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Eric Hines of WNMC is proud to announce the first on-air Speaker Series premiering at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday November 26, 2024. The first guest will be Scot Zimmerman, who is the Community President at Mercantile Bank. WNMC’s inaugural session came from a collaboration with Alex Tank, Director of IAF and Megan Bylsma, NMC’s Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations as Mercantile is the season sponsor of the International Affairs Forum. This series will continue to engage business leaders and listeners from around our community. We hope you’ll tune in tomorrow.
Nov 25, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Chef on a tugboat: Former TC restaurateur enjoying gig on Mississippi River
Record-Eagle, Nov. 24
(more…)
Nov 25, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to all who are working to ensure that no student is hungry. That includes the organizers of NMC’s stationary food pantry in Osterlin, which has served students since 2017; the revived mobile food pantry which will distribute from 3-5 p.m. today in the Maple parking lot; and Business 231 students who will distribute 165 holiday meals when their 11th annual Thanks-for-Giving drive culminates tomorrow.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Nov 25, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Cybersecurity pop-up’s are complete for Fall 2024! The winners of the prizes are Ava Plamondon and Neil Streeter! Kudos to Neil for being a cybersecurity expert and still being willing to test his knowledge.
Thanks to everyone who played a game. Good Cybersecurity choices are core to NMC’s well-being!
Nov 25, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events

Campus Life is hosting a dodgeball tournament on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
- Prizes for 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ place teams
- No entry fees
- Open to all current NMC students and employees
- Maximum of 5 persons per team
The deadline to sign up is December 5, 2024
If you have any questions, please contact CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Nov 25, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
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 upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
From Truffles to Castelmagno: Flavors of Italy’s Piedmont Region
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Italy’s Piedmont region, a land where earthy truffles, robust red wines, decadent cheeses, and divine chocolate intertwine.
Thursday, Dec. 5 ; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $37 per person, includes a beverage (public price: $125)
Wilderness First Aid Certification
Combining guided presentations with hands-on practice, this interactive class equips you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to care for an ill or injured person until you can reach qualified care.
2 sessions; Saturday. & Sunday., Dec. 7 & 8; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $49 (Public price: $299)
Nov 25, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café will have special operating hours during the week of Thanksgiving and will only be serving daily specials on Monday and Tuesday.
Monday, November 25
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs
served with garlic crostini and green beans
Italian Pasta Bake with roasted vegetables (V)
served with garlic crostini and green beans
The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Tuesday, November 26
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and chipotle ranch
served with tortilla chips, queso blanco and refried beans
Tofu Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch (V)
served with tortilla chips, queso blanco and refried beans
The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Wednesday, November 27
Thanksgiving Break – No Special
Northwest Grind will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the café will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 28
Closed – Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 29
Closed – Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 30
Closed – Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, December 1
Thanksgiving Break – No Special
Northwest Grind will be open from 2–6 p.m.
Nov 22, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Election season can be stressful. Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many of you in our NMC community about the emotional and mental strain you are feeling. While there are issues dividing people today, at NMC we are united by our shared values of Learning, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, Inclusion, Innovation, Stewardship and Excellence.
In our NMC community we also support one another. We have access to a resource with our Employee Assistance Program where we can connect and receive individualized support. Simply call Ulliance at (800) 448-8326. They have also provided a great read on Emotional Agility, and tips for Taking a Mindful Break which you may find helpful.
If you need help any time of year, NMC Human Resources is here for you. Please reach out to us if you need support and we will help connect you to available resources.
Nov 22, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Paul Martin: Paul has worked hard the past few months getting internet access set up for the students who live in the Front Street Flats.
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!
Nov 22, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Kylie Gibson, supplemental employee – Banquet Server
- Libby Louvar, supplemental employee – Banquet Cook
Nov 22, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 25 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.