Bound for success: College of Education and Human Development’s book sale smashes fundraising goals
Driven by student volunteers who prepared wrapped books with clues, the college’s Blind Date with a Book fundraiser sold more than 500 books on Nov. 18, raising a record-breaking $2,500 for the literacy nonprofit Read and Write Kalamazoo.
Students apply real-world skills in capstone projects presented at Senior Engineering Design Conference
Undergraduate students across Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are preparing for one of their biggest accomplishments yet: they are getting ready to graduate. As a part of this accomplishment, seniors develop capstone projects to be presented at the Senior Engineering Design Conference every fall and spring semester.
Social work students strengthen partnership with Honor Credit Union’s Community Connection Center
The partnership continues with the School of Social Work and Honor Credit Union
Social work director awarded grant for student mental health initiative
Social work director awarded grant for student mental health initiative
Superheroes and pursuing advanced learning: mechanical engineering student finds inspiration in unexpected places
Now a junior in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Dorian Olson’s plans to become a mechanical engineer are coming to fruition. Olson chose Western because he knew it would offer him the opportunities he needed to succeed in his field.
New federal grant will help WMU meet critical need for early childhood special education professionals
Supported by a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education, Project SHINE will prepare personnel working in early childhood special education—specifically with young children who have high-intensity needs.
WMU hosts Michigan high school students for programming competition
Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences hosted its first ever high school computer programming contest Saturday, Nov. 15, showcasing the talents of the future generation of computer scientists and engineers.
Food marketing student’s enthusiasm leads to early career successes
Western Michigan University senior Leena Shrum is excited to work in an industry that is always changing. The food marketing student from Woodhaven, Michigan, is gathering a store of resources for her future through her academic opportunities at the Haworth College of Business.
Kalamazoo Farmers Market Unveils Don Cooney Cultivation Center
Kalamazoo officials unveiled a name for its new multipurpose building in a surprise event on Monday, Nov. 17.
Employee spotlight: Meredith Farrer
The University Libraries welcomes Meredith Farrer, Manager, User Services, to the library team.
Libraries to upgrade library search software on Dec. 15
The University Libraries will upgrade its Library search tool on Monday, Dec. 15. The search interface and login will look the same, but the upgrade requires a new Library Search link.
Experiential learning in public relations at WMU
When public relations majors at WMU trade their hoodies for business casual as they cross the threshold from student to employee, they already have a briefcase full of experience before their first day on the job.
Project Spotlight: Inside WMU’s Phone Transition – A Modern Upgrade
Western Michigan University has officially wrapped up the Phone Services Transition Project, ushering in a new era of communication across campus. This wasn’t just a technical upgrade—it was a strategic move to modernize how we connect, collaborate, and work together.
Staff Spotlight: Anthony Smith – From Student Technician to IT Specialist
Anthony Smith, a Help Desk Specialist at WMU’s Office of Information Technology, shares his journey from growing up in Lawrence, Michigan, to becoming a full-time staff member after working as a student technician. With strong family ties to WMU and a passion for technology, Anthony now supports users through troubleshooting and mentoring student techs. He's pursuing a master's in cybersecurity while leveraging professional development opportunities on campus. Outside work, Anthony enjoys exploring Kalamazoo, gaming, and sports. His advice to students: "Apply for opportunities that interest you—you never know where they'll lead."
WMU faculty bring global learning to CHHS students through COIL projects
This story explains how WMU Faculty Bring Global Learning to CHHS Students Through COIL Projects
From Army Skies to Life-Saving Flights: The Journey of Brian Vanderberg
Ever watch one of those emergency helicopters sit down at a hospital complex and wonder who the pilot is? Well, one of those "who's" is Brian Vanderberg, a 1991 graduate of WMU's aviation program, and he's been at those controls for almost a quarter of a century. A Kalamazoo-area native and a member of the class of 1986 at Portage Central High School, Vanderberg used a seven-year stint in the U.S. Army as a catapult to his civilian career that began in 2002.
From DECA to DataDirect, George LaForce is building networks and confidence
Western Michigan University digital marketing senior George LaForce has reached new professional heights through student organizations like DECA and hands-on learning at internship opportunities at the Haworth College of Business.
“Say yes to opportunities”: Desiree Krawczyk on growth and grit at WMU Haworth
Junior finance and leadership and business strategy student Desiree Krawczyk is planting the seeds of success through student organizations, real-world applications, and study abroad experiences. Hailing from Walled Lake, Michigan, Krawczyk has found ways to shine at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business.
’Tis the season: 2025 holiday trends
Ready for the holidays? Faculty members in Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business offer their expertise on the economy, supply chains, consumer behavior, AI and family finances for the holiday season, highlighting the trends to watch.
Nerves of steel prevail as WMU sales students win big at Steel City Sales Challenge
Western Michigan University sales and business marketing students were victorious at the Steel City Sales Challenge, hosted by Duquesne University’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business in late October. Drew Gassman placed first in the elevator pitch competition, claiming a $1,500 prize, and Josh Major placed second in the role-play competition, earning a $2,500 prize.
Culture, Communication and Community Development in Tanzania: A transformative study abroad experience
Culture, Communication and Community Development in Tanzania immerses undergraduate and graduate students in the people, culture and everyday life of Tanzania.
WMU’s College of Education and Human Development honored with 2025 Friend of FCS Award
The College of Education and Human Development has been honored by MIFCS with the prestigious 2025 Friend of FCS Award.
Travel Award Winners Announced for the 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies
Please join us in congratulating the following travel award winners for this year's International Congress on Medieval Studies (ICMS). The Medieval Institute and the Richard Rawlinson Center at Western Michigan University offer competitive travel awards for those traveling to Kalamazoo to give papers in sponsored and special sessions at ICMS in the spring of each year. To learn more about the annual travel awards offered and how to apply, please visit the ICMS website. The following are the winners of travel awards for the 61st meeting of the Congress.
Breaking Barriers: Blind international students find opportunity at WMU
For more than two decades, WMU’s Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) has welcomed visually impaired South Korean students.
Doctoral candidate charts course for success in world championship sailing win
Mohammed Asif, a mechanical engineering doctoral student at Western Michigan University, recently won the 2025 Vintage Gold Cup against the top sailors from around the globe.
WMU cybersecurity program receives ABET accreditation
"The ABET accreditation affirms the excellence of this program and confirms that our graduates receive an education that aligns with global standards and prepares them for future success," says Dr. Steve Butt, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, about WMU earning accreditation for its B.S. in cybersecurity program.
WMU to Host Michigan Pre-College & Youth Outreach Conference in 2026
WMU has been chosen to host the Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference for 2026. Save the date of October 22, 2026 and join us for this amazing conference. Learn more at michiganpcc.org.
Building bridges to the CPA profession: Dr. Brittani Shantel Jackson, CPA and NABA at WMU student chapter recognized with emerging leadership awards
WMU accountancy professor Dr. Brittani Shantel Jackson, CPA and the NABA at WMU student chapter she advises both earned Michigan CPA honors. Jackson was named a Women to Watch – Emerging Leader while the chapter received the Future of Accounting award for building pathways to the CPA profession.