Frank Waln is a world renowned Indigenous hip-hop artist who is providing students with unique experiences across a multitude of educational platforms. 

Sept. 30, 2024—The University Libraries recognized two library employees for outstanding customer service to the Western Michigan University community—Cherise Fox and Dr. Kate Langan.

A recipient of the A. Robert Kleiner Memorial Scholarship, junior Nour Khaiara is achieving her academic and professional goals at Western Michigan University. Khaiara’s professional and academic recognition goes far beyond receiving this scholarship. WMU Haworth has provided her with resources to obtain the support she needs to succeed in her ambitions.

Western Michigan University is thrilled to kick off its new partnership with the Detroit Lions, marking an exciting milestone as the Lions’ official educational partner. Through this dynamic, three-year alliance, Western aims to strengthen its connection with alumni, current students and prospective students in the Detroit metro, where the University proudly has nearly 47,000 alumni.

Recognized as a meaningful acknowledgment, the award highlights the tireless efforts of individuals, departments and groups across campus who are dedicated to fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.

Dr. Daniel Macfarlane, associate professor of environmental and sustainability studies at Western Michigan University, is being celebrated for his impactful teaching and research that span multiple disciplines and hold great promise for future contributions.

Joining WMU in 2001, Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook earned her Ph.D. from Texas State University-San Marcos. As a professor of geography, she specializes in environmental geography, with a focus on natural disasters, risk management and environmental impact assessment.

Honorees are Grant Allers, WMU Public Safety police officer; William Mitchell, assistant manager of Valley Dining Center; David Prellwitz, gardener with Landscape Services; and Karmella Todd, senior administrative assistant the vice president for business and finance.

Drs. Whitney DeCamp, professor of sociology; Timothy Palmer, professor of management; and Dee Sherwood, associate professor of social work, are being honored with the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award during the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11.

Dr. Lisa Baker, professor of psychology; Dr. Kristina Lemmer, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Dr. Elena Litvinova, professor of physics, are the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Scholars. They will be recognized at the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11.

The celebration on Friday, Oct. 11, begins at 11 a.m. in Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center. It will honor the University's finest, including awards for exceptional teaching, service, longtime and emerging scholarly work.

Eight Western students received the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in 2024—a record for the University.

Western Michigan University's International Festival returns to campus on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. This free event welcomes students, staff, faculty and the community to celebrate diverse cultures and traditions showcased by student performances.

Individuals wishing to address the board during the meeting’s public comment sections must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25.

WeTalk, WeVote and Citizens Rising are collaborating to host a bipartisan panel to explore challenges facing democracy on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. in the WMU Student Center.

"ABET accreditation is a key indicator of the quality of our programs at WMU," says Dr. Steve Butt, dean of Western’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "It reflects our commitment to providing students with an education that aligns with global standards, equipping them with the skills and experiences that enhance their career prospects."

The College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University is recognizing the achievements of four alumni at the 26th annual CEHD Alumni Awards. Dr. Leadriane Roby and Dr. Donald E. Thompson will receive Golden Apple Awards, Dr. Odell Miller will be honored with a Keystone Early Career Award, and Trey Conner will be awarded a Keystone Meritorious Award.

The campaign supports critical programs that benefit the greater Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson and Lansing regions.

Dr. Kuanchin (KC) Chen, professor of business information systems and director of the Center for Business Analytics at Western Michigan University, has been awarded his third Fulbright Specialist Award, leading Western faculty in this recognition. One of the most prolific researchers in the Haworth College of Business, Chen has initiated many AI and analytics projects.

Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, who for the past seven years has steadily led Western to remarkable milestones—including its first enrollment increase in a decade in the second most competitive market in the nation, record student retention and six-year graduation rates, an all-time high in research productivity and the largest gift ever made for a public university in U.S. history—has announced that he will retire next summer.

Three local organizations are launching an event series this fall encouraging residents to engage with the question, “What is a life well lived?”

Fashion design and development student Sam Covell was accepted into Louisiana State University's "Hemp Impressions: Sustainable Fiber and Fashion Reimagined" exhibition.

Nick Ford's path to cybersecurity included studying music and earning an associate's degree. Now he is making an impact not only on his future but the future of STEM through events targeted to introducing technology to children.

The community medicine garden, located in front of Floyd Hall on Western's Parkview Campus, holds sage, sweetgrass and tobacco, which are sacred medicines of the Ojibwe medicine wheel.

For recent Western Michigan University graduate Ryan Rubarth, the field of finance is full of potential. The Haworth College of Business 2024 graduate from Macomb, Michigan, sped toward his future, getting involved in campus activities and internships.

The first 10 people to sign up for a book club receive a free book.

Ivan Delgado helped the National Collegiate Rugby All-American team sweep a three-match series in France over the summer.