Handing off the reins
Russ Kavalhuna, a proud Western alumnus, became the University’s 10th president, taking the mantle from his mentor, President Edward Montgomery.
This time of year, when new students are coming in, they really bring an energy that’s irreplaceable. Meeting them and getting to know them is the first step. But the next step is to get everyone moving in the right direction for our education mission and get that momentum toward the ultimate goal of graduation and a meaningful career. I’m just excited to support them.
Western wins!
National champions
In a historic run, the WMU hockey team won its first-ever national title—and the city of Kalamazoo celebrated the Broncos in grand fashion.
There are no bad days—ever—in Kalamazoo!
For the second consecutive year, WMU Athletics finished at the top of the Mid-American Conference in the 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. The accomplishment capped an academic year that featured a school-record nine programs’ earning postseason appearances.
A year of distinction
Accumulating accolades
- WMU honored with Heterodox Academy’s 2025 Open Inquiry Award for Community Excellence
- Repeated recognition: WMU food marketing program wins industry award for second consecutive year
- Fort St. Joseph receives Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation
- Two WMU student jazz groups secure national outstanding performance awards
- WMU precision flight team takes flight with national top five finish, lifelong industry connections
Experience-Driven Learning
Students apply real-world skills in capstone projects presented at Senior Engineering Design Conference
ArtPrize internship helps kinetic imaging students see big picture
Community collaboration: Nursing students help Kalamazoo County expand flu clinic offerings
Sales students gain real-world experience through innovative business partnership
Redefining the campus experience
Monumental milestone
Local leaders celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Kalamazoo Event Center and Athletic Performance Center, which will become the new home of the WMU hockey and men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Student successes
Nerves of steel prevail as WMU sales students win big at Steel City Sales Challenge
Doctoral candidate charts course for success in world-class sailing win
WMU’s Sky Broncos crowned regional champions for 4th consecutive year
‘Greatest moment of my life’: WMU Theatre student blows judges away on ‘The Voice’
WMU digital marketing students named world champions in 2025 Digital Marketing Competition
Bright lights, big opportunities: Students go behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week
Impactful research
Western achieved record levels of research awards and expenditures in 2024-25, with faculty and staff submitting competitive proposals to federal, state and private sponsors.
Noteworthy developments
New federal grant will help WMU meet critical need for early childhood special education professionals
WMU cybersecurity program receives ABET accreditation
Western Michigan University opens new food marketing hub with $500,000 gift from Meijer
WMU set to cultivate next generation of school psychologists with landmark grant
Making his mark
Alumnus and accomplished muralist Brad Zenz returned to his old stomping grounds, enlisting current Broncos to help create a mural near campus honoring his alma mater.
In the news
- Inside the all-important presidential transition (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
- Space Force looks to WMU for help on propulsion tech (WOOD TV)
- Ready for takeoff: How Western Michigan University trains the next generation of pilots (Detroit Free Press)
- New WMU school psychologist program could increase number of graduates by as much as 50% (FOX 17)
- WMU Biosciences Center earns funds through new state program (WWMT)
- Sen. Gary Peters visits with President Russ Kavalhuna at the College of Aviation (WOOD TV)
An investment worth making
President Kavalhuna heads to Detroit to explain how Western sets students up for successful careers and lives through Experience-Driven Learning.
