NMC names leaders for Dennos, nursing, Police Academy, library

Sep 16, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Four new directors have taken the helm at key divisions of Northwestern Michigan College continuing the college’s regional leadership in arts and culture, workforce development, and information/media technology.

All will facilitate the college’s shift to experiential learning and continue to forge connections between campus and community. They are:

Craig Hadley, Dennos Museum Center: Hadley comes to NMC from DePauw University in Indiana where he was director/curator with rank of assistant professor. He oversaw the recently accredited University Galleries & Collections, which serves as a hub for undergraduate teaching and research. Hadley also regularly taught independent studies and capstone courses, introductory museum workshops, and reading topics in the program’s museum studies minor. The NMC search committee highlighted Hadley’s understanding of the higher education landscape, passion for the mission of museums and desire for interconnected learning and building bridges as some of his strengths. Hadley succeeds Gene Jenneman, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Hadley »

Amy Jones, Nursing and Allied Health: With a lifelong commitment to education and nursing, Jones served at Mercy Hospital-Springfield (Missouri) in a variety of roles, from bedside nurse to risk management, over 18 years. Mercy held one of the few remaining hospital-based nursing programs in the United States, and Jones led the associate degree nursing program there for several years. An RN since 2000, Jones says her passion is patient-centered care. Her plans at NMC include maintaining the amazing work that has been laid as a foundation and continuing to seek opportunities for the nursing program to grow and serve the needs of the community. She succeeds Laura Schmidt, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Jones »

Gail Kurowski, Police Academy: Kurowski now leads the department she graduated from in 1983. She spent 20 years with the Michigan State Police, serving as a field training officer, as a legislative liaison in the executive division and in the recruiting and selection unit. The first woman to lead NMC’s Academy, Kurowski aspires to make it a destination program for anyone interested in the law enforcement profession. She succeeds Brian Heffner, who is now director of NMC’s Business Academic Area. Read more about Kurowski (photo not available) »

Kerrey Woughter, NMC Library: Woughter comes from Traverse City Central High School, where she was the teacher-librarian since 2004. During her tenure with TCAPS, Woughter was instrumental in developing the Front Street Writers Program, in partnership with the National Writers Series. An educator of more than 20 years, Woughter has high school library and classroom experience, served as adjunct-Communications faculty for Spring Arbor University and provided supplemental reference library services at NMC from 2009-13. One of Woughter’s first tasks will be planning the library’s move from the Osterlin Building to the West Hall Innovation Center, set for early 2020. Woughter succeeds Tina Ulrich, who retired. Read more and download a high-resolution photo of Woughter »

Release date: September 17, 2019

For more information:

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

Success story: Hawk Owls soaring

Sep 11, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

September 11, 2019

One-third of the region’s 40 under 40 winners have something in common beyond being young professionals who positively influence their community — they’ve attended classes at NMC.

Thirteen of the region’s 40 most influential leaders under age 40, as named by the Traverse City Business News this month, attended or graduated from NMC.

Illustrating the breadth of programs NMC offers, they work in a wide range of fields including banking and financial services, restaurants and hospitality, nonprofits, real estate, education, health care, government, and tourism. They are:

• Max Anderson, assistant vice president, Honor Bank;
• Andrea Deibler, co-owner, Raduno;
• Lindsey Dickinson, director of academic and career advising, NMC;
• Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, clinical manager, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency;
• Brandon Hunt, president, Mid-American Title;
• Nicholus Kopacki, site director, GVSU Physician Assistant Studies program;
• Courtney Lorenz, founder, Cultured Kombucha;
• Ben Marentette, city clerk, City of Traverse Clerk;
• Katy McCain, manager, Traverse City Tourism;
• Julie Moore, Physician Assistant, Addiction Treatment Services;
• Christopher Radu, partner, Elemint Wealth Management;
• Amy Shamroe, Jenkins Group and elected city commissioner;
• Nicole VanNess, parking director, Traverse City DDA.

Their resumes point to the value of NMC in the community. Through NMC’s University Center, Traverse City city clerk Ben Marentette earned both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees.

“You get a lot for your money. NMC allowed me to build a career without having to leave the city,” Marentette said.

Other list highlights:

• Seven of NMC-connected are also repeat winners: Anderson, Halladay, Hunt, Lorenz, Marentette, McCain and Shamroe.
• The eight women and five men among the NMC-connected is similar to the gender balance among the entire 40 over 40 list (22 women and 18 men.) NMC’s enrollment, however, is nearly 50-50 male-female.

Awards bestowed on retiring Nelson

Sep 5, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC President Timothy J. Nelson has been honored with a host of awards for his leadership and accomplishments during his tenure. Nelson, who will retire Dec. 31, 2019, after 19 years as president has recently received the following:

• Central Regional CEO Award, Association of Community College Trustees, to be presented at the ACCT Leadership Congress in San Francisco in October. As the regional recipient, Nelson is also a nominee for the national Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award.
• The Alliance for Innovation & Transformation (AFIT) Legacy Award, honoring an individual who has made exceptional and long-lasting contributions to AFIT and his or her organization, and has been a leading exemplar of transformative leadership in higher education nationwide. The recipient’s legacy is one that is not only extraordinary, but is rarely found. Only three Legacy awards have been granted by AFIT since the award was established in 2010.
• Michigan Community College Association legislative leadership — Nelson has held many roles within the organization representing all 28 Michigan colleges. He was recognized this summer for his longest-serving role, eight years as chair of the MCCA legislative committee, since 2011. Under Nelson’s leadership of the committee, the Michigan Legislature approved community college baccalaureate degrees, a signature achievement.
• National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award — Presented in May, the award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level and whose efforts have made a positive impact in the community. Nelson has been an Eagle Scout since 1968.

In his nearly two decades as president, Nelson has guided NMC through a transition from the traditional time-based, place-based and knowledge transfer system to a community college that is focused on competency based, content based knowledge application in pursuit of social, economic and talent development.

In addition to MCCA, his visionary leadership is sought at the local, state and national levels. He has served on many boards and associations, including four gubernatorial appointments by two different Michigan governors.

He and his wife, Nancy Johnson, plan to remain in Traverse City upon retirement.

Release date: Sept. 5, 2019

For more information:

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

Dining Service Hours for Fall 2019

Sep 3, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

NMC Dining Services include the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind / Starbucks in Osterlin Library and the Hawks Nest in East Hall. Hours may vary around holidays and dining services are closed during semester breaks and over the summer.

Hawk Owl Café

• Monday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Friday: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Northwest Grind / Starbucks

• Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

The Hawks Nest

• Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Meals on the Move will be in East Hall every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and  every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.

NMC Board of Trustees identifies Nick Nissley as first choice in presidential search

Sep 3, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to advance Dr. Nick Nissley as the first choice of five finalists to become the next president of NMC at a special board meeting Tuesday, September 3. The Board then unanimously voted to support Dr. Nissley in his role as president, if he accepts the position.

The Board will now extend an offer and begin discussions on a contract with Dr. Nissley. The contract will be submitted to and voted on by the Board. A formal announcement on the new president is expected within the month, with an expected start date of January 1, 2020.

NMC Board Chair Chris Bott said, “The Board is pleased to move forward with Dr. Nissley. He brings strong communication skills and proven experience in leadership and innovation. This process to identify the next leader of NMC has been competitive, thorough and transparent as the board’s most important job. We appreciate the dedication of the presidential search committee, employees and community members who participated in this process to identify the next leader of our community’s college.”

Nick Nissley, Ed. D. is an education executive with more than 25 years of experience including K-12, community college and university settings. He is currently Executive Director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Nissley 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. Dr. Nissley describes himself as a collaborative servant leader and “possibilitarian.”

A total of 67 people applied for the position. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews. The committee recommended five finalists for in-person interviews which included campus and community forums open to the public.

This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

“The board, this college and this community will be forever grateful for the service of Tim Nelson during his nearly 19 year tenure. We were not seeking to, nor could we replicate president Nelson who did incredible work to build this college into what it is today,“ said Chairman Bott. “We are now looking for the person who would be the right fit to lead this institution into the future. Each candidate has their own unique strengths. Ultimately the decision came down to who was the best fit at this time.”

Release Date: September 3, 2019

For More Information:

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