April 2024 WMU News

Assistant professor analyzes the experiences of Black doctoral students in counselor education programs

Through intensive interviews with past and current Black doctoral students, Western's Dr. Olivia Ngadjui examines how they navigate through counselor education programs at predominantly white institutions.

The Evaluation Center announces launch of innovative e-learning courses on program evaluation

Created by Drs. Lori Wingate and Kelly Robertson, Valeo is a new way for people to engage in practical e-learning about program evaluation.

Western's graduate public affairs program rises in U.S. News and World Report rankings

Western Michigan University's School of Public Affairs and Administration continues its upward trajectory in the prestigious U.S. News and World Report rankings. In the 2024 ranking of Best Public Affairs Graduate Programs recently released, Western is tied for No. 135, a rise of 12 ranking positions from the year prior.

Bolstered by impactful experiences, 94% of recent Western grads securing jobs, furthering education

A new report finds Western Michigan University graduates are landing jobs and pursuing further education at increasingly high rates: 94% of recent alumni are working or continuing their education quickly after graduation—and 74% of graduates between August 2022 and June 2023 chose to stay in Michigan.

Impactful experiences empower theatre grad to script ambitious future

Jimmie Comer III came to Western to develop as an actor, but he's leaving with a broader foundation in leadership and community-building that will give him an edge as he works toward his dream of owning a theatre and production studio.

College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff recognized for achievements

Western Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Arts and Sciences Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards. Recipients were honored during a ceremony on April 12.

WMU students, faculty take top awards at engineering education conference

Western students and faculty earned awards at the American Society for Engineering and Education’s 2024 North Central Section Conference, including first place for Best Student Paper and Best Professional Paper and third place for Best Student Poster.

From Middle East to Midwest, aviation management student thrives through new opportunities

Varsha Sundareswaran, an international student from Bahrain, is flying high after landing a maintenance record internship with Duncan Aviation, where she'll continue building on the industry knowledge she racked up at Western.

Eight Western instructors awarded grants to adopt Open Educational Resources

The University Libraries awarded eight Open Educational Resources Adoption Grants to Western instructors in April. The grants are anticipated to save over 1,240 students in 11 courses an estimated $100,000 in textbook costs based on projected course enrollment.

Counseling alum writes her trauma and journey to heal with memoir

Demarra West, M.A.'10, details her early childhood trauma in memoir, "Me Too: A Therapist's Journey to Heal, Find Liberation, & Joy." The book also provides a roadmap to help other trauma survivors.

Mentorship, leadership opportunities open world of possibility for education graduate

Breyana Wilson was inspired by role models she found at Western to pursue her passion for education and mentorship as a Kalamazoo Promise pathway coach after graduation.

College storyteller and marketer lauded for his impact, honored with staff semi-annual award

Chris Hybels has been named recipient of the 2024 College of Education and Human Development Spring Staff Semi-Annual Award. This high-achieving award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and make outstanding contributions in support of faculty, staff, students, administrators and all those served by CEHD.

Logan Burgos: hitting a homerun in sports marketing

Senior Logan Burgos is taking his classroom learning onto the field—and the ice. Internships with the Battle Creek Battle Jacks and a spring break stint with the NHL Florida Panthers, are immersing him in the world of game presentation and giving him a glimpse of his dream career post graduation.

WMU student receives $10,000 fellowship

Sergei Akhmatdinov, B.S.E.’23, has been named a Tau Beta Pi Fellow, earning a $10,000 stipend for graduate studies in engineering.

WMU Board of Trustees to meet in formal session Thursday, April 25

Individuals wishing to address the board during the meeting’s public comment sections must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.

Choosing a business minor helps aviation student’s career take flight

Shaun Orlikowski paired his aviation management and operations major with a general business minor, and he is ready to jet off to a successful future when he graduates in fall 2024. He encourages other students to consider a business minor, due to both the versatility and customization that business minors provide in aligning education and career goals.

WMU to host Science Olympiad statewide competition

Nearly 2,000 students in grades 6-12 who were the top winners from each of Michigan's regional events will descend on WMU’s campus for the event.

Teacher education students awarded inaugural innovation research fellowship

Three teacher education students were chosen for the Dr. Donald E. Thompson Innovation Research Fellowship. This fellowship provides a year of tuition to promising creative thinkers who will develop research to improve K-12 education.

Brandon Owen has found where he belongs

Brandon Owen, a junior supply chain management student, has explored his many opportunities at WMU Haworth to find where he fits. Using his CliftonStrengths to guide him, Owen is following a path of academic and professional development.

New program teaches business students how to ask valuable questions

The Haworth College of Business has created a comprehensive program to help students become skilled at asking valuable questions. The FRAME™ methodology teaches students to ask questions that are focused, relevant, assertive, mindful and eloquent (FRAME™), which fosters the confidence to be a great team member in the classroom and beyond.

Western welcomes medieval scholars to ‘heart of campus’ for 2024 International Congress

This year, the physical footprint of the Congress includes the WMU Student Center and Sangren Hall, as well as Waldo Library and Kanley Chapel.

Engineering grad accelerates industry impact through projects, internships

Julia Haas says the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' connections to industry leaders and focus on real-world projects and experiences has put her on the fast-track to success in her career.

Western students lead strategy development to keep young professionals in Kalamazoo

From networking and event planning to new downtown housing and electric scooters, students in the leadership and business strategy practicum are helping the Monroe-Brown Foundation solve the "brain drain."

Externships, research opportunities helped nursing grad chart path to success

David Le is ready to hit the ground running as a graduate nurse in critical care at Bronson Methodist Hospital after taking part in impactful industry research and experiences as an undergraduate.

WMU finance student wins international scholarship from DECA

Natalie Ferriell received a $5,000 international scholarship from DECA, one of just two awarded to college students in 2024. This past February at the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference, she placed first in the corporate finance individual case study event and in the top six in the sports marketing team case study event.

Technical skills and personal growth propel student's experience

During a tour of Western, Jacob Robert recognized the University’s commitment to diversity and sustainability, and that helped clinch his decision to attend the University.

Broncos gather near and far to experience total solar eclipse

Students, faculty and staff brought out blankets and lawn chairs, shared eclipse viewing glasses and joined in mini watch parties outside spots like Lee Honors College, Miller Fountain, Floyd Hall and the tarmac at the College of Aviation—some Bronco athletes even took in the view from Waldo Stadium.

WMU Libraries publishes two new open textbooks

Western students and learners worldwide now have free online access to two new open textbooks published by Western Michigan University Libraries.

Western celebrates spring 2024 graduates earning more than 2,100 degrees April 27

Graduates hail from 39 countries including the United States and will participate in one of four programs beginning at 9 a.m. at Miller Auditorium.

Prescribed burns planned at Asylum Lake April 22

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on April 22, 18 acres of prairie and savannah and 17.3 acres of forest—a total of 35.3 acres south of big Asylum Lake and west of little Asylum Lake—will be burned if weather conditions allow.