2023 WMU News

Data is only the beginning for ambitious business student

Ethan Collyer, a senior studying computer information systems at Western’s Haworth College of Business, is putting himself out into the professional business world one step at a time. Collyer is passionate about the work he is doing and is always looking for new opportunities.

Spencer Gould is energized for his future

Spencer Gould is a student finding his place in the world through his studies at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. A business analytics major, the senior has jumped into the exciting opportunities and experiences at WMU Haworth, starting with a rewarding internship with a company he continues to work for today. 

Endowed scholarship honors health and physical education chair's legacy

The Dr. Roger and Elizabeth Zabik Endowed Scholarship will honor the life of Roger, professor and former chair in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education. The scholarship will provide financial support for students in the department.

WMU digital marketing student wins first place in national Adobe competition

Western student Crizio Sinuraya was named the overall winner and recipient of a $10,000 prize in Adobe’s 2023 Digital Edge Awards from more than 1,400 entries.

High-dose flu and updated COVID-19 immunizations available

Both the high- or regular-dose influenza and COVID-19 shots can be given in a single appointment session.

Education and human development honors alumni at 25th annual award ceremony

The 25th Annual CEHD Alumni Awards reception will be held during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, Oct. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Fetzer Center.

Student earns outstanding poster award for machine learning work

WMU Ph.D. student Andrew Messecar  is developing algorithms that recognize patterns in existing research data to determine the best way to use molecular beam epitaxy to grow crystals of electronic materials. These materials and the information being uncovered about how they synthesize will be used to enhance the functionality and performance of next–generation electronic devices.

Board of Trustees to meet Thursday

Contact Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, to address the board during the public comment periods.

WMU Sanford Center program manager helps Burmese-American teens learn about finances

Todd Mora, B.B.A.’85, MBA ’94, program manager for the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness in the WMU Haworth College of Business, spent a week this summer with students at the Burma Center talking to them about career selection, college and post-secondary training selection and budgeting, overall financial management, saving versus investing versus speculating, insurance, budgeting for housing costs and retirement planning.

Western’s new associate provost for equity-centered initiatives champions systemic educational equity and inclusion

Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez, Western's new associate provost for equity-centered initiatives, is recognized as a national leader in educational equity and inclusion. Rodríguez serves on a 21-member commission that advises the president on educational equity for the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Ethics Book Clubs examine environment, prison and racism

 Two clubs will conduct their discussions in person, and the other will meet virtually. All are open to the public. The first 10 people to sign-up receive a free book.

In pursuing MBA, Jacobi Wright’s career takes flight

Having already achieved an undergraduate degree in aviation management and operations, Jacobi Wright, B.A.'22, decided to pursue a master’s degree in business.

Western alumna highlights first-generation Latinx student journeys at documentary screening

The free documentary screening will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 in the WMU Student Center ballroom.

WMU research team awarded National Science Foundation grant for AI readiness through cyber training

Western Michigan University is being recognized for cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI). An interdisciplinary team has been awarded a four-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to research AI readiness through cyber training.

Installation of innovative stormwater treatment system underway at Asylum Lake

The core of this project involves installing a stormwater treatment device that uses technology and natural processes to prevent phosphorus, sediment and other pollutants from being released into the lake from untreated urban stormwater. A second element, engaging researchers at Western, includes a never-before-tried technique designed to safeguard the lake from contamination caused by road salt runoff. 

WMU’s ROTC cadets excel in state, region and nation during capstone training exercises

Fifteen Bronco Battalion cadets received outstanding or excellent marks for the annual ROTC Cadet Summer Training, a 30-day camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where thousands of cadets become one step closer to commissioning.

WMU researcher making groundbreaking gains in filtration of toxic chemicals

Dr. Mert Atilhan's work related to removing harmful toxins from the atmosphere could lead to greener, more efficient filtration systems at factories around the world.

WMU student chapter receives Superior Merit Award from SHRM

The designation recognizes the student chapter for providing exemplary growth and development opportunities to its members. The award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and highlights outstanding activities and projects.

Counselor education faculty named director of campus counseling center

Dr. LaCretisha McDole joins WMU's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services in Kalamazoo as clinic director. 

Evaluation students finish as runner-ups in national case competition

The competition challenged teams to analyze a case and develop an evaluation plan for an organization facing a contemporary issue.

Assistant professor to present on professional identity in counselor education

Dr. Olivia Ngadjui, assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, will be traveling to Amsterdam to present her research on professional identity development among counselor educators. She is hopeful her presentation will encourage counseling educators to be more open in promoting advancement and curiosity among their students.

Fall lecture series taps international ethics experts

The fall semester talks sponsored by Western's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society are free and open to the public.

New affiliation creates opportunity for international experiences in student affairs education

The goal of the new affiliation between the College of Education and Human Development's higher education and student affairs leadership program and the University of Toronto is for graduate students to gain international field experiences.

Western Michigan University recognized for innovation in sustainability

Experience-driven learning opportunities focused on closing the sustainability skills gap have earned the University recognition as a top performer in the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index.

Broncos receive 2023 Excellence in Diversity Awards for commitment to diversity and inclusion

The recipients for the award are Tony Dennis, director of graduate student recruitment and retention; international student Leah Latumaerissa; and the WMU Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Culture, fashion and food on display as Western's International Festival moves to new venue

The International Festival is a celebration of the University’s diverse student body and offers a unique opportunity for attendees to experience a wide range of cultures, fashion and food.

Fiesta, film screening, dancing and more celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 at Western

Hispanic Heritage Month was initially observed federally as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was extended to a month in 1988 and has since been celebrated nationwide to recognize the diverse cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of American Latinos.

Educator honored with Emerging Scholar Award for global work to expand critical public health knowledge

Dr. Shannon McMorrow, associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs and returning master’s of public health program director, is the recipient of Western’s Emerging Scholar Award.

Western’s Distinguished Teaching Award recipient engages learning inside and outside of the classroom

Initiated in 2006, the Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for their teaching work. Dr. David Rudge, professor of biological sciences who holds a joint appointment in the Mallinson Institute for Science Education, joins 36 other faculty members who have been honored.

Physics professor honored with Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award for supporting student STEM success

Dr. Charles Henderson is being recognized for his exceptional work to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning for undergraduates.