Greetings From the Dean to Our Alumni and Friends
Dear Friends and Alumni,
I am delighted to share this 2026 College of Arts and Sciences Magazine! Our college continues to thrive and to fulfill our mission to ignite a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Every day, College of Arts and Sciences faculty, staff and alumni are providing our students with exceptional experiential learning opportunities and are developing new knowledge that makes a positive impact in our local and global communities.
In this magazine, you can learn more about journalism students working side by side with expert faculty in the School of Communication to gather and share meaningful stories from our local community and about undergraduate students in the Department of Physics who are collaborating with staff, faculty and alumni to test materials used in NASA missions. We also highlight the work of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences who are pursuing critical scientific research that they hope will eventually lead to a cure for dysentery, a disease that profoundly impacts tens of millions of people across the world every year. Students in the Department of Sociology’s WMU Cold Case Program with the Michigan State Police — a program founded by MAC Professor of the Year Ashlyn Kuersten — continue to apply their knowledge and skills to solve decades-old criminal cases.
It is also a privilege to feature a few of our incredible alumni, including Mark Turcotte, Traci Brimhall and Melba Joyce Boyd, all of whom have been selected to serve as state poets laureate, sharing their award-winning creative work with communities in Michigan, Illinois and Kansas. Alumnus Matt Hollander is using his training in environmental studies and sustainability to develop affordable housing right here in Kalamazoo. And Brian Abel, who discovered a passion for journalism while working with faculty in the School of Communication, is applying his knowledge on a national stage as a CNN anchor and correspondent.
It is always a challenge to select stories for our annual magazine — every day, our students, staff, faculty and alumni make us proud through their many accomplishments. It is a pleasure to bring you just a few of their stories.
Enjoy!
Carla Koretsky, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
New in Arts and Sciences
Three Midwest Poets Laureate Share WMU Beginnings
Out of the classroom, into orbit
Three WMU physics students had the opportunity of a lifetime: helping NASA get the Artemis mission of the ground.
WMU partners with community to support K-12 education
Faculty and staff throughout the College of Arts and Sciences take their passion outside the classroom to engage learners of all ages.
Historian donates more than 9,000 books to Medieval Institute
The Gelting Collection will make the Medieval Institute one of the most important centers for studying Scandinavia in the US.
Faculty News
WMU multimedia film lab amplifies community stories through collaborative storytelling
Grant advances bacteria research while training future scientists
Ask, don’t answer: WMU professor uses AI tools to boost student engagement
CAS professor recognized for excellence
Sociology professor Ashlyn Kuersten's dedication to experiential learning through the Cold Case program earned her the MAC 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success.
WMU professor wins Black Caucus of the American Library Association Best Poetry Award
Shonda Buchanan received the 2026 Black Caucus of the American Library Association Best Poetry Award for her collection, “The Lost Songs of Nina Simone."
Professor uses prestigious fellowship as springboard for leadership
After completing her Bellagio Fellowship, Ashley Atkins steps into her new role as director of the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society.
American Institute of Professional Geologists honors Thomas Howe
WMU Geosciences Specialist Senior Thomas Howe received the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award for his outstanding mentorship and dedication to student success.
Alumni News
Alumnus expanding access to sustainable, affordable homes
Matt Hollander's background in environmental studies at WMU led him where he is today: championing sustainable affordable housing developments right here in Kalamazoo.
Manifesting the anchor desk: Brian Abel’s journey from Western to CNN
Twenty years ago, he was a student in Dunbar Hall dreaming of a career in broadcast journalism. Now, he's in front of the camera on a major network.
Student News
Graduate student wins $100,000 for medical AI innovation
Samuel Marseille captured the top prize in the inaugural Cultivate 269 pitch competition, earning a total of $100,000 for his venture, Oneshot AI, a real-time medical interpretation platform designed to eliminate language barriers in healthcare.
CAS completion scholarship helps students overcome financial barriers
This year, the College of Arts and Science provided 100 junior and senior students with a $4,000 scholarship to help students finish their degrees.
Arts & Sciences celebrates our students, faculty and alumni's work to contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global. Your support helps make these opportunities possible. Making a donation to the WMU College of Arts and Sciences ensures you are empowering the next generation of global changemakers.