Current Awards
The Stephen Young & Tricia Kinley Distinguished Faculty Award
To recognize and honor full-time faculty, including academic department heads, who have made significant professional contributions to Northern Michigan University and their professional areas.
Sabbaticals
All full-time, tenure-earning faculty are eligible to apply for the two types of sabbaticals - professional development or research, scholarship, and creative works - which enables faculty to contribute to their various disciplines
- See the AAUP Master Agreement for full guidelines.
- Sabbatical Application Cover Sheet
- Sabbatical Replacement Costs
Merit Awards
Faculty who have held the rank of Professor for five years may apply for the Merit Award.
Excellence in Teaching Award
To recognize the excellence in teaching of Northern Michigan University full-time faculty.
Excellence In Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award
To recognize teaching excellence by Northern Michigan University's part-time faculty.
Excellence in Scholarship Award
To recognize the excellence in scholarship of Northern Michigan University full-time faculty.
Faculty Leadership Award
To recognize and honor Northern Michigan University faculty, including department heads, for exceptional leadership contributions to the campus and the broader community.
Faculty Emerging Leadership Award
To recognize and honor Northern Michigan University junior faculty who since coming to the university have demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes on campus and the broader community.
Faculty Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award
To recognize and honor Northern Michigan University faculty, including department heads, who have been leaders in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, scholarship, service, and other activities.
Faculty Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award Full Description
Technology Innovation Award for Faculty
(previously TLC Award for Faculty)
To recognize exemplary faculty use of technology in the areas of teaching, research, and community service.
Excellence in Online Teaching Award
This award recognizes an outstanding individual who has creatively utilized appropriate Internet-based technologies to teach online and/or blended courses in higher education.
Adjunct Professional Development Award
To assist adjunct faculty members to enhance their professional development, particularly when the professional development opportunity will contribute to their teaching experience.
Human Resources Awards
Past Award Recipients
Distinguished Faculty Award
Recipient | Department | Year |
| Dr. Carter Wilson | Political Science | 2024 |
| Dr. Jessica Thompson | College of Business | 2023 |
| Dr. Paul Mann | Clinical Sciences | 2022 |
| Dr. Kia Richmond | English | 2021 |
| Dr. Lesley Larkin | English | 2020 |
| Prof. Michael Andary | Technology & Occupational Sciences | 2019 |
| Dr. Adam Prus | Psychological Sciences | 2018 |
| Dr. Joe Lubig | Education, Leadership, and Public Service | 2017 |
| Dr. Neil Russell | Physics | 2017 |
| Dr. Charles Ganzert | Communication & Media Studies | 2016 |
| Dr. Brian Gnauck | College of Business | 2016 |
| Dr. David Wood | English | 2015 |
| Dr. Judith Puncochar | Education, Leadership and Public Service | 2014 |
| Prof. Michael Strahan | Academic Information Services | 2014 |
| Dr. Alec Lindsay | Biology | 2013 |
| Dr. Suzanne Standerford | Education | 2013 |
| Dr. Tim Compton | Languages | 2013 |
| Dr. Randy Jensen | HPER | 2012 |
| Dr. Ken Janson | Business | 2011 |
| Dr. Mary Jane Tremethick | HPER | 2011 |
| Dr. Shelley Russell | CAMS | 2011 |
| Dr. Larry Pagel | Business | 2010 |
| Prof. Eileen Smit | Nursing | 2010 |
| Dr. Jaspal Singh | English | 2009 |
| Dr. Jill Leonard | Biology | 2009 |
| Dr. Tawni Ferrarini | Economics | 2009 |
| Dr. Dwight Brady | CAMS | 2008 |
| Dr. Greg Warchol | Criminal Justice | 2008 |
| Dr. Kerri Schuiling | Nursing | 2007 |
| Dr. Laura Reissner | Education | 2007 |
| Dr. Mohey Mowafy | PEIF | 2007 |
| Dr. David Lucas | Physics | 2006 |
| Prof. John Smolens | English | 2006 |
| Prof. Michael Cinelli | Art and Design | 2006 |
| Dr. Peggy A. House | Mathematics and CS | 2005 |
| Dr. Peter H. Goodrich | English | 2005 |
| Dr. Robert J. Kulisheck | Political Science | 2005 |
| Dr. Donald E. Dreisbach | Philosophy | 2004 |
| Dr. Gary Brunswick | College of Business | 2004 |
| Dr. Teresa C. (Kynell) Hunt | English | 2004 |
| Dr. Carol A. Bays | English | 2003 |
| Dr. David E. Cooper | Philosophy | 2003 |
| Dr. Kathleen O. Thompson | Nursing | 2003 |
| Dr. Harvey A. Wallace | HPER | 2002 |
| Dr. John F. Rebers | Biology | 2002 |
| Dr. Paul T. Andronis | Psychology | 2002 |
| Dr. James G. Cantrill | Communications & PS | 2001 |
| Dr. N. Suzanne Standerford | School of Education | 2001 |
| Prof. Sandra E. Poindexter | College of Business | 2001 |
| Dr. Louise M. Bourgault | Communication & P S | 2000 |
| Prof. Lucille A. Contois | Clinical Laboratory Sciences | 2000 |
Sabbaticals
Recipient | Department | Year |
| Dr. Tim Compton | LLIS | 2023-24 |
| Dr. Patricia Killelea | English | 2023-24 |
| Dr. Nelly Kupper | LLIS | 2023-24 |
| Professor Christine Lenzen | Art & Design | 2023-24 |
| Dr. Russell Prather | English | 2023-24 |
| Dr. Gabriel Brahm | English | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Robert Goodrich | History | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Brent Graves | Biology | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Marek Haltof | English | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Steven Leuthold | Art & Design | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Rachel May | English | 2022-23 |
| Professor Gabrielle McNally | Art & Design | 2022-23 |
| Professor Jacquie Medina | Health & Human Performance | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt | EEGS | 2022-23 |
| Professor Monica McFawn Robinson | English | 2022-23 |
| Professor Jon Billman | English | 2021-22 |
| Dr. Sarah Jones | Philosophy | 2021-22 |
| Dr. Caroline Krzakowski | English | 2021-22 |
| Professor Michael Letts | Art & Design | 2021-22 |
| Professor Dale Wedig | Art & Design | 2021-22 |
| Dr. Qinghong Zhang | Mathematics & Computer Science | 2021-22 |
| Dr. Joshua Carlson | Psychological Science | 2020-21 |
| Dr. Scott Demel | Sociology & Anthropology | 2020-21 |
| Professor Brian Kakas | Art & Design | 2020-21 |
| Dr. Alec Lindsay | Biology | 2020-21 |
| Dr. Madison Ngafeeson | College of Business | 2020-21 |
| Dr. Dwight Brady | Communication & Performance Studies | 2019-20 |
| Dr. Michael Crum | College of Business | 2019-20 |
| Dr. Christi Edge | Education | 2019-20 |
| Dr. Kurt Galbreath | Biology | 2019-20 |
| Professor Steven Hughes | Art & Design | 2019-20 |
| Dr. Josh Sharp | Biology | 2019-20 |
| Dr. Scott Drum | Health & Human Performance | 2018-19 |
| Professor Keith Ellis | Art & Design | 2018-19 |
| Professor Matthew Frank | English | 2018-19 |
| Professor Jim McCommons | English | 2018-19 |
| Professor Peter Pless | Art & Design | 2018-19 |
| Dr. Martin Reinhardt | Native American Studies | 2018-19 |
| Dr. William Tireman | Physics | 2018-19 |
| Dr. Bao Truong | Math & Computer Science | 2018-19 |
| Dr. Antony Aumann | Philosophy | 2017-18 |
| Dr. Neil Cumberlidge | Biology | 2017-18 |
| Dr. Kia Richmond | English | 2017-18 |
| Dr. Jaspal Singh | English | 2017-18 |
| Dr. Mounia Ziat | Psychology | 2017-18 |
| Dr. Zac Cogley | Philosophy | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Gabe Logan | History | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Elizabeth Monske | English | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Eric Ottem | Biology | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Alex Ruuska | Sociology/Anthropology | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Robert Whalen | English | 2016-17 |
| Dr. Charles Ganzert | CAMS | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Amy Hamilton | English | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Lesley Larkin | English | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Robert Legg | EEGS | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Adam Prus | Psychology | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Mac Strand | Biology | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Katherine Teeter | Biology | 2015-16 |
| Dr. Gabriel Brahm | English | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Terry Delpier | Nursing | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Mollie Freier | AIS | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Marek Haltoff | English | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Patricia Hogan | HHP | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Steven Leuthold | Art & Design | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Judith Puncochar | Education | 2014-15 |
| Dr. Patricia Cianciolo | Sociology | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Sarah Jones | Philosophy | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Nelly Kupper | MLL | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Michael Luokinen | Sociology | 2013-14 |
| Prof. Marcus Robyns | AIS | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Neil Russell | Physics | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Mark Shevy | CAMS | 2013-14 |
| Dr. James Strain | Music | 2013-14 |
| Dr. David Wood | English | 2013-14 |
| Dr. Donna Becker | Biology | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Sheri Giordana | Nursing | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Robbie Goodrich | History | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Horn | Math/CS | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Randall Jensen | HPER | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Keith Kendall | History | 2012-13 |
| Prof. Stephan Larson | Art & Design | 2012-13 |
| Dr. Lesley Putman | Chemistry | 2012-13 |
| Dr. KC Holder | Education | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Mitch Klett | Education | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Alec Lindsay | Biology | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Diane Sautter Cole | English | 2011-2012 |
| Prof. Eileen Smit | Nursing | 2011-2012 |
| Prof. John Smolens | English | 2011-2012 |
| Prof. Cate Terwilliger | English | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Helen Wedin | Nursing | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Qinghong Zhang | Math/CS | 2011-2012 |
Excellence in Teaching
Year | Recipient | Department |
| 2023-24 | Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis | College of Business |
| 2023-24 | Dr. Adam Naito | Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences |
| 2022-23 | Dr. Abby Cameron-Standerford | School of Education |
| 2021-22 | Dr. Diana Lafferty | Department of Biology |
| 2020-21 | Dr. Weronika Kusek | Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences |
| 2020-21 | Professor Tracy Wascom | School of Art & Design |
| 2019-20 | Professor Loganne Glendening | College of Technology and Occupational Sciences |
| 2019-20 | Professor Monica McFawn | English |
| 2018-19 | Dr. Gary Brunswick | College of Business |
| 2018-19 | Dr. Jon Sherman | Languages, Literatures & International Studies |
| 2017-18 | Dr. Antony Aumann | Philosophy |
| 2017-18 | Dr. Amy Barnsley | Mathematics & Computer Science |
| 2016-17 | Dr. Christi Edge | School of Education, Leadership, & Public Service |
| 2016-17 | Professor Brian Kakas | School of Art & Design |
| 2015-16 | Dr. Maggy Moore | School of Health & Human Performance |
| 2014-15 | Professor Paul Truckey | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2013-14 | Dr. Stephen Oates | Education, Leadership and Public Service |
| 2013-14 | Dr. Kia Jane Richmond | English |
| 2012-13 | Dr. Claudia Hart | Business |
| 2012-13 | Dr. Michael Joy | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| 2011-12 | Dr. Sandra Imdieke | Education |
| 2011-12 | Professor Amy Orf | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| 2010-11 | Dr. Lisa Flood | Nursing |
| 2010-11 | Dr. David Wood | English |
| 2009-10 | Professor Katherine Hanson | English |
| 2009-10 | Dr. Suzanne Standerford | Education |
| 2008-09 | Dr. Charles Ganzert | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2008-09 | Dr. Joseph Lubig | Education |
| 2007-08 | Professor Karin Stulz | Business |
| 2007-08 | Professor Julie Rochester | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2005-06 | Dr. Laura Soldner | English |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Raymond Ventre | English |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Wallace Niebauer | Communications and Performance Studies |
| 2003-04 | Dr. Patricia Hogan | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2003-04 | Dr. Thomas Hyslop | English |
| 2002-03 | Professor Mary Wallace | Nursing |
| 2001-02 | Professor Yvonne Lee | Technology and Occupational Sciences |
| 2001-02 | Dr. Robert Myers | Mathematics and Computer Science |
Excellence in Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award
Year | Recipient | Department |
| 2023-2024 | Dr. Lucy Johnson | College of Business |
| 2022-2023 | Professor Jason Doney | Nursing |
| 2021-2022 | Professor Grace Chaillier | Native American Studies |
| 2021-2022 | Professor Kathryn Johnson | History |
| 2020-2021 | Professor Cameron Contois | English |
| 2019-2020 | Professor Nancy Gold | English |
| 2018-2019 | Professor Shirley Brozzo | Native American Studies |
| 2017-2018 | Professor Martin Achatz | English |
Excellence in Scholarship Award
Year | Recipient | Department |
| 2023-2024 | Dr. Kevin Berry | College of Business |
| 2023-2024 | Dr. J.D. Phillips | Math and Computer Science |
| 2022-2023 | Dr. Gabe Logan | History |
| 2022-2023 | Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis | School of Business |
| 2021-2022 | Dr. Christi Edge | Education, Leadership & Public Service |
| 2021-2022 | Dr. Josh Sharp | Department of Biology |
| 2020-2021 | Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt | Earth, Environmental, & Geographical Sciences |
| 2019-2020 | Dr. Jean Essila | College of Business |
| 2019-2020 | Dr. Rick Mengyan | Physics |
| 2018-2019 | Dr. J. Marek Haltof | English |
| 2018-2019 | Dr. James Strain | Music |
| 2017-2018 | Dr. Joshua Carlson | Psychological Sciences |
| 2017-2018 | Dr. William Tireman | Physics |
| 2016-2017 | Dr. Neil Cumberlidge | Biology |
| 2016-2017 | Dr. Kurt Galbreath | Biology |
| 2015-2016 | Prof. Steven Hughes | School of Art & Design |
| 2015-2016 | Dr. Mounia Ziat | Psychology |
| 2014-2015 | No award granted | |
| 2013-2014 | Dr. Derek Anderson | Education, Leadership and Public Service |
| 2012-2013 | Dr. Erich Ottem | Biology |
| 2011-2012 | Dr. Carol Strauss Sotiropoulos | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| 2010-2011 | Dr. Adam Prus | Psychology |
| 2009-2010 | Dr. James Cantrill | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2009-2010 | Dr. Beverly Matherne | English |
| 2008-2009 | Dr. Louise Bourgault | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2008-2009 | Dr. Michael Loukinen | Sociology and Social Work |
| 2007-2008 | Dr. Michael Broadway | Geography |
| 2007-2008 | Dr. Randall Jensen | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2006-2007 | Dr. Neil Cumberlidge | Biology |
| 2006-2007 | Dr. Kia Richmond | English |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. David Prychitko | Economics |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. Neil Russell | Physics |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. Kerri Schuiling | Nursing |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. Marek Haltof | English |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. Phillip Watts | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
Faculty Leadership Award
Year | Recipient | Department |
| 2023-2024 | Ms. Loganne Glendening | College of Technology & Occupational Sciences |
| 2022-2023 | Professor Bill Digneit | Theatre and Dance |
| 2021-2022 | No Award Granted | |
| 2020-2021 | Dr. Brian Zinser | College of Business |
| 2019-2020 | Dr. Rebecca Ulland | Languages, Literatures & International Studies |
| 2018-2019 | Dr. Dave Donovan | Physics |
| 2018-2019 | Dr. Jessica Thompson | Communications & Performance Studies |
Technology Innovation Award for Faculty
formerly Teaching, Learning and Communication Awards)
Year | Recipient | Department |
| 2023-24 | Professor Jean Kupper | Counseling & Consultation Services |
| 2023-24 | Dr. Nelly Kupper | Languages, Literatures, & International Studies |
| 2023-24 | Dr. Evan Pratt | Chemistry |
| 2022-23 | Dr. Vincent Jeevar | Psychological Science |
| 2021-22 | No Award Granted | |
| 2020-21 | Professor Shelley Brandow, Dr. Mary Etchison, Professor Jennifer Gorton, Dr. Christina Hartline, & Professor Jean Kupper | Counseling & Consultation Services |
| 2020-21 | Professor Gordon Xu | Library & Instructional Support |
| 2019-20 | Dr. James Marquardson | College of Business |
| 2018-19 | Dr. Mounia Ziat | Psychological Science |
| 2016-17 | Dr. Mounia Ziat | Psychology |
| 2015-16 | Dr. Scott Demel | Sociology & Anthropology |
| 2014-15 | Professor Nancy Maas | School of Nursing |
| 2013-14 | Dr. Dwight Brady | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2013-14 | Professor Kathryn Johnson | History |
| 2012-13 | Dr. Patricia Hogan | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2012-13 | Professor Chris Kirk | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2011-12 | Dr. Craig Rademacher | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2011-12 | Dr. Mark Shevy | Communication and Media Studies |
| 2010-11 | Dr. Carol Bell | Mathematics and Computer Science |
| 2010-11 | Professor Ken Culp | Mathematics and Computer Science |
| 2009-10 | Dr. Patricia Hogan | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2008-09 | Dr. Robert Goodrich | History |
| 2008-09 | Dr. Judith Puncochar | Education |
| 2007-08 | Mr. Raymond Amtmann | Business |
| 2007-08 | Dr. David Buhl | Mathematics and Computer Science |
| 2007-08 | Dr. Patricia Hogan | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2007-08 | Dr. Kia Richmond | English |
| 2007-08 | Dr. Robert Whalen | English |
| 2006-07 | Dr. Patricia Hogan | Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
| 2006-07 | Dr. Carolyn Lowe | Education |
| 2005-06 | Professor Sandra Poindexter | Business |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Kathleen Heikkila | Education |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Mitchell Klett | Education |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Laura Reissner | Education |
| 2004-05 | Dr. Suzanne Standerford | Education |