The 2024-25 academic year brought numerous other distinguished accomplishments that reflected the depth and breadth of our faculty's excellence. These achievements showcased the wide-ranging talents and contributions that made Northern Michigan University faculty truly exceptional.

 

  • The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center debuted two new online exhibits about WWI and the Upper Peninsula: "Soldier's Stories: the U.P. and the Great War" and "The Polar Bears." (https://nmu.edu/beaumierheritagecenter/past-exhibitions-0)

  • The AI Workgroup, led by Scott Smith and Deanna Pozega, launched the NMU AI Discussion Forum, a campus-wide listserv dedicated to exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education and society.

  • Dr. Michael Crum was the Excellence in Teaching awardee for 2024-25

  • Dr. Shaun Sheppard was the Excellence in Innovation awardee for 2024-25

  • Professor Deb Lamere was the Excellence in Part-time Teaching awardee for 2024-25.

  • CLS enrollment, post-Covid, has been strong with trends pointing upward reflecting increased interest in the profession. (Clinical Laboratory Science)

  • Successfully installed needed laboratory instrumentation including a brand new Sysmex hematology analyzer, state-of-the-art chemistry analyzer (JJ5600) repurposed from the Health Center, and replaced all old microscopes with new state-of-the-art Olympus CX23/43 scopes. (Clinical Laboratory Science)

  • The Microbiology Simulation Laboratory is now in its 3rd year and has been enhanced, tailored, and streamlined to better serve its purpose - one of the few CLS Programs in the country with this offering. (Clinical Laboratory Science)

  • High benchmark scores with 'pass rates' for students taking the National ASCP Board of registry exam greater than 90%. (Clinical Laboratory Science)

  • Created a Crime Scene Investigation minor and certificate in response to student interest.

  • Faculty actively participate in student recruiting on and off campus.

  • The department has one of only two active cold case programs in Michigan. Faculty know of no other institutions in the region that do.

  • Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt's band Cloverland released their first self-titled album and played over a dozen shows throughout the Great Lakes region. https://www.cloverlandband.com/

  • Dr. Weronika Kusek has completed the prestigious HERS Leadership Institute.

  • Kevin McDonough increased access to student scholarship in NMU Commons by adding file papers from students in the Master of Public Administration, Master of Exercise Science, and undergraduates in HS 390 - The Historian's Laboratory.

  • Bruce Sarjeant redesigned LIB 373 (formerly AIS 373) to offer for Fall 2025.

  • Michael Strahan was recognized for 35 years of dedicated service at Northern Michigan University.

  • Michael Strahan and Bruce Sarjeant collaborated with various campus committees to change library course designations from AIS to LIB.

  • Seven actuarial exams passed (3 Exam P/1, 4 Exam FM /2). All students involved are either graduated with full time employment in the field or still a student with full-time summer internship.
  • Outstanding NCLEX pass rates at 98% for the 23/24 academic year for graduates who have completed the licensing exam.