Office Staff

Nicole Shoup
Director of New Student Orientation and Student Belonging Initiatives
orient@nmu.edu 906-227-1707



Summer 2024 Orientation Staff

Nathan Born
Assistant Director
Hometown:
Larsen, Wisconsin
Degrees:
- B.S. Public Relations from Northern Michigan University
During his undergrad he was the Resident Advisor for Breakwater House on the fourth floor of Cedar West Hall. He also participated in the Public Relations Student Society of America, was the president of Primetime Productions, a teaching assistant, and worked in the admissions department as a Campus Visit Program Staff Assistant. In his free tim...
Anica Chesnut
Assistant Director
Hometown:
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Degrees:
- B.S. Biology from Northern Michigan University
Anica is currently the Resident Director of Birch Hall. Anica went to NMU for her Bachelor's degree in Biology and is currently a Public Administration graduate student. In Anica's free time, she likes to cook, read, sew, hike, play board games and hang out with friends!
Logan Blankenship
Senior
Hometown:
Metro Detroit, Michigan
Major:
Psychology, concentration in Cognition and Behavior
Logan is a senior from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan, majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Cognition and Behavior. He is in the CABIN Lab on campus and serves his house and hall governments on the executive board of Van Antwerp. In his free time, Logan enjoys playing guitar and video games with friends.

Berit Henderson
Junior
Hometown:
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Major:
Computer Science and French, minor in Art and Design
She is involved with climbing and biking on campus, along with the Student Leader Fellowship Program. When they’re not studying, you can find Berit at the beach or on one of the beautiful hiking trails!
Emma Kaiser
Sophomore
Hometown:
Charlotte, Michigan
Major:
Political Science, with a concentration in Public Administration
Emma enjoys spending time outside with friends, performing in the percussion ensemble on campus, and participating in yoga classes at the Fit Zone. After she graduates, Emma hopes to either attend law school or obtain a career in the advocacy-related field.
Alyssa King
Junior
Hometown:
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Major:
Political Science, minor in Psychology
Alyssa has served as vice president of Birch Hall, welcome crew volunteer, volunteer coordinator, and is an active member of Superior Edge. She is currently a community mentor at Spooner Hall. After she graduates, Alyssa hopes to serve in the Peace Corps and then get her masters in public administration, in hopes of being a dedicated and effecti...
Shannon Lepak
Junior
Hometown:
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Major:
Forensic Anthropology, minor in Outdoor Recreation and CSI
Shannon is involved in the tennis club and student development on campus. After she graduates, Shannon hopes to work for a national park. Shannon loves rock hunting, being outdoors, trinkets, and fun facts!
Josie Pardel
Junior
Hometown:
Midland, Michigan
Major:
Biology with a concentration in Ecology with a minor in Outdoor Recreation
Josie is one of the co-leaders of Entomology club, is in the Student Leader Fellowship Program, and is a Resident Advisor in Cedar West Hall. When she graduates, she hopes to be an outdoor education teacher! She enjoys swimming, dancing, and hiking.
Allie Person
Junior
Hometown:
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Major:
Art and Design, concentration in Graphic Design
Allie is a Resident Advisor in the residence halls and is an active member of the Student Development committee. Allie enjoys crafts, the outdoors, going on adventures, and journaling. After she graduates, she hopes to become a graphic designer focusing on product design!
Danny Powers
Senior
Hometown:
N/A
Major:
English and Psychology
Danny is a snowboarding instructor, he likes playing guitar and mandolin, and he collects vinyls and CDs. After graduation he hopes to continue towards a masters either in English Literature or Social work with a goal of working in Academia or in Mental Health Counseling.

Demetri (Meech) Sarazin
Senior
Hometown:
Gibraltar, Michigan
Major:
English Secondary Education and Philosophy, minor in French
Meech is the vice president of FENMU, the president of NMU Puckheads, and a member of 2 development committees. After he graduates, Meech hopes to teach English at the high school or college level. Meech enjoys cooking, reading, hockey, and singing!
Mary Thompson
Senior
Hometown:
Stillwater, Minnesota
Major:
Accounting
Mary is co-president of Ripple Effect and a member of the Special Events Committee. During the semester she works in the Office of the President on campus. Post-graduation, she will stay at Northern for graduate school. Mary enjoys hiking, looking for beach glass, working on her cars, and watching hockey.