The Beginning
When it first opened its doors in 1899 as Northern State Normal School, 32 students were greeted by a faculty of six on a 22-acre campus. Northern's first day of classes, now celebrated as NMU's birthday, was held on September 19, 1899.
During this time, educating teachers was the sole mission of the school. Northern underwent its first name change to Northern State Teacher's College in 1927, and changed again in 1942 to Northern Michigan College of Education.
From College to University
As enrollment swelled in the '50s and '60s, this small teacher's college became a diversified institution with dramatic growth in faculty and facilities. With the diversified courses came a new name, Northern Michigan College, in 1955.
Under a state constitution in 1963, Northern, like all public institutions in Michigan, was granted university status and an autonomous Board of Trustees, as well as its name change to today's Northern Michigan University.
Northern Michigan University: Today
Today, NMU is home to over 6,500 students pursuing degrees in over 180 degree programs. Northern offers educational programs ranging from associates to graduate degrees, as well as certificates, diplomas, a doctorate, and more.
Northern State Normal School in 1909
The first residence hall opened to Northern students only one year after being established in 1900. Called the Dormitory, it was located where St. Michael’s parish is located now, kiddy corner from the University Center. It was a four-story building. The first floor housed a dining room, kitchen, pantry and stewards quarters. The second and third floors were the sleeping apartments.
Members of the first graduating class in 1902.
Aerial shot of campus in it's early life.
Photograph of Kaye Hall
NMU Football NCAA Championship Team 1975
Students sitting outside the old John X. Jamrich Hall on the academic mall.
Students enjoying the fall colors on Mt. Marquette.
Wildcats show their school spirit at the Homecoming Parade!
Students enjoying the comfort of their residence hall.
NMU students bundle up to brave the Marquette winters.
Students studying on the lawn outside the old University Center.
Aerial of campus in approximately 1964-65.
The Superior Dome, constructed in 1991, stands 14 stories high and encompasses 5.1 acres under its roof, making it the largest wooden dome in the World.
In the Fall of 2019, Northern was home to almost 600 graduate students and over 7,700 undergraduate students.
The Woods, a residence hall complex constructed through a public-private partnership, contains six halls that opened in 2018. The facility is home to The Lodge, a community area with an oversized fireplace, as well as an academic tutoring center, community rooms, and easy access to the Northern Lights Dining.
Northern Michigan University has achieved bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University status, according to the awards announced in October 2019 by the League of American Bicyclists.
The Northern Center officially reopened its doors during homecoming 2019. The renovation to the old University Center included updates to the Wildcat Den, the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, the addition of a grand ballroom, and conference room updates.
Northern’s bronze Wildcat statue was placed in front of Jamrich Hall during homecoming 2017. The statue was a gift from the estate of former NMU Board of Trustees chair and longtime NMU supporter Gil Ziegler (’60 BS).
Jamrich Hall, which replaced the old Jamrich Hall building that was located across the academic mall from its current location, was opened in 2014. It can be seen here behind the Wildcat statue.
NMU Archives
The Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives house the historical records of Northern Michigan University and historical materials documenting the history of the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties.