2024 WMU News

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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

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.

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."

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.