Rusty Bowers - NMU Admissions

dbowers@nmu.edu    906-250-3699

Marquette, MI

I started my freshman year at NMU in 1984 as a Music major, next year changed to Theatre for a couple of years. Changed again to Broadcasting, then back to Theatre. Lots of credits but no degree. Left school to enter
the workforce. I’ve worked Professional Theatre (acting and technical), Operations Manager for Radio (on-air, sales), performed in regional radio and television commercials, own a professional mobile DJ company and production studio, worked in Attractions at Walt Disney World. And that just scratches the surface. In 2013, I felt that I was missing something, so I returned to NMU to finish my degree. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Communication and Performance Studies, Theatre major, Music minor. Soon after I started working at NMU as Promotions Manager for the Music department. In 2019 I moved to the Admissions department. I believe I have found my home. The staff here is top-notch and it is so rewarding to meet with potential students and help guide them on their path.

So many great experiences over many years at NMU. I think the top is when I was asked to perform in a musical at the Forest Roberts Theatre about lumberjacks in the U.P. written by NMU faculty. The show was entered in the American College Theatre Festival and we were chosen that year to be one of the top 6 schools, out of around 9000 entered, to perform two nights at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

The Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival in late July is my favorite of the year. For over 25 years my family has attended. Great food, great friends, great times.

Make a plan for yourself. That plan may change several times, and be open to that, but you have to start with a plan. The things you experience along the way will help shape who you are and who you will become.