After graduating from Western Michigan University’s cybersecurity program in 2024, which was still in its infancy at the time, Kane Greer had one main objective: land a government job. Today, he is the first and only cybersecurity professional for the city of South Bend, Indiana.

Dr. Brooks Applegate, professor of evaluation, measurement and research, and Dr. Fritz Allhoff, professor of philosophy, have received Distinguished Faculty Scholar Awards, Western Michigan University’s highest honor for research.

Dr. Evan Kutzler, associate professor of history, is receiving Western Michigan University’s 2026 Emerging Scholar Award for research and public history projects that span Civil War prisons, African American history, historic preservation and local history.

Dr. Christina Chin and Dr. Brian Gogan have received the Distinguished Service Award, one of Western Michigan University’s highest honors recognizing faculty members whose innovative and impactful contributions enhance academic programs and strengthen the WMU community.

From mentoring musicians as they hone their craft to helping students understand the real-world impact of geography, Dr. Martha Councell-Vargas and Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook, respectively, have made lasting contributions to student success at Western Michigan University. In recognition of their outstanding teaching, Councell-Vargas and DeChano-Cook have been named recipients of WMU’s fall 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award, the University’s highest honor for teaching excellence.

Western Michigan University is recognizing four exceptional staff members whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the broader community. Victoria Hastings, Giulia Hayes, Chris Salvaggio and Teri Wagner are the University’s Make a Difference Annual Award recipients.

The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. in the Fetzer Center’s Kirsch Auditorium.

Senior Alex Little is receiving a $5,000 scholarship from Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management & Education (AWESOME). She is one of only 20 students from across the country selected for the honor. And Little is the definition of a woman leader in supply chain: someone who others look to for direction, sound supply chain practices and fresh ideas.

Career-deciding moments are generally forged by long-standing patterns of behavior, by insightful perspectives from family and friends, or by the trusted opinions of people we value. 

Free national computing, AI, and data resources for WMU researchers. Come find out what's available. Join Merit Network's, Director of Research, Dr. Pierrette Dagg, on October 15 for an overview of HPC, AI, and research data resources you can use now, followed by an informal meet-and-mingle. Learn what's out there, ask questions, and tell us what would be useful. 

The University has learned of a manufacturer’s voluntary safety recall on the stand-alone heating and air conditioning units in Valley Oaks. There have been no known safety issues with the units at WMU. Out of an abundance of caution, the units are being unplugged and residents are being asked to keep them disconnected until further notice. 

Join us pregame for Buster's Block Party featuring @3oh3 !🎤
 

HOMEcoming Week is almost here, Broncos! 💛🤎