Grand Challenge 2: Partnering with our Place
Increasing our focus on purposeful partnerships strengthens NMU’s connection to its community, fostering a thriving and resilient Upper Peninsula where Wildcats make positive impacts as career-ready, community-engaged citizens. A key priority is pursuing our Carnegie Community Engagement Campus classification, ensuring partnerships meet the highest standards of reciprocal collaboration and meaningful impact.
STRATEGY | SUCCESS OUTCOME(S) | LEAD(S) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1. Expand strategic work-based learning experiences that connect Wildcats and regional employers and organizations in order to increase opportunities for NMU graduates to launch or continue their career in the Upper Peninsula and strengthen regional workforce capacity. | Growing the UP: Increase the number of NMU graduates who start or continue their career in the Upper Peninsula. | Katie Korpi, Director, Career Services |
| 2.2. Expand civic engagement and learning opportunities in order to empower students, faculty, and staff to address critical community issues and contribute to community and public good. | Democracy and Public Good: Increase the number of NMU students, faculty, and staff who engage in purposeful participation in democracy and directly contribute to the public good of the Upper Peninsula. | Leslie Warren, Dean, Library and Instructional Support |
| 2.3. Develop the NMU Arts District & NMU Athletics District in order to provide first-rate learning, training, performance and competition facilities and enhance community engagement. | Campus-Community Connection: Complete the NMU Arts District & NMU Athletics District, and establish NMU as the Upper Peninsula's premier destination for arts, culture, and athletic experiences that enhance student outcomes, meet community needs, and strengthen partnerships. | Jeff Korpi, Associate Vice President, Northern Student Experience James Thams, Assistant Vice President, Facilities |
| 2.4. Assess NMU’s comprehensive impact on the Upper Peninsula in order to strategically expand and accelerate its contribution to regional economic, community, health, and population outcomes. | Catalyst for Regional Progress: Position Northern Michigan University as a key driver of sustainable regional development, using assessment findings to inform, enhance, and accelerate strategic planning and action throughout the region. | David Nyberg, Executive Director, Business Engagement and Economic Development |