WMU employees receive excellent benefits from the University and are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities. Register for an in-person informational session hosted by the WMU Graduate College to learn more about graduate program options, including application deadlines and requirements. Sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Graduate College (West Walwood Hall, East Campus, parking lot #1). If there is no registration, the session will be canceled that month, so be sure to register in advance!

• Wednesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.

Register at wmich.edu/grad/events.

Ben Higgins, an aviation management and operations student, has gained experience in a variety of areas through a Broncos Lead internship with the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.

The Michigan Geological Survey at Western will lead a project aimed at advancing commercial-scale carbon capture, transport and storage in the region in order to curb the impacts of climate change.

Two recent alumni and two small jazz groups secured awards in what’s considered the most prestigious competition in jazz education.

Jack Austin just wrapped up a second successful summer leading dozens of youth in a full-length production of "Beauty and the Beast" with Unity Theatre Company, which he founded two years ago.

Trevor Block, MBA student and WMU employee, is using the strategies taught in the MBA program to assist him in his role as a fundraiser for the University. While gaining new skills, he also has fulfilled bucket list items like a participating in a short-course study abroad opportunity. 

With funding from a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, a team of researchers at Western Michigan University are developing innovative self-characterizing and self-healing approaches for electromechanical energy conversion systems, which convert electrical energy into mechanical power. 

The 42nd annual Bronco Bash is set to be the largest in event history, with 500 registered student organizations, campus programs and resources, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations ready to connect and get the academic year started on a high note.

The ADN-to-BSN Completion grant, which was awarded to Kellogg Community College via the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, provides scholarship funds to help KCC nursing graduates transfer into Western's nursing program tuition-free.

In her interim role, Zeng will oversee the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, taking charge of its academic, programmatic, administrative and fiscal leadership. She will also provide Universitywide leadership in continuing global outreach efforts.

Initially focused on a career in professional sports, Gracie Shettler discovered a passion for community impact through the Broncos Lead Internship Program. An internship at Kzoo LEADERs allowed her to combine her love of sports with a commitment to uplifting local youth.

Robert (Bob) S. Kaiser, B.B.A.’78, owner and CEO of Kaiser Enterprise, has made an additional investment in the sales lab that bears his name at Western Michigan University. The new gift, which will become part of the lab’s endowment, allows the Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab to remain a state-of-the-art space, supported by best-in-class technology, faculty and experiences that prepare students for success in sales and business marketing.

As families head to campus for fall move-in, the City of Kalamazoo has some construction projects to be aware of while navigating the area.

Dr. Lillian Upton Smith joined Western as dean on July 1. Smith comes to Western from Northern Arizona University, where she served as dean of the College of Health and Human Services and a tenured professor of health sciences.

The Western Michigan University Cold Case Program received $200,000 in the new state budget to enhance experience-driven learning opportunities for students and improve the impact of the program.

Western Michigan University is one of five public universities selected to partner with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as it launches the Title IV-E Program, which aims to increase the number of child welfare workers in the state. Students who participate are eligible for $5,000 stipends per semester to help offset tuition expenses.

Dr. Samuel Beasley has co-developed a new framework to promote understanding and cooperation between different racial and ethnic groups. This framework, published in American Psychologist, aims to help psychologists address systemic racism and inequality.

Western has been undergoing a series of major construction projects throughout the late summer and continuing into the fall.

Project Clean MI, a collaboration led by Drs. Mert Atilhan and Autumn Haagsma that aims to develop a system to capture carbon dioxide from the air and safely store it underground, received $750,000 in the new state budget. The effort will aid the global goal of limiting the impact of greenhouse gases leading to climate change.

International company FinaMill sponsored a studio class for Western's product design program, challenging students to devise an innovative product for a chance at a two-week, all expenses paid trip to China. Students Ana Charnesky and Kelsi Schmottlach won and were whisked away on a once-in-a-lifetime cultural and manufacturing tour of the country.

Led by Dr. Laiyin Zhu from Western Michigan University, a team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about how Saharan dust could impact hurricane rainfall. It could be a major step forward in improving hurricane prediction and mitigation.

Students in the sales and marketing program at Western Michigan University receive a top education, with experience-driven classes and faculty who are experts in the field. Due to its stellar reputation and results, the Sales Education Foundation recently named the program in its list of top sales programs in the country, which makes it the 17th consecutive year the program has been included on the list.

Dr. Valerie Dixon, chair of the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, won the 2024 Sylvia Walker Education Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns.

The WMU Ghamma Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi continues to excel in the areas of academics, professionalism and leadership. The chapter was recognized for the 39th time as an elite chapter for its outstanding efforts during the 2023-24 academic year.

Joana Zuniga, B.S.'24,  will focus on building her students' academic, emotional, and social skills in preparation for kindergarten .

Kevin Barry, B.A.'06, won the Maryland Geographic Alliance's 2024 James B. Binko Award for his excellence in teaching and inspiring students.

WMU alumna Casey Dubina has been elected president of the Michigan American College Personnel Association. Dubina, who graduated from the higher education and student affairs leadership program, will advocate for college student educators across the state in her new role.