February 2026 WMU News

WMU departments collaborate to advance addiction prevention and care

This is a story about public health faculty and WMed collaborating to advance addiction care.

Where Aviation Meets Ambition: A Career That Has Taken Reina Cooke Global

When you cast your career lot with the aviation industry, one can expect to fill out a passport or two. But in Reina Cooke's wildest dreams growing up near Detroit in an international-oriented family, she probably never imagined visiting all of the planet's continents -- and we mean all of them.  The latest being Antarctica, reached after a cruise from Argentina.

New study abroad experience for first-year students launches a WMU education in the Dominican Republic

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education is proud to announce a new WMU Study Abroad program exclusive to first‑year students. Registration for Economics in our Daily Lives: Perspectives from the Dominican Republic is now open.

Stability and support: Education alum journey from TRIO FESP to camp leadership

After flourishing through the mentorship and support of Western Michigan University's TRIO Future Educator Success Program, Grace Eishen now serves as a role model and leader for both campers and staff as the day camp director at Sherman Lake YMCA.

WMU Board of Trustees to meet in formal session Thursday, Feb. 12

Trustees will consider the election of board officers, revisions to board bylaws and a proposal to transition stewardship of the Asylum Lake Preserve to Kalamazoo County. 

Nicole Blankenship is designing a future in engineering technology

Inspired by the opportunity to make change in the world, engineering design technology and German language student Nicole Blankenship is gearing up for a career that is always evolving. 

NINJIO Cybersecurity Training Launches for Students on Feb. 24

Western Michigan University is launching NINJIO cybersecurity training for students, expanding its successful partnership to help students recognize real-world cyber threats and build practical security skills. Backed by student organizations including WRAVEN, the Bronco Cybersecurity Club, Western Student Association, and the Graduate Student Association, the training features short, engaging episodes designed to fit into busy student schedules while promoting a strong campus security culture.

Student Spotlight: Hannah Craft - Blending Data, Creativity, and Customer Service

Hannah Craft is a Business Analytics major and Student Tech I with WMU’s Office of Information Technology. Through her work at the OIT Help Desk, she supports the campus community while building technical, customer service, and professional skills that align with her academic goals and future career in data and business.

Operation Hat Trick scholarship supports WMU grad student and Army veteran

Mandy Rodriguez of Hartford, Michigan, is pursuing a Master of Arts in early childhood general/special education.

Western Michigan University honored with national award for the Urban Teacher Residency Program

The College of Education and Human Development has received the 2026 AACTE Increasing Educator Diversity: Promising Practice Award for its impactful Urban Teacher Residency Program. The initiative is being honored for its equity-driven approach to helping paraprofessionals and substitute teachers in Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor school districts earn full certification and diversify the state’s teaching workforce.

Visual Impairment & Orientation and Mobility scholarship now accepting applications

BSON partners with University Libraries to enhance medication training

Trevon Harris invests in a career that adds up

Senior accountancy student, Trevon Harris, is preparing to take on a competitive career field through valuable internship and study abroad experiences. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Harris has worked to become an accounting expert at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business with the support of student organizations and student-centered business networks.