Monthly security testing Sept. 8; expect text, email and screen alerts

The safety and security of students, faculty and staff is NMC’s highest priority. We typically test our emergency alert systems the first Monday of each month. Since Sept. 1 was a holiday, this month’s notifications will occur Sept. 8.

With the start of the new semester, we wanted to explain what you will see. Depending on the options you choose when you sign up for emergency alerts, you will receive emails, texts and/or phone messages. In addition, NMC uses a system that displays a full-screen alert message on logged-in NMC computers and campus monitors, and displays the alert until the computer user acknowledges the message or two minutes have passed. This includes classroom computer screens..

Please be sure you have signed up for emergency alerts. Opt in through Self-Service, accessible on your MyNMC page. In addition, store the number to Campus Safety & Security in your phone so it is accessible if you need it: (231) 995-1111.

Success story: More than a makeover, a move forward

August 20, 2025

Photos of NMC signage showing the new brandNorthwestern Michigan College this week revealed a refreshed brand designed to reflect the college of today and position it to serve the community for years to come, even as higher education grows more competitive.

The research-based, grant-funded brand strategy includes a new logo that builds on the decades of history of NMC’s iconic green pine tree logo, and an updated and expanded color palette. New, multiple shades of blue illustrate NMC’s leadership in freshwater research and careers, including two unique community college bachelor’s degrees, in marine technology and maritime technology.

“A strong NMC brand – what makes us unique and valuable in a challenging higher ed landscape – is an asset, just like our faculty and staff and our campus buildings,” said President Nick Nissley. “Unifying around the NMC brand will enable us to better serve students and attract new ones. We have always been proud of our work; we now have new ways to show and tell our story.”

NMC was awarded a $100,000 grant from Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation in June 2023 to fund the brand assessment and strategy work. More than 600 college stakeholders contributed input via a survey, including current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community/business partners.

In addition, more than 60 interviews were conducted with the same groups, plus local high school counselors and staff. Since COVID, a significant new enrollment challenge has been fewer high school graduates choosing to attend college at all, especially men. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted this challenge to Michigan’s talent pool and economy in her 2025 State of the State address.

The first phase of the refreshed brand is timed to the start of the fall semester and includes new signage on all five campuses, completely redesigned admissions materials, and Welcome Week materials for new and current students. New NMC apparel and other logo gear is also available for sale in the NMC Bookstore.

Future phases of the work will extend the brand to academic division and department levels, with priorities shaped by NMC’s new strategic plan, now in development for 2026-29. The new brand also comes in time for NMC to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026.

“Higher education is evolving rapidly, with more choices, shifting student expectations, and growing competition,” said Diana Fairbanks, associate vice president of strategic communications and change initiatives. “We took a wide-angle view, listening to our community and studying how other colleges position themselves. This brand reflects what makes NMC truly distinctive and equips us to compete more effectively, connect with the next generation of learners, and grow with purpose in the years ahead.”

To find out more, visit nmc.edu/brandnew.

Strategic Plan 2026–29 Timeline

At NMC’s August 19 Opening Conference, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade highlighted and celebrated many successes of NMC Next, the strategic plan that came to a close on June 30. It touched all areas of the college; it was focused, results-driven, and values-grounded. It moved the needle and we all did it together!

On August 21, the Strategic Plan Steering Committee (SPSC) met and dug a little deeper into the emerging goals and enabling strategies for the next plan. Future-Focused Education; Enrollment, Student Engagement, and Success; and Vibrancy and Belonging will all be carried over. They are all related to student success and are non-negotiable. Over the course of the next month, the committee will start to refine the language around goals and strategies.

On August 27, Jason and Diana Fairbanks, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Change Initiatives, presented the emerging strategic plan to the NMC Foundation Board. On September 3, they will present to the Board of Trustees the thought process behind the emerging goals and enabling strategies of the next plan, the feedback from Leadership Council and SPSC, and the planning timeline between now and January 2026.

In September and early October, Jason and Diana will host focus group sessions within the college as well as with the local community. Everyone at NMC is welcome to provide feedback during the development process using this feedback form. For your reference, the planning timeline is as follows:

NMC Fitness Center hours

NMC’s Fitness Center is located in North Hall and is open to dorm residents as well as NMC employees and enrolled students with a paid membership.

The fall 2025 operating hours are:

Monday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Hours subject to change based on Fitness Center staff availability. There may be times when the Fitness Center is unstaffed; please make sure to sign in and sign out correctly and wipe down any equipment used. NMC’s Fitness Center and its amenities are not available for use when the facility is closed.

For more information contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

 

 

Aviation hangar ribbon cutting; new student enrollment up 66%

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will celebrate the completion of its new aviation hangar Sept. 15, marking a significant milestone that illustrates NMC’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.

NMC is the only Michigan two-year college to offer an aviation program. Until this fall, it typically enrolled 30 new students each fall, and had up to a two-year waitlist. By expanding the college’s aviation facilities, the hangar increases NMC’s capacity to train pilots significantly. This fall, 50 new students started, a 66% increase.

The hangar was expanded by 16,500 square feet, which enabled NMC to add eight new planes to its fleet of 19 total aircraft, including a sea plane and an aerobatics plane. It is now 33,530 square feet.
Aviation students take to the skies in their first semester and can earn private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings, preparing them for successful careers.

“There’s never been a better time to launch your aviation career — with rising salaries, signing and retention bonuses, travel perks, and a pilot shortage projected to last another 10 to 15 years,” said Aviation director Alex Bloye.

Total project cost for the hangar is $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding. The hangar is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”

NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with graduates experiencing 100 percent job placement. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

Release date: August 27, 2025

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

 

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-discrimination

Welcome to the fall semester!

We hope you had a good first two days of classes. Welcome to your first issue of NMC’s Student News. It will be delivered to your NMC email inbox every other Tuesday. It rounds up announcements, events and other information important to you as a student. You can also find these items as soon as they’re posted on the Student News blog and on your MyNMC login page, on the left side under News.

Remember that everyone at NMC is here to help you succeed. Reach out to a faculty member, advisor or coach if you need help. Wishing you a fantastic fall semester.

 

Registration open for Extended Education & Training classes

NMC Extended Education & Training fall 2025 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 nmc.edu/ees and registration is open for all classes.

New this fall are unique, exciting offerings for those looking for a customized learning experience. From the “Out of Office Friday” professional women’s retreat to a “Paint Your Pet” date night or an international trip to Paris or New Zealand, these curated experiences are sure to impress and leave a lasting impact.

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, dance, music, fitness, technology and more. Exciting additions this fall include expanded Date Night and Learn Together offerings—perfect for couples, friends, parents and kids, or grandparents and grandkids! Additionally, expanded school-year youth programs include after-school art and improv comedy classes.

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 upskill their careers 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.

To view the full range of classes and reserve your seat, visit nmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, email ees@nmc.edu.

Cornhole Tournament

NMC Campus Life invites current NMC students and employees to a Cornhole Tournament Friday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.

Sign up here, and join us in the  courtyard area between East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center to play.

Contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu for more information.

NMC Aviation Society Fall Kickoff Event

Fall Kick Off Event posterThe NMC Aviation Society is hosting a Fall Kickoff event between 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 for new incoming flight students.

Come join us in the observation area of the Parsons-Stulen Building to enjoy a slice of pizza and cookies and play yard games while meeting your fellow classmates and our NMC instructors! 

Last day to order nametags, swag gifts

Don’t miss your chance to show off NMC’s new brand! Please order your gift item and nametag by 5 p.m. today, Aug. 26. The online store will then close.

In the shipping field, choose your office manager to receive the item, which will be delivered in three-four weeks. In keeping with our value of stewardship, as you replace your old logo items please bring them to the PRMC office, Biederman 104, for recycling.

Thank you!

About the new look on campus…

To those of you returning, campus probably looks a bit different – and hopefully, quite a bit better! Over the summer we rolled out the first phase of a refreshed brand on all NMC campuses. That includes a new logo and expanded colors – several shades of blue and green in addition to our traditional dark green. There’s more to come – this is the first phase of what will be a three-year process. We thought you might have a few questions:

Q. Why a new brand?
A. We outgrew the old one. Input from more than 600 people, including students, informed this update.

Q. What does it mean for me as a student?
A. Hopefully it means a more vibrant campus, a stronger sense of belonging to a community, and pride in your college! Let us know what you think – publicrelations@nmc.edu or on Instagram or Facebook

Q. Got merch?
A. You bet! You can win new logo gear on Instagram. Or check out the NMC Bookstore, in the Health & Science building, or online.

Breaking The Engagement: How China Won & Lost America

David Shambaugh headshotOn Thursday, Sept. 4, Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum returns with a critical exploration of the fractious U.S. – China relationship. This discussion will feature Professor David Shambaugh of George Washington University, on his most recent book Breaking the Engagement: How China Won & Lost America.

David Shambaugh is an internationally recognized authority and award-winning author on contemporary China and the international relations of Asia. He is the Gaston Sigur Professor of Asian Studies, Political Science & International Affairs, and the founding Director of the China Policy Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, and Distinguished Visiting Fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

For over five decades following the 1972 rapprochement between the United States and China, the two countries seemed to be steadily building a sound relationship, even accounting for periodic setbacks like the Tiananmen Square massacre. The last decade, though, has seen a sharp increase in tensions and a complete reorientation of American policies toward China—from “engagement” to “competition.” What happened? In Breaking the Engagement: How China Won & Lost America, esteemed scholar David Shambaugh examines the evolution, expansion, and disintegration of the American engagement strategy towards China.

International Affairs Forum logoWith over 40 years of first-hand experience in US-China relations, Shambaugh draws on extensive government and private sector sources, interviews with senior officials, as well as never-before-examined Chinese language sources.

The September 4 hybrid event at the Dennos Museum Center is open to the public and available to watch online. Admission is free for students, educators and all NMC employees. Tickets are $15 per person for the general public purchased in advance, or $20 at the door. Reception begins at 6 p.m. with the program at 7 p.m. For in-person tickets, online tickets, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.

Fall mobile food pantries start Monday, Sept. 8

Thanks to a generous grant from the Mahogany Foundation and the support of the NMC Foundation, NMC will host 14 Mobile Pantries throughout the 2025–26 academic year.

The pantries are designed specifically for NMC students, with grab and go type foods, fruits, vegetables, and family friendly snacks. Every other week, Feeding America West Michigan and NMC will distribute about 6,000 pounds of fresh goods via a drive-thru (or walk-thru) car line in the Maple Lot.

All distributions are held on Mondays, from 3–5 p.m. Food is distributed first-come, first-served until gone. While designed for students, any member of the community is welcome to participate.

This event is 100% free for participants. There are no means tests or financial requirements. At NMC, we believe no student (or member of our community) should go hungry.

Fall Dates: September 8 and 22, October 6 and 20, November 3 and 24, and December 1

Spring Dates: January 19, February 2 and 16, March 2 and 16, April 13 and 27

View the full schedule and learn more here.

Media mentions for August 25, 2025

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.

This Traverse City-Based Startup Wants To Revolutionize PFAS Testing
The Ticker, Aug. 24
Philanthropy News Digest, Aug. 24 (more…)

Answering student questions on brand

Student response to the refreshed brand during Welcome Week has been hugely positive. With classes beginning this week, many more will start seeing it. Returning students especially might wonder why we changed logos, or what it means for them as a student. Here’s a quick answer:

A. We updated our look to match the high caliber work happening at NMC. Hopefully it means a more vibrant campus and a stronger sense that you belong to this community. Let us know what you think – publicrelations@nmc.edu or on Instagram or Facebook.

You can also tell them to check their NMC email, where a post in tomorrow’s Student News should answer most questions.

Email signature template issues? Updated version now available

Thank you to everyone who’s begun using the new design resources on the new employee brand hub. Unfortunately, the original version of the new email signature wasn’t working reliably for everyone.

It’s now been updated, so if you’ve already copied it into your email program, please download it again and update it in your program. To make sure you’re viewing the current version of the page with the updated signature, double-check that the section headline reads “Email Signature template (Updated)“. If not, force-refresh the page in your browser and then download the signature.

If you’re still having issues, please let the PR team know using the Web Request form. And thank you for your patience.

IAF season continues with Putting The Global Order Back Together

TRAVERSE CITY —  The International Affairs Forum (IAF) at Northwestern Michigan College launches its 32nd season of events, inviting expert speakers to address global issues. Upcoming events include:

September 4 @ 7:00 PM | Breaking the Engagement: How China Won & Lost America with Prof. David Shambaugh, Professor of International Affairs & Director of the China Policy Program, George Washington University, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

October 23 @ 7:00 PM | Putting The Global Order Back Together with Christopher Preble, Senior Fellow and Director of the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center, and co-host of the “Net Assessment” podcast

November 12 @ 7:00 PM | Fighting For Girls’ Education: Creating A Future Where Girls Are Free To Learn & Lead with Ziauddin Yousafzai, Co-founder of The Malala Fund, educator & activist, father of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai; and Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn, Senior Director of Grants at The Malala Fund, Human Rights Activist

More details | View events lineup

September 4, 7:00 PM | Breaking the Engagement: How China Won & Lost America
Hybrid event, in person at Dennos Museum Center & online
Books available for sale by Brilliant Books

IAF welcomes David Shambaugh, internationally recognized authority and award-winning author on contemporary China and the international relations of Asia. He is the Gaston Sigur Professor of Asian Studies, Political Science & International Affairs, and the founding Director of the China Policy Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, and Distinguished Visiting Fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. As an author, Shambaugh has published 35 books, including most recently Breaking the Engagement: How China Won & Lost America (Oxford University Press, 2025). Shambaugh received his B.A. in East Asian Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, M.A. in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Read David Shambaugh’s full bio here.

Shambaugh’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the event, courtesy of Brilliant Books, independent bookseller located at 118 E. Front St. in downtown Traverse City.

October 23, 7:00 PM | Putting The Global Order Back Together
Hybrid event, in person at Dennos Museum Center & online

IAF welcomes Christopher Preble, Senior Fellow and Director of the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center, and co-host of the “Net Assessment” podcast. At the Stimson Center, he leads a team of scholars who challenge prevailing assumptions surrounding US foreign policy, and who offer a range of policy options that go beyond the use of force and coercion. His own work focuses on the history of US foreign policy, contemporary US grand strategy and military force posture, alliance relations, and the intersection of trade and national security. Preble is the author of four books, including Peace, War, and Liberty: Understanding U.S. Foreign Policy (Cato Institute, 2019); and The Power Problem: How American Military Dominance Makes Us Less Safe, Less Prosperous, and Less Free (Cornell University Press, 2009). Read Christopher Preble’s full bio here.

This event is presented in partnership with The Quincy Institute Better Order Project and is part of the World Affairs Councils of America Engage America Series. IAF is a member affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America.

November 12, 7:00 PM | Fighting For Girls’ Education: Creating A Future Where Girls Are Free To Learn & Lead
Hybrid event, in person at Dennos Museum Center & online

IAF will host a conversation on the education of girls and women, empowering action to change the world, featuring two expert guest speakers representing the Malala Fund:

Ziauddin Yousafzai, is co-founder and board member of Malala Fund and is the father of Malala Yousafzai, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He is world renowned for his outspoken support for girls’ rights to education, equality and human rights. In Pakistan, he was an educator, founder and administrator of several schools. Mr. Yousafzai is UN Special Adviser on Global Education and Education Attaché at Pakistan’s Consulate in Birmingham, UK.

Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn serves as the Seniors Grants Officer for the Malala Fund. She is a longtime human rights activist who centers her work around the maxim “that the people have the power to redeem the work of fools.” She has held a number of leadership roles at Amnesty International USA, Freedom House, Open Society Foundations (OSF), and MADRE, where in her various capacities, she has led global advocacy campaigns, mobilized resources for racial and ethnic justice movements and frontline defenders, and built and led strong bi-partisan issue-based coalitions on a range of human rights issues.

Event Details
Programs are open to the public, starting at 7:00 PM Eastern at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City with a welcome reception at 6:00 P.M.

Events are presented in hybrid format; in-person events are available to livestream online. Programming continues throughout the academic year through June 2026. All IAF events on campus at NMC are free for students and educators, including all NMC employees and employees of all local schools. Find more information at TCIAF.com.

IAF events on campus at NMC are supported by gifts from community members and sponsors. Learn more about event sponsorship and opportunities to support here: tciaf.com/support

IAF’s educational programming at NMC is free for students and educators, and open to the public thanks to its supporting members, regional partners, business sponsors, and Northwestern Michigan College. For press inquiries, including speaker interview requests, contact via information below.

About the International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College

Mission
The mission of the International Affairs Forum is to advance the understanding of critical global issues through education and public dialogue. IAF is a community-supported program of Northwestern Michigan College and an affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America.

Events
All regular season events are open to the public. Tickets are required. Presentations begin at 7:00 PM & receptions begin at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted. Visit TCIAF.com for advance in-person tickets and online livestream access: $15 per person purchased in advance, $20 per person at the door, or $10 for online livestream access. For in-person tickets on event days, purchase at the door while seats remain. Current students, educators, and active-duty military members receive free admission with required check in. For in-person tickets, online livestream tickets, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.

Community Support | Membership
The International Affairs Forum is a member-supported global affairs education series and a program of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC). The organization was founded in 1994 by a group of citizens eager to learn more about our nuanced world through speaker events with invited experts. IAF welcomes new members and sponsors for its 32nd season September 2025–June 2026.

Memberships start at $100 for individuals or $200 for two people. All memberships include in-person admission and online access to all regular season events. Learn more about IAF membership, event sponsorship, and student outreach at TCIAF.com.

Release date: AUGUST 20, 2025

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

 

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-discrimination

The NMC brand hub – your one-stop shop

We hope you’re as excited about NMC’s new brand as we were to unveil it at opening conference. A few reminders:

  • Place merchandise and name tag orders by Tuesday, Aug. 26. Order online here. (In keeping with our value of stewardship, please bring your old logo items to the PRMC office, Biederman 104, for recycling.)
  • Look for the internal brand hub on your MyNMC page. Here you’ll find:
    • Downloadable logos 
    • Templates for letterhead, presentations and email signatures
    • Link to NMC’s Canva account, which is also updated with new logos and templates. (Separate Canva login required.)
    • Brand guidelines

Watch Intercom for more information about the brand throughout the fall semester. PRMC AVP Diana Fairbanks will also be visiting departments and divisions to discuss the next phase of the rollout. If you’d like to schedule a meeting now, email her at dfairbanks@nmc.edu.

Contact PRMC with any questions.Thank you for your support and partnership. The NMC brand belongs to all of us, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life collectively.

Registration open for Extended Education & Training classes

NMC Extended Education & Training fall 2025 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 nmc.edu/ees and registration is open for all classes. For NMC full-time employees, tuition waiver pricing applies.

New this fall are unique, exciting offerings for those looking for a customized learning experience. From the “Out of Office Friday” professional women’s retreat to a “Paint Your Pet” date night or an international trip to Paris or New Zealand, these curated experiences are sure to impress and leave a lasting impact.

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, dance, music, fitness, technology and more. Exciting additions this fall include expanded Date Night and Learn Together offerings—perfect for couples, friends, parents and kids, or grandparents and grandkids! Additionally, expanded school-year youth programs include after-school art and improv comedy classes.

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 upskill their careers 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.

To view the full range of classes and reserve your seat, visit nmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, email ees@nmc.edu.