2023 WMU News

WMU to announce region’s only graduate certificate in tribal governance as it hosts Native American U.S. assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at talk

WMU is announcing the creation of Its Graduate Certificate in Tribal Governance in cooperation between the School of Public Affairs and Administration and the local tribal councils of the Three Fires Confederacy. Students can engage with various tribal entities through subject matter experts and content endorsed by each tribal nation.

More to discover at 2023 Western Week: Kickin’ it with the Broncos

The four-day observance is an opportunity for campus offices and departments to display their pride to prospective students and to thank donors and other supporters.

Merze Tate Explorers discover cooking with STEM with WMU nutrition and dietetics program

Through hands-on activities with Western students from the Student Dietetic Association, Merze Tate Explorers had the opportunity to prepare healthy meals and learn about careers in nutrition and dietetics.

Western's Dr. Bernard Han receives highly competitive Fulbright Specialist Award

Dr. Bernard Han, WMU professor of business information systems, will complete a project at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan focusing on state-of-the-art smart medicine through the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics using real-time data collected by Internet of Things devices. In addition, he will present research about policy adoption for enhancing health information exchange and outpatient care management.

Haworth College of Business celebrates 2023 Presidential Scholars

Each year, six Presidential Scholars are selected from Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. Presidential Scholars receive the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates.

WMU fashion program recognized as one of the top in the nation

Accreditation is not only an achievement for the department, as Western students will also see the impact on their education and future careers in the industry.

Graduate cybersecurity student has secured his future

After spending seven years at Western Michigan University, second year master’s student Justin Scott is eager to dive into the world of cybersecurity and turn his education into an employed position as a professional security analyst.

Student Employee Appreciation Week celebrates impact of Broncos working on campus

Western will celebrate Student Employee Appreciation Week April 9-15. Winners of this year's Gary L. Belleville Student Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards are Michon Jenkins Muhammad, Ja'Nae Jones and Sue Murray.

How MBA student Sara Wiseman became a lifelong learner

Western MBA student Sara Wiseman says there is always more to learn about yourself as time goes on.

Lillie Foland is a project prodigy

From the start of her college career, senior Lillie Foland of Northville, Michigan, was involved in projects that helped her learn and grow.

WMU becomes second in the state to offer esport minor amidst growing interest in the field

There has been phenomenal growth in the esport industry, and it is estimated that the worldwide market for esport will be worth approximately $2.8 billion dollars by 2025.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences recognizes its 2023 Presidential Scholars

Presidential Scholars receive the highest academic honor Western can bestow on its undergraduates.

From cockroaches to xylophones: WMU education students engage in unique hands-on learning

Western students in Dr. Meredith Reinhart’s teaching elementary school science class were introduced to cockroaches and unique hands-on activites.

Graduate student set to earn first dual degrees from WMU and University of Lisbon

Under the agreement between Western and Instituto Superior Técnico, dual degree programs are offered in aerospace engineering, computer science and industrial engineering. Students who complete the program will obtain two master’s degrees, one from each university.

STEM-focused family event returns to WMU-Grand Rapids

The second annual AMP Lab Family Open House event is planned for Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the AMP Lab @ WMU in downtown Grand Rapids. This free event encourages children ages 5-12 to explore the world of STEM and manufacturing through a variety of curiosity-provoking hands-on activities.

Fashion program hosts annual career week giving students an inside look at the industry

Western's fashion merchandising and design program hosted their annual fashion career week to introduce students to professionals as they shared their experiences and career pathways in the industry.

Professor receives award for contributions to LGBTQ-inclusive literature in elementary education

Western's Dr. Jill Hermann-Wilmarth, professor in WMU's Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, shares the award with her longtime collaborator, Dr. Caitlin L. Ryan, associate professor in the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Celebrate diversity at Western Michigan University's International Festival 2023

The event, which offers a unique opportunity for attendees to experience a wide range of cultures, fashion and food, will be held Sunday, April 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Bernhard Center.

English department faculty, students help Kalamazoo high school students write scholarship essays

Department of English faculty and students are taking Western Michigan University’s mission, “so all may learn,” to heart with their latest community experience—helping Kalamazoo Public Schools seniors unleash their writing skills to create scholarship essays.

WMU Board of Trustees approves investment in new fleet for College of Aviation

Supported by a multimillion-dollar investment from the WMU Foundation, the College of Aviation will move forward with the purchase of up to 32 new training aircraft.

Sport management students learn from and interact with the WMU Esports Arena

Sport management students tour the WMU Esports Arena for a behind-the-scenes look at broadcasting and producing events.

‘Rising star’ tapped to lead Western’s College of Education and Human Development

“WMU CEHD faculty has a strong record of securing external funding, and I am excited to help grow that portfolio,” Dr. Laura H. Dinehart says. “As a leader, I intend to encourage mentoring and community-building strategies within departments while also working as a facilitator to connect faculty with collaborative opportunities both within and outside the institution.”

Child and family development student puts learning into practice to help create a thriving community for youth

Carly Smith, a student in Western's child and family development program, is putting learning into practice at her internship with the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network. This after-school care program is an organization that uses data-driven models to partner with out-of-school programs, creating a thriving community for youth. The skill and hands-on learning gained from faculty and courses at Western have prepared Smith to be effective in after-school care programs. 

WMU Board of Trustees to consider purchase of training aircrafts, program updates at formal session Thursday in Detroit

Individuals wishing to address the board during either public comment section must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.

Richmond Center for Visual Arts hosts exhibition by South African artist Naomi van Niekerk

Postponed from the spring of 2020, Naomi van Niekerk’s solo exhibition in the Kerr Gallery features prints and a series of short films.

WMU to host regional Science Olympiad tournament

Students from Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties will be competing at Western for the regional Science Olympiad Tournament.

New Broncos Lead Internship Program will benefit students, Kalamazoo community

Funded by the historic Empowering Futures Gift, the innovative new paid internship program will support up to 100 students in its first year, ensuring Broncos have access to resume-worthy, network-building experiences while also benefiting businesses in the community.

The road to success: Samantha Parent’s future in human resources

As senior Samantha Parent from Wixom, Michigan, races towards the finish line to complete her human resource management major, she has discovered her passion in building a better overall environment for companies. 

Three new dinosaurs stomping into Rood Hall Dino Park in summer 2023

Be prepared for more roars on campus: The Western Michigan University Dinosaur Park is about to gain three new friends, and it is all thanks to the Kalamazoo Gem and Mineral Society.

Western's Hilltop Village development ramps up with new parking structure, pedestrian bridge

In the next phase of the Hilltop Village project, crews will begin construction of a parking structure, pedestrian pathways and more green space in the south campus area.