NMU Grads On-Campus - Communication and Media Studies

Cindy serves as Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives at Northern Michigan University, where she plays a key leadership role in advancing campus-wide projects and facilitating presidential and leadership communication. As a member of NMU’s Leadership Council, she helps guide institutional strategy, inform decision-making, and strengthen connections between the university and its broader community. Cindy also serves on the Board of the Great Lakes Sports Commission, supporting initiatives that promote economic and athletic development across the region.

Before returning to NMU in 1999, Cindy built a distinguished career in sports journalism and communications, including serving as an assistant editor and Olympic editor for USATODAY.com, and previously as Assistant Sports Information Director at Western Michigan University. A proud Hancock native and NMU alumna, Cindy made history as the first woman to work with a Wildcat men’s intercollegiate athletic team, serving as Sports Information Director for the 1983–84 NMU hockey team. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her trailblazing contributions to media, mentorship, and leadership—embodying the spirit of communication excellence that defines NMU.

Kylie serves as the Senior Director of Foundation & Alumni Strategic Communications at Northern Michigan University, where she leads storytelling and engagement efforts that amplify the voice of philanthropy and inspire lifelong Wildcat pride. She established the successful “Northern Now” virtual event series during the pandemic, engaging over 470 alumni and earning NMU’s 2023 Individual Innovation Award for digital alumni outreach. 

An experienced communications professional with strengths in social media, writing, editing, and event planning, Kylie also shares her expertise as an adjunct professor in managerial communication at NMU’s College of Business and serves on the Board of the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. . Her work reflects a deep commitment to connecting people, purpose, and place through authentic communication and community engagement.

Following NMU Joel went on to get his master's degree in Adult Learning and Higher Education before returning to NMU as a Resident Director for The Woods. Joel is a most know for being a mental health advocate dedicated to building safer, more connected communities. As a 2026 Everytown for Gun Safety Survivor Fellow, Joel uses his lived experience to advance national conversations around gun safety, suicide prevention, and young adult mental health.

He previously served as Community Engagement Manager for Lost&Found, the leading young adult mental health organization in South Dakota, where he helped design and implement holistic programs for suicide prevention and community support. Joel also hosts the podcast It’s All In My Head, which explores mental health, healing, and advocacy through authentic dialogue. In addition to his advocacy work, he was also the Social Media Manager for Sioux Falls City Football Club and Social Media Associate for the Women’s Premier Soccer League, blending communication, storytelling, and community engagement. Certified in QPR Suicide Prevention, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Conversations on Access to Lethal Means, Joel continues to use his communication expertise to amplify voices, reduce stigma, and promote hope.

Emilia is a Student Success Advisor at Northern Michigan University, where she provides holistic, one-on-one support to help students navigate academic, personal, and professional challenges. A proud Wildcat, Emilia double majored in Communication Studies (Interpersonal/Intercultural) and Psychology (Interdisciplinary) as an undergraduate, while serving as personnel manager for the NMU band, a resident advisor in Magers Hall, and a student leader in both the advising and orientation offices.

Her deep involvement in student life and passion for helping others led her to roles in NMU’s Orientation Office and Center for Student Enrichment before joining the Student Success Department. In her current position, Emilia draws on her background in communication to build meaningful relationships, foster inclusion, and empower students to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Bill is a creative leader, educator, and entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of innovation, artistry, and education. He serves as both the Director of SISU: The Innovation Institute and the Department Head and Professor of Theatre & Dance at Northern Michigan University, where he empowers students, faculty, and community partners to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions. Through his leadership, NMU’s Theatre & Dance programs blend traditional performance with cutting-edge live event and festival production. Beyond academia, Bill brings more than a decade of professional experience as a Production Manager for Live Design International (LDI) and as co-founder of Double Trouble Entertainment LLC, a Michigan-based production company specializing in large-scale live and corporate events. He is also the co-owner of DIGS Gastropub in downtown Marquette.

Kobe is the Digital Media Manager for NMU Athletics, where he leads all photo, video, and graphic content creation with a passion for storytelling and visual production in the world of sports. Skilled both in front of and behind the camera, Kobe is dedicated to sharing authentic athletic stories through creative media while building strong relationships with like-minded collaborators. He manages a team of more than 15 student interns and continues to elevate the NMU brand through innovative digital storytelling.

Beyond NMU, Kobe is the host and founder of the Division 1 Rejects podcast, a platform he created to highlight the stories of underrepresented athletes across the country. What began as a basement project has evolved into a fully equipped studio with over a hundred guests and national reach. His creative work includes a viral recruiting video for Alma College’s football program, a touching feature on two Hungarian NMU hockey players, and the first-ever Wildcat Fishing Battle, showcasing the unique spirit of the Upper Peninsula. Featured in a Super Bowl commercial, Kobe continues to blend his multimedia expertise, sports insight, and storytelling flair to capture the heart of Wildcat athletics and beyond.

Each year we award a student with the honor of being our TOP graduate. Below is a list of award winner in both Media Studies and in Communication Studies. 

Outside of this award, we also have two additional student awards. 

For a major GPA of a 3.5 or above we award students with a red chord. For a major GPA of a 3.8 or above we award students with medallions. 

It's a small way to show them our appreciation and acknowledgment of the hard work they put into being competent communicators. 

Email our department secretary: cams@nmu.edu

or call us 906-227-2045

We'd love to hear from you!

To connect with other alumni: https://nmu.edu/alumniassociation/wildcats-connect