May 2024 WMU News

Graduate student awarded for research in sustainability

Western graduate student Esther Forson was selected as a winner of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Society for Engineering and Management Systems Best Student Paper Competition.

Mathematics student accepted into prestigious international program

Approaching his final year as an undergraduate at Western, Garrett Nichols is looking ahead, applying to graduate programs and thinking about his future career. He recognizes that his studies at BSM, equivalent to graduate-level coursework, will not only challenge him academically but also highlight the intensity of his education and his ability to succeed.

Evaluation Center executive director honored with statewide evaluation award

In announcing the award, the Michigan Association for Evaluation highlighted  Dr. Lori Wingate’s consistent leadership and significant contributions to the field of evaluation through scholarship, mentoring and innovative initiatives.

Collaborative effort at WMU supports health and safety of firefighters

The Department of Human Performance and Health Education and WMU Sports Medicine Clinic at Western Michigan University joined Sindecuse Health Center to provide annual physical examinations for 108 firefighters.

New director appointed to lead Michigan Geological Survey

Western Michigan University announces the appointment of Sara Pearson, an alumna of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, as the incoming director of the Michigan Geological Survey.

Sky Broncos tie for fifth in 2024 national flight competition

Overall performances helped the 15-member team earn fourth place for the judges trophy, fourth in ground events and 10th in flight events at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) May 13-18 at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport.

Professor awarded fellowship to support transportation engineering in Africa

The project is one of 60 newly funded projects that pair African Diaspora scholars with higher education institutions and collaborators in Africa to work together on curriculum co-development, collaborative research, graduate training and mentoring activities in 2024.

Faculty member, students honored by YWCA Kalamazoo for their positive impact

All from the College of Education and Human Development, Dr. Carla Adkison-Johnson, Genesis Griffin and Breyana Wilson will be honored at a celebration on May 23.

Western opens door to life-changing experiences for business law grad

From studying abroad and interning at the state capital to serving in student government and leading multiple organizations, Will Roosien made the most of his time at Western. Now he's looking forward to pursuing a further education—and possibly a career—in international studies.

Associate professor inducted into Marquis' Who's Who for top professors in Michigan

Dr. Wanda Hadley was selected for her research focusing on the academic and emotional issues first-year students with learning disabilities experience entering college.

Engineering student designs her future at WMU

After graduating, Lily Kieliszewski plans to pursue a master’s in manufacturing engineering then become a design engineer.

Therapy Dog Clinic awarded grant

The Therapy Dog Clinic was established in August 2022 after the presence of therapy dogs within the facility, primarily as part of the Children’s Trauma Assessment Center and Resiliency Center for Families and Children, showed research-based efficacy.

Educational leadership alum receives Lifetime Achievement Award for work in career and technical education

Dr. Brian Pyles, Ph.D,'07, educational leadership; M.A.'94, educational leadership, received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to career and technical education.

Western advisor receives Patriot Award for support of military student

Derek Andree, the assistant director of admissions and advising in the College of Education and Human Development, received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award recognizes civilian supervisors of Reserve Component Service members who demonstrate support during their employment.

One-of-a-kind small and medium business conference to be held in downtown Kalamazoo

A new conference focused on small and medium businesses and their unique needs is being hosted by Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business on Sept. 25 and 26. The Co. Lab offers engaging presentations and interactive sessions led by seasoned leaders who will share their firsthand inspiring experiences and practical advice.

Medieval historian wins WMU’s 2024 Gründler Book Prize

Dr. Jonathan R. Lyon, professor of medieval history at the University of Chicago, is the winner of the 2024 Gründler prize for “Corruption, Protection and Justice in Medieval Europe: A Thousand-Year History.”

Education alum and teacher selected as state finalist for Presidential Award

Janice Kato was announced a state finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by the Michigan Department of Education on May 9.

Dennis Simpson nominated for MASU Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year

The Michigan Association of State Universities Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year recognition program recognizes outstanding faculty contributions to undergraduate instruction. This year, Western Michigan University nominated Dr. C. Dennis Simpson, professor in the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the College of Health and Human Services.

Education and human development alumni recognized as top teachers of Jackson

Published in Jackson Magazine's May 2024 edition, teachers on this list demonstrate commitment, connection and caring of their students.

Graduate student ready for new career in organizational change leadership

Sarah Eggerstedt will be joining a team to develop training programs for the University of Michigan's Information and Technology Services. The programs will teach employees about the transformative powers of organizational change within a department.

Nutrition and dietetics student receives award for excelling in internship with VA

Derek Fisher received the Outstanding Student Award by demonstrating academic achievement, leadership and professional potential at his internship with the Battle Creek Veterans Affair Medical Center. He was honored at the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' annual conference.

Ethical labor, sustainable supply chain among topics tackled in second Bronco Challenge

Team Full Disclosure, which conceptualized an innovative data collection reporting tool designed to incentivize businesses to integrate ethical labor practices into their international supply chains, won the top prize in the 2024 Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact.

Nutrition and dietetics program celebrates Michigan's new licensure law

Students in WMU's nutrition and dietetics program will now be able to be licensed as a medical professional in the State of Michigan.

Education students mingle with reptiles during visit from alligator sanctuary

Students studying elementary education got a surprise visit from the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary during class. They had the opportunity to meet the sanctuary's different reptiles.