December 2025 WMU News

Early release Dec. 23 due to campuswide network connectivity issues

Except for essential services, all Western Michigan University campuses closed as of 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 23, to allow for repairs needed to stabilize network connectivity.

College of Education and Human Development instructors earn university awards for first-year experience course

Western Michigan University honored Derek Andree and Abby Voss from the College of Education and Human Development as Instructor and Co-facilitator of the Year for their exceptional teaching and commitment to student success in the First-Year Experience program.

Applications are open for WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First-Generation Students

The application period for the WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First-Generation Students is open through Friday, Jan. 16. The scholarship was first announced earlier this semester as an innovative partnership between the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors (WMU-AAUP) and WMU President Russ Kavalhuna.

Supply chain student leverages networking to secure internships and full-time job

Nathan Clarke, a senior supply chain management student, is preparing for the workforce through four internships with the same company, stemming from networking experiences his freshman year. WMU Haworth’s involvement in Clarke’s experiences has been extremely influential. 

Earning a CPA license before graduation: A valuable asset

Instead of leaving exam preparation until after graduation, accountancy faculty wanted master's students to engage with the advanced concepts for the CPA exam while they still had faculty support and a built-in structure. The result? Greater confidence and higher exam pass rates.

Never too late: WMU dad surprises family by finishing degree

A.J. Tate started his collegiate journey 25 years ago. With the support of tuition reimbursement from his employer, Zoetis, and the encouragement of his academic advisor, he completed all the credits he needed to earn his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.

Repeated recognition: WMU food marketing program wins industry award for second consecutive year

Western Michigan University’s food marketing program is being recognized for industry exceptionalism by Progressive Grocer once again. With its Impact Awards, Progressive Grocer highlights outstanding grocers, suppliers, service providers and organizations that positively affect society. WMU is the first and only university to win this award.

Scholarship support helps WMU student bring technology access to rural Ghana

Marian Clara Fueri, a senior in the Healthcare Services and Sciences program, is the recipient of the Alexandra Burgett Scholarship through the College of Health and Human Services.

Libraries awards nine Open Educational Resources Grants

The University Libraries has awarded Open Educational Resources (OER) grants to nine Western faculty members, helping to lower textbook costs for students enrolled in these courses.

WMU MBA student embraces bold choices, new beginnings

“I’ve always enjoyed working with people and so much of business is rooted in relationships, communication and using your strengths to create a healthy, productive environment,” says MBA student Mackenzie Shepherd. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Shepherd is mastering business skills as she tackles the second year of the MBA program at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. 

Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh reflects on his start at Western: ‘The greatest three coaching years of my life’

Before he was a lauded NFL coach, John Harbaugh, M.A.'89, cut his teeth as a graduate assistant for Bronco football, building a foundation for a legendary career under the guidance of his head coach and father, Jack.

Behind the Boarding Gate: Brady Wilson’s Impact on Aviation Management

Brady Wilson is the poster child for what a college education is all about and how it can catapult one's career and life. On a spring Saturday in 2022, he walked across the Miller Auditorium stage to receive his degree in airport management and operations, and on Monday he was in the employ of Delta Air Lines at its hub in Atlanta, Ga. 

Political science grad eyes future in advocacy for refugees, immigrants

A Medallion and Seita Scholar, Mehran (Zabi) Najafi has embraced Experience-Driven Learning at Western Michigan University. An internship with a state legislator, multiple study abroad trips and a visit to the United Nations in New York City have put him on course to pursue a career advocating for immigrant and refugee rights.

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences celebrates 60 years of excellence 

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences recently celebrated six decades of academic excellence, research innovation and community engagement through a series of events on campus.  

Elevating his manufacturing engineering education through Argonne internships

During his time at Western Michigan University, Joe Funk set out to make the most of his undergraduate studies. Funk found exciting challenges both in the classroom and with experience-driven learning in the many labs at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Winter recess 2025-26: Know your campus hours

Some campus services will close or operate during limited hours until the start of the spring semester, which begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12. 

Swain Education Library update

Swain Education Library operations have concluded after 61 years of service, and the space will transform into the new Swain Student Success Center. All library collections and services are available at Waldo Library and the Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

WMU’s student-run WIDR-FM receives national, international recognition

Students at WIDR-FM are finalists in 16 award categories between the 2025-26 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards and the 2025 International Student Broadcasting Championship, including Best Overall Station for the second year in a row.

Broncos give back: WMU students strengthen Kalamazoo community during annual Cares Day

More than 200 Western Michigan University students served the Kalamazoo community during the College of Education and Human Development’s annual Cares Day on Nov. 18.

Champion for college: Grad student wins statewide award for guiding high schoolers

Malitta Dillard, a master’s student in the higher education and student affairs program, has been awarded the Michigan College Access Network’s Ombudsman Award for her exceptional dedication to guiding Taylor High School students through the college exploration and application process.

Art grad curates impressive resume through Experience-Driven Learning

Hope Donovan, aka artist Nervous Giraffe, discovered her passion for art curation and museum management at Western Michigan University while also building her leadership and networking skills by getting involved in multiple organizations on campus.

Got lag? Doctoral student’s research connects gaming performance to exercise science

Lilin Lan has discovered a method to help competitive gamers improve their performance through the use of high-intensity interval training workouts.

Lessons in language: Mastering Japanese, computer engineering opens doors for WMU grad

Noah Braasch was able to turn his dreams of studying abroad into a reality at Western, earning a full-ride scholarship to study for a year Tokyo, Japan. While earning accolades as a standout in the world languages program, Braasch also capitalized on Experience-Driven Learning opportunities in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences to build a strong foundation in computer engineering.

Alumni spotlight: Phindi’s journey through WMU’s IHS Ph.D. program

Phindi is a very successful global health worker for the CDC

WMU Board of Trustees to meet in formal session Thursday, Dec. 4

Trustees will consider 2026-27 student housing and meal rates, curriculum proposals and a personnel report. 

Light Center for Chinese Studies funds a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online language studies platform in 2025

The 2025 Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies Research Grant awards support three innovative projects: a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online Chinese language studies platform.

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

For 50 years, students from all corners of the world have come to Western Michigan University with one goal: to learn English and transform their future.

Western to celebrate 1,100+ new graduates on Dec. 13

Graduates hail from 37 countries, including the United States, and will participate in one of two programs at Miller Auditorium.