FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY – Marquette, Michigan
May 1, 2026
A. Minutes:
1. That the minutes of the December 12, 2025 and February 6, 2026 meetings of the Board be approved.
B. Personnel Actions:
Appointments:
1. Blemberg, Nicole A., Chief Advancement Officer, NMU Foundation, effective retroactively to January 5, 2026.
2. Chesler, Aaron, Assistant Professor, Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences Department, a tenure-track appointment, effective August 17, 2026. (New Appointment)
3. Suhr, Meredith, Assistant Professor, Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences Department, a tenure-track appointment, effective August 17, 2026. (New Appointment)
4. Ziegler, Susy S., Dean, College of Graduate Studies and Research, a continuing appointment, effective April 16, 2026. (Transfer)
Promotion and Tenure:
5. Based upon the recommendation of the President, the Board takes formal action to confer tenure to the following faculty effective June 30, 2026:
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Dr. Majid Asadi Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Danny C. LeBert Department of Biology |
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Dr. Theresa C. Camilli Department of Music |
Dr. Adam T. Naito Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences |
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Dr. Steven A. Edelson Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Seth A. Norberg Department of Engineering Technology |
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Dr. Lin Fang Department of Psychological Sciences |
Dr. Heejung Park Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
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Dr. Ryan K. Hines School of Health and Human Performance |
Dr. Evan P. Pratt Department of Chemistry |
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Dr. Laura M. Kennedy School of Education |
Dr. Emily C. Romeo Department of History |
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Dr. Lukus A. Klawitter School of Health and Human Performance |
Dr. Kel Sassi Department of English |
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Dr. Vikash Kumar Department of Social Work |
Dr. Ryan J. Stock Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences |
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Dr. Amber L. LaCrosse Department of Psychological Sciences |
Dr. Katie A. Taylor School of Nursing |
6. The following faculty members be promoted to the rank of Professor effective June 30, 2026:
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Dr. Yan Z. Ciupak Department of Sociology |
Professor Gabrielle L. McNally School of Art and Design |
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Professor Taimur Cleary School of Art and Design |
Dr. Patrick “Rick” Mengyan Department of Physics |
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Professor Ann M. Crandell-Williams Department of Social Work |
Dr. Seth A. Norberg Department of Engineering and Technology |
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Professor Randy Klitzke College of Technology and Occupational Sciences |
Professor David M. Pierce Department of Theatre and Dance |
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Dr. Weronika A. Kusek Department of Earth, Science, and Environmental Sciences |
Dr. Joshua S. Sharp Department of Biology |
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Dr. Jim Marquardson Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Joshua J. Thompson Department of Mathematics and Computer Science |
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Dr. Monica McFawn Department of English |
Dr. Anna E. Zimmer Department of Languages, Literature, and International Studies |
7. The following faculty member be promoted to the rank of Associate Professor effective June 30, 2026:
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Dr. Majid Asadi Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Amber L. LaCrosse Department of Psychological Sciences |
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Dr. Jaeseung Baek Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Lynne M. Lambdin Lydia M. Olsen Library |
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Dr. Robin J. Bond Department of Chemistry |
Dr. Murong Miao Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
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Dr. Theresa C. Camilli Department of Music |
Dr. Adam T. Naito Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences |
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Dr. Steven A. Edelson Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
Dr. Heejung Park Walker L. Cisler College of Business |
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Dr. Casey J. Hopper School of Nursing |
Dr. Evan P. Pratt Department of Chemistry |
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Dr. Kaycee J. Jacobson School of Nursing |
Dr. Ryan J. Stock Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences |
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Dr. Kathryn Johnson Department of History |
Dr. Katie A. Taylor School of Nursing |
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Dr. Laura M. Kennedy School of Education |
Dr. Forrest J. Toegel Department of Psychological Sciences |
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Emeritus:
1. That Professor Marcus C. Robyns be granted the status of University Archivist Emeritus, effective immediately.
C. Degrees
2. That Mr. Mark Ruge, NMU alum, author, public policy expert, attorney and partner at K&L Gates LLP, receive, receive an Honorary Degree, Doctorate of Political Science, and be the Commencement Speaker at the May 2, 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
3. The December 2025 final list of graduates and the May 2026 preliminary list of graduates be approved. A copy of the lists is on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
D. Property and Finance:
2. That University operations be authorized to continue in 2026-2027 at a budget level no greater than the 2025-2026 budget until the new Auxiliary Operations Budget is approved, except for increases required by existing or newly negotiated union contracts.
3. That University operations be authorized to continue in 2026-2027 at a budget level no greater than the 2025-2026 budget until the new Housing and Residence Life Budget is approved, except for increases required by existing or newly negotiated union contracts.
4. That University operations be authorized to continue in 2026-2027 at a budget level no greater than the 2025-2026 budget until the new General Fund Budget is approved, except for increases required by existing or newly negotiated union contracts.
5. That University operations be authorized to continue in 2026-2027 at a budget level no greater than the 2025-2026 budget until the new Designated Fund Budget is approved, except for increases required by existing or newly negotiated union contracts.
6. That the continuation of the rental agreement between Northern Michigan University and The State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, for the Department of Attorney General, from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, located in Suites 1201 and 1202 of the Northern Center, be approved. A copy of the resolution is on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
7. That the resolution of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University authorizing one-day event liquor license be approved:
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August 27 – 29, 2026 |
Wildcat Theatre Follies Theatre and Dance Department |
TFA Blackbox Theatre |
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. |
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Homecoming Tailgate NMU Foundation |
Superior Dome Parking Lot |
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
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December 11, 2026 |
Senior Show Reception School of Art & Design |
DeVos Art Center |
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. |
8. That the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University confirm approval for the upcoming academic year’s Technology, Learning, and Communication (TLC) notebook program’s annual purchase of Lenovo ThinkPad T14, Gen6 (to include warranty, engineering services, software imaging, and shipping costs) with a quantity based on enrollment data for Fall 2026. Additionally, Apple MacBook Pro units will be ordered.
9. That the resolution of the Public Media Bridge Fund Grant Agreement between Northern Michigan University WNMU-TV and Public Media Company, in the amount of $576,532 to sustain critical local public media services during the transition period following the elimination of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding, be approved. A copy of the Resolution is on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
E. Special Items:
1. That the following students receive the 2026 Board of Trustees Student Achievement Award:
· Halle Johnson – Outstanding Graduating Senior
· Delany Frank – Outstanding Graduating Senior
· Summer Morrison – Outstanding Student – Any Class Standing
· Dan Atkins – Outstanding Non-Traditional Student
· Laura Clarkston – Outstanding Global Campus
· Adam Nesbit – Outstanding Graduate Student
2. That the Board of Trustees approve the following department name change: from Career Services to “Career Services and High Impact Learning,” effective immediately.
3. That the revised MOU between the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University and the Northern Michigan University Foundation, that replaces the December 15, 2023 MOU, be approved. A copy is on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
4. The that the Academic Calendars for 2028-2029, 2029-2030, and 2030-2031 be approved. A copy of the calendars is on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
5. That the following new programs be approved:
· Applied Exercise Physiology & Kinesiology, Bachelor of Science, effective Fall 2026
· Rehabilitation Science, Bachelor of Science, effective Fall 2026
· Accelerated Master of Science in Sustainability, effective Fall 2026
· Mechanical Technology, Associate of Applied Science, effective Fall 2026
· Cannabis Agriculture and Operations, Associate of Applied Science, effective Fall 2026
· Cannabis Agriculture and Plant-Based Wellness Operations, Bachelor of Applied Science, effective Fall 2026
· Integrated Career and Technical Sciences, Associate of Applied Science, effective Fall 2026
6. That the following donation be approved:
· Sabina Carlson ’05 has donated a speech generating device, along with two mounts, to the School of Clinical Sciences for use in the speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Program. The device will be housed in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic:
§ TD Pilot Speech Generating Device: $12,742
§ Floor Mount: $1,925
§ Wheelchair Mount: $1,222
ü The claimed value by the donor is $15,889.
§ The Gift Acceptance Committee approved the acceptance of this gift on February 10, 2026.
7. That Northern Michigan University issue a contract addendum for the following Charter School Academy:
· JKL Bahweting Public School Academy, for grade expansion from K–8 to K – 12 starting in the fall of 2027.
8. That Northern Michigan University reauthorize (renew) the following Charter School Academies:
· Burton Glen Public School Academy, for a term of five (5) years commencing July 1 2026 through June 30, 2031.
· Walton Public School Academy, for a term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.
9. That the following individuals be appointed as board members for the following Public School Academies:
· Burton Glen Public School Academy
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Carol Magness |
Expiration Date: June 30, 2029 |
· Walton Public School Academy
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Kelly Podrasky |
Expiration Date: June 30, 2029 |