Mar 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
March 19, 2025
Thomas Russell hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but he can’t wait to become a nurse.
The Traverse City Central senior is dual enrolled in medical terminology and a math class at NMC currently. This summer, following his high school graduation, he’ll take Anatomy & Physiology I, followed by A & P II in the fall. Once he completes all those prerequisites, he’ll be eligible to apply to the nursing program.
Russell’s undaunted by the challenges to a profession which, broadly speaking, is still recovering from the powerful impact of the COVID pandemic. At NMC, he has a lot of company, as nursing remains arguably NMC’s most competitive program. Russell, 18, is among 160 students now in a pre-nursing pipeline, at various stages of prerequisite course completion. April 1, applications will open for the 40 available seats in the associate degree program starting this fall.
Grade point average, prerequisite completion, entrance exam score, prior degree status and veteran status all factor into the admission decision, said nursing program director Betsy Boris.
After completion of his prerequisites, Russell will be eligible to apply this fall for spring 2026 admission. He said “a lot of reflection” led him to choose nursing. He’s worked in construction, and found he wanted more interaction with people. He’s been a caregiver to his mother, who has disabilities, and experienced the patient side himself due to a severe allergy as a child.
“At the base of it, it’s just being able to help people,” he said. “I found a very solid grounding in helping people, and what that made me feel like.”
NMC runs the largest nursing program north of Grand Rapids, and graduates provide skilled, proficient patient care. NMC exceeds both Michigan and U.S. average pass rates on the RN license exam, the NCLEX. In 2024, 97% of NMC nursing students passed.
“Application season is always an exciting time for our students as well as faculty and staff, as we welcome future nurses to this challenging yet rewarding and fulfilling field,” Boris said. “NMC is proud to train many of the nurses who go on to work at Munson Healthcare, at nursing homes and in public health, sharing their skills with the entire region.”
Through a partnership with Davenport University, NMC students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The first class of 12 graduated last summer. Another 14 will start this summer.
Right now, Russell is leaning toward long-term care nursing. “Something where I can build a deeper connection with the individual,” he said.
He’ll also be able to take advantage of the Community College Guarantee. As a 2025 high school graduate, the scholarship will cover the cost of his associate degree.
“I’m on top of that,” Russell said. “Very glad and thankful.”
Mar 18, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
By now, many of you have likely heard about the significant reductions at the U.S. Department of Education, where nearly 1,300 employees — almost half the department — were affected by a workforce reduction announced last week. Since the news broke, we have been working to understand the full scope of these changes and what they mean for our students, faculty and staff.
Let me be clear: there are no immediate changes to federal student aid. The Department has confirmed that FAFSA processing, Pell Grants and student loan servicing remain fully operational. Our Financial Aid Office continues to monitor the situation, and if anything changes, students will be notified directly.
At NMC, we are committed to staying ahead of changes that may impact our students. Some federal offices responsible for program oversight and compliance are being restructured, and we are keeping a close eye on any potential long-term effects. Our priority remains the same: ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
We recognize that change — even at the federal level — can bring uncertainty. But as always, NMC will continue to adapt, innovate and put students first. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid team at SFS@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1035.
Thank you for being part of NMC. Together, we will navigate these changes with the same commitment to excellence and student success that has always defined our college.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Mar 18, 2025 | Student News
Are you planning to live on campus in one of NMC’s dorms next year? If so, consider becoming a Resident Assistant!
Resident Assistants act as a liaison between other students living in the residence halls and the Residence Life Office. They are responsible for approximately 39-45 residents and works to create of a living/learning center community through the use of educational and social programs. In exchange for your service, your room and board (meal plan) will be waived.
To be considered for an RA position, students should:
- Apply online by April 8 at 4 p.m.
- On students.nmc.edu, go to the Careers section and select Jobs on Campus
- Find and click on the job posting titled Student – Resident Assistant Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
- Read the full job description and click Apply in the top righthand corner to submit your application
- Attend a job shadowing session
- April 10–12 at 8 p.m., 10 p.m., 12 a.m. or 1 a.m.
- Meet in the lobby of East Hall or North Hall
- Attend RA group process
- Sunday, April 13 from 5-7 p.m.
- East Hall basement
- Interviews will be conducted during April 14-18.
For more information, contact Brooklynn Golnick at (231) 995-1411, Corbin Thompson at (231) 995-1408 or Marcus Bennett at (231) 995-1401.
All Resident Assistants must be enrolled half time, have completed one semester of college (12 NMC credits) and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible.
Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
The International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College will host a discussion about a future focus for northern Michigan’s vitality – The Blue Economy: Michigan’s Global Role.
IAF welcomes John C. Austin, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of the Michigan Economic Center at the University of Michigan. Austin is an economic coalition builder and a regional advocate for sustainable Great Lakes economic activity.
Joining Austin is Frank Ettawageshik, executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan and an internationally recognized environmental activist who has represented our region at COP21. Lending perspective on workforce training and development is John Lutchko, director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 20 at the Dennos Museum Center, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The discussion starts at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m.
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. Find more information at TCIAF.com.
IAF’s 31st season is sponsored by Mercantile Bank.
Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Library will be open for special hours during March 23-30.
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- Sunday, March 23 CLOSED
- Monday, March 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 26 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, March 28 CLOSED
- Saturday, March 29 CLOSED
- Sunday, March 30 CLOSED
Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, March 31.
Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Immerse yourself in the joyful exuberance of the NMC Jazz Bands. This concert promises to be a musical feast for all attendees!
The NMC Jazz Bands, a conglomerate of talented musicians, is all set to dazzle the audience with their musical prowess at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 in the Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center. The concert will feature a vibrant mix of music genres, showcasing each band’s versatility. Expect an evening filled with rhythm, melody and harmony that will leave you spellbound.
Join us for an unforgettable night of music and harmony at the NMC Jazz Bands Spring Concert!
Tickets are $15/advance $20/door for adults, $10/advance $15/door for seniors and students. Exact change cash purchases at the door are appreciated.
Contact the NMC Box Office line at (231) 995-1340 for questions or assistance in purchasing tickets.
Mar 17, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Great Lakes Culinary Institute team for hosting A Taste of Success on April 25. Tickets are now on sale for this scholarship fundraiser, which raised more than $157,000 last year. A few volunteers are also needed—contact Chef Les Eckert to help out.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 17, 2025 | 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.
Community in brief: Audio Tech concert
Record-Eagle, March 16
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Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Join the Music Department for their monthly Student Convocation featuring performances from students and faculty at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 11 in room 115 of the Fine Arts Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Free and open to the public.
Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Audio Tech Students present “Rockin’ Into Spring: Dollars for Scholars,” a benefit concert set to raise funds for NMC student scholarships. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the Milliken Auditorium in the Dennos Museum Center with music starting at 7 p.m.
Headlining the show is Racing Mount Pleasant (formerly known as Kingfisher), a seven-piece indie rock band hailing from Detroit. All members of the band are alumni of University of Michigan’s School of Music, and have performed at many notable venues around Ann Arbor and Detroit. The band consists of Sam Dubose on guitar and vocals, Connor Hoyt on alto saxophone, Sam Uribe-Botero on tenor saxophone, Callum Roberts on trumpet, Kaysen Chown on fiddle and guitar, Tyler Thendstedt on bass and Casey Cheatham on drums.
Opening for Racing Mount Pleasant this year is Trillium Groove, a trio from Northern Michigan consisting of Skylea Martin, Keagan Kalbfleisch and Ruby Bardenhagen. All three members are vocalists and instrumentalists who use their songwriting as a means to explore themes of mental health, self reflection and emotional healing. The band formed as the trio studied together in the NMC Audio Tech program. Joining their performance this year is drummer Aaron Rossan, another Audio Tech alumni, and bassist Abi Umstead.
This concert is produced entirely by NMC Audio Tech students as an experiential learning project. During production, students are involved in sound mixing, stage managing, and audio and video recording.
Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students.
Mar 17, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Digital versions of your W2 and 1095-C can be found in ADP by navigating to the “Myself” tab and then “Pay & Tax Statements”.
The Affordable Care Act requires Form 1095-C, which provides information about your health care coverage. Human Resources can provide a paper version of this form upon request if you were eligible and enrolled in health benefits in 2024.
Mar 17, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Phil Mosier — Custodian
- Zach Whitaker — Manager of Alumni Relations
- Cayce Hardwood, supplemental — Technology Support Assistant
Mar 17, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Admissions, Advising, ELI, Faculty, Financial Aid, EES, HR and EMT! Thank you to everyone that gave time out of their week to help with the set up, tear down and tabling at the Career & Majors Fair last week. We also owe a lot of thanks to those that helped us with planning workshops for students ahead of the fair. This year’s event was a campus effort and we could not have done it without the support of multiple departments.
Kudos to Admissions! Traci always holds down the fort during busy times for the department! While off-campus for college fairs, Traci ensures that everything is ready for the next event. Without her, last week, I would have had to come to the office on the weekend to ensure everything was taken care of for my next event! Every time we have a tour or fair, she is always checking in to see if she can help. She is so appreciated!!!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Dan Goodchild and Megan Bylsma! Carolyn, Megan and Dan were instrumental in acquiring and implementing 3D concrete printing technology for the Construction Technology program. Carolyn kicked off the initiative by successfully winning the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship’s Pitch for the Trades competition. This was followed by Megan successfully finding philanthropic support from NMC donors. Carolyn, Megan and Dan used this support to earn an IMPACT100 grant to fund this large scale printer. This printer will be used to teach NMC students the cutting-edge technology of building homes using 3D concrete printers. This technology will become more critical as we look to add more affordable housing (and the skills necessary to do so) to the region. Thank you to the Curriculum Committee for expediting this request during course development — classes will start this fall. This is a shining example of the Foundation and our academic programs working together to meet the needs of the community and better prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow.
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!
Mar 14, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 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.
Mar 13, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Make a difference in the lives of your colleagues. Nominate them for the Staff Excellence Award and Team Excellence Award.
We are seeking nominations for:
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- Staff (full-time, part-time, or supplemental)
- Teams of two or more individuals (departments, cross-departmental collaborative groups, strategic project groups, initiative focused teams, etc.)
Click the forms below to complete your nomination(s) for the:
Whose work serves to inspire us all, and who:
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- Demonstrate NMC’s Values
- Exhibit commitment ‘above and beyond’ to the NMC mission, vision, values and strategic directions
- Made a difference at NMC over the past year (2024-2025)
Nominations must be received by April 4, 2025. Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque which will be awarded on May 14, 2025 at the You Made It Possible celebration. Thank you for recognizing the great work of your colleagues and showing you care!
NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Lori Hodek (Chair), Taylor Nash, Nancy Parshall
Mar 13, 2025 | Intercom
Are you catching those spring vibes? Ready to shake off winter and get moving? Join us for Smart Commute Week, a celebration of fun, fresh air, and friendly competition! Held during the first full week of June, this annual event encourages alternative transportation—biking, walking, busing, and carpooling—while highlighting the perks of a smarter commute.
When
June 2 – 6, 2025
Daily Perks!
Enjoy FREE breakfast at locations around town each morning just for being a smart commuter. No registration required—just show up and fuel up.
The Commuter Cup Challenge
Take it up a notch and sign up for the ultimate commuter showdown. This friendly (and free!) competition is open to everyone. Compete for custom trophies, cool prizes and major bragging rights by logging your smart commutes all week long. Bonus points = more chances to win!
Contact NMC “Swoop Loops” team captain Dave Weaver at dweaver@nmc.edu by May 22 if you plan to participate. The captain will register the entire team and during Smart Commute Week each team member reports to the captain if they walked, biked, bussed, paddled, unicycled, etc. to work.
Mar 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) will close at 7 p.m. each evening on Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 30. Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, March 31.
If you need access after hours, call Campus Security at (231) 995-1111.
Mar 12, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC faculty, staff and students,
Support a great cause while having fun at this year’s Big Little Hero Race, an experiential learning project led by students in NMC’s BUS 231 class. This event helps students develop real-world professional communication skills while raising funds for scholarships that allow children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to attend NMC’s College for Kids.
10th Annual Big Little Hero Race Saturday, April 19
9:00 AM – Kickoff @ Northwestern Michigan College
FREE Costumed Fun Run (featuring Captain Hawk Owl!)
5K & 10K Run/Walk – Prizes for best costume and speed
Carnival Games
Hero Egg Hunt (1,000 eggs!)
Award Ceremony
Special Discounts for Educators & Students
This year’s Local Hero Award will honor educators in our community! Teachers and students can register for just $15 using the following discount codes at checkout:
- 5K Student: 5kstudent25
- 10K Student: 10kstudent25
- 5K Teacher: 5kteach25
- 10K Teacher: 10kteach25
Click here to register
Even if you can’t attend, you can still support the cause by entering our prize giveaway for a chance to win: A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel, breakfast for two and two rounds of golf at The Jewel!
To enter:
- Visit Give: NMC Foundation at Northwestern Michigan College.
- Select “designate my gift to other” and enter your donation amount ($20 minimum).
- Type “Big Little Hero Race” in the designation field.
One entry per person. The drawing will take place after the race.
Grab your capes, have fun, and make a difference in a child’s life. I am signed up, and looking forward to the event. I hope to see you there!
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Mar 11, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Fitness Center will be open for special hours during March 21-30.
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- Friday, March 21 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22 CLOSED
- Sunday, March 23 CLOSED
- Monday, March 24 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 25 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 26 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, March 28 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, March 29 CLOSED
- Sunday, March 30 CLOSED
Open recreation in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building will be closed during this time. Regular hours will resume March 31.
For more information contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Mar 10, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Academic and Career Advising team for organizing the annual Career & Majors Fair in a new format last week. More than 80 employers were joined with faculty and staff from NMC’s relevant academic areas to showcase how NMC programs can lead to employment opportunities in northern Michigan. Community job seekers also attended.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 10, 2025 | 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 gears up for 10th annual Big Little Hero race to support college scholarships
UpNorth Live, March 9
(more…)
Mar 10, 2025 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Professional Communications students will use their newly developed skills to organize, promote and host the 10th annual Big Little Hero Race on Saturday, April 19 starting at 9 a.m. The event will occur on NMC’s Front Street campus, specifically in and around the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC).
This year’s events include:
- One-mile fun run with complementary capes (Free)
- 5K run ($30)
- 10K run ($35)
Register by April 4 to ensure a t-shirt or by March 23 for an early-bird discount.
Family activities occurring in addition to the race feature:
- Superhero egg hunt (1,000 eggs)
- Bake sale (local bakeries)
- Sensory room
- Carnival games and prizes
- Silent auction
- Award ceremony: Prizes for all top runners in numerous age groups
Each year, students honor a ‘Local Hero’ to receive an award recognizing their community support, dedication and mentorship. This year, local educators will receive the ‘Local Hero’ award. Visit biglittleherorace.com for more information and an educator discount code.
All proceeds from this event will go towards the race and scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan children to attend NMC’s College for Kids summer programming.
For more information, to become a sponsor or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.
Release Date: March 6, 2025
For More Information:
Mitchell Mosley
Public Relations Specialist
(231) 714-0924
mosley14@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 735-1055
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Mar 10, 2025 | Student News
The NMC Conservatives student group is hosting two upcoming events that students are invited to attend.
On Friday, March 14, a group meeting and a game night will be held in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Come for pizza, games and casual discussion. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and the game night begins at 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 18, a screening of Sound Of Freedom, a human trafficking awareness movie, will be shown at the Dennos Museum Center. Bring your own snacks, or share ours! Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Sign up to reserve your spot.
Mar 10, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a cornhole tournament from 7–9 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). This tournament is open to all current students and employees.
For more details please contact Ty Peterson at tpeterson@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Mar 10, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Want to learn more about the new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the changes that impact you as a supervisor? Human Resources is offering sessions that will walk you through ESTA guidelines and answer your questions, including:
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- Who is eligible to use ESTA and for what purposes?
- What is and isn’t allowed under this act?
- How to submit and approve sick time?
- What about those paid through Edustaff?
This training will provide you with the answers needed to legally act on behalf of your employees and NMC. Sessions will be offered on:
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- Monday, March 10, 2–3 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 12, 12–1 p.m.
- Friday, March 14, 9–10 a.m.
Follow these instructions to enroll in NEOED.
