Social work director awarded grant for student mental health initiative

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.  

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.

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. 

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 officials unveiled a name for its new multipurpose building in a surprise event on Monday, Nov. 17.

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.

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.

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. 

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."

This story explains how WMU Faculty Bring Global Learning to CHHS Students Through COIL Projects

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. 

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.

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.

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 immerses undergraduate and graduate students in the people, culture and everyday life of Tanzania.

The College of Education and Human Development has been honored by MIFCS with the prestigious 2025 Friend of FCS Award.

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.

For more than two decades, WMU’s Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) has welcomed visually impaired South Korean students.

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.

"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 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.

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.

Over the course of two days, nearly 1,200 Kalamazoo Public Schools first-year students will visit Western to engage with admissions staff and faculty, hear from registered student organizations and immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of a college student. It's part of a larger effort at WMU to help K-12 students learn about the steps needed to prepare for college and the opportunities available at Western.

Dr. Kimberly Carter, M.A.’02, superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools, has been named the 2026 Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.

Some WMU offices will close or operate during limited hours Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 27-30. Students, faculty, staff and the public are encouraged to call ahead to make sure that a particular office on campus is open.