Dear NMC community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our colleague and friend Nancy Gray passed away unexpectedly.
Nancy was a teacher through and through. For more than 15 years at NMC, she brought extraordinary care and determination to her work, particularly in support of students who often struggled to feel seen or be successful in academic spaces. Her teaching was grounded in empathy, high standards, and a deep belief in human potential.
Nancy played a central role in strengthening our developmental English curriculum and in ensuring students could earn credit while receiving the support they needed to succeed. Most recently, she founded and led the Neurodiversity Support Center, the first such center at a Michigan community college. In just two years, it became a transformative resource and a physical place of belonging for many on our campus.
Her excellence as an educator was widely recognized, including receiving the NISOD Award for Teaching Excellence. Yet those who worked with Nancy know that her greatest impact was quieter and more enduring: the way she showed up for students, listened without judgment, and advocated relentlessly for inclusive learning environments.
Nancy was a fierce advocate for students and individuals who experienced the world differently. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she encouraged, supported, and believed in, often at moments when that belief mattered most. Our deepest sympathies are with her family, including husband and child here in Traverse City.
Loss like this affects each of us differently. Some may feel grief immediately, others more slowly, and some in ways that are hard to name. All of those responses are valid. I encourage you to extend grace to yourselves and to one another in the days ahead.
Confidential support is available to employees through the Employee Assistance Program. You can reach them at 800-448-8326 or through the Ulliance Life Advisor website.
We will share information about opportunities to honor Nancy’s life once plans are known.
This is a profound loss for NMC and for all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Nancy. May we honor her by continuing to lead with compassion, courage, and care for all of our students and one another.
Holding our community close,
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010