WMU names economist, Washington labor expert as ninth president
Dr. Edward B. Montgomery, dean and professor of economics at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy, will become the University's ninth president Aug. 1.
Top News of 2017
Portuguese scholar to lead WMU's international initiatives
Dr. Paulo Zagalo-Melo, a Portuguese political scientist with a long track record in international education, has been appointed to lead WMU's Haenicke Institute for Global Education beginning Sept. 1.
Janet L. Clubb obituary
Janet L. Clubb, a retired WMU custodian, died July 9 at age 77. The visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, and the funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13, both at the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home in Marcellus.
Herbert "Herb" E. Ellinger obituary
Herbert "Herb" E. Ellinger, professor emeritus of transportation technology, died Thursday, May 25. He was 96.
Obare named interim vice president for research
Dr. Sherine O. Obare has been named WMU's interim vice president for research, effective Aug. 1. She replaces Dr. Daniel M. Litynski, who is returning to the engineering faculty.
Shirley Ann Lukens obituary
Shirley Ann Lukens, WMU associate professor emerita of occupational therapy, died June 3 at age 82. Services and a private burial have taken place in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.
WMU trustees approve faculty tenure and promotions
WMU's Board of Trustees approved the tenure of 24 faculty members and promotions of 36 faculty members, effective with the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year.
WMU tuition will increase this fall, but stay within state guidelines
At its June 29 meeting, WMU's Board of Trustees opted to raise tuition for 2017-18 by 3.91 percent, staying within the state's guidelines for tuition restraint.
Board OKs tuition changes for online, regional and non-Michigan sites
The new tuition rates were set during the WMU Board of Trustees' June 29 meeting. A summary of University tuition and fee rates is available online.
Graduate students take their turn to help raise awareness of ALS
Scott Matzka, founder of the MyTurn organization, found a classroom full of allies in Dr. Derrick McIver's MBA course. The group raised more than $10K for the organization within one semester.
Barbara A. Barton obituary
Dr. Barbara A. Barton, WMU associate professor emerita of social work, died June 15 at age 55. A memorial service for Barton is currently pending.
CommUniverCity weekend will feature inauguration of WMU president
Dr. Edward B. Montgomery, who will become president of WMU Aug. 1, will be formally inaugurated Friday, Sept. 15, during an 11 a.m. ceremony in Miller Auditorium.
Student organization awarded by world's largest human resources association
WMU's student chapter of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources has again received recognition from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Psychologist honored for scholarly impact
Two organizational behavior management entities have presented their inaugural Scholarly Impact Award to Dr. Douglas Johnson for his top-cited journal articles.
Arts and sciences college announces three appointments
Dr. Heather L. Petcovic has been named an associate dean while Drs. Charles Henderson and Susan Pozo will head the science education institute and the global and international studies program, respectively.
WMU Cooley Law’s Innocence Project frees man unjustly jailed for 42 years
Ledura Watkins, of Detroit, was freed June 15 after serving 42 years in prison for a robbery and murder he did not commit. He was sentenced to life without parole on April 15, 1976.
WMU to confer 1,200 degrees during summer commencement
Two commencement ceremonies are planned June 24, with President John M. Dunn leading graduation exercises at WMU for the final time before he retires July 31.
WMU's Heritage Hall garners highest green building ranking
Historic Heritage Hall has earned platinum status, the highest ranking possible, in the Leadership in Environment and Energy Design—LEED—system.
Bronco softball leads the MAC with 11 academic recognitions
WMU's softball team tied Northern Illinois University with a league-best 11 recognitions in the Mid-American Conference's 2017 Softball Academic All-MAC team.
Longtime WMU prof, administrator honored as coaching educator
The United States Center for Coaching Excellence has awarded Dr. Jody Brylinsky its inaugural USCCE Coach Educator/Coach Developer Legacy Award.
Longtime tennis coach inducted into MAC Hall of Fame
Betsy Kuhle, WMU women's tennis coach for more than three decades, has been inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame. She has the most wins of any women's tennis coach in MAC history.
Sky Broncos place fourth in national championship event
WMU's famed precision flight team captured fourth place in the 2017 National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship held recently at Ohio State University.
Goat work crew returns to campus for second helping
A recent newborn that WMU gets to name and other members of this summers' initial goat work crew will be formally introduced to the campus and local community from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 2.
Industrial engineer named national fellow
Dr. Steven E. Butt has been named a fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. WMU now has one of the nation's highest percentages of industrial engineering faculty who have earned fellow status.
Ruth H. Peterson obituary
Ruth H. Peterson, a retired administrative assistant in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Department of Paper and Printing Science and Engineering, died April 20 at age 81.
Sandra Lou Roellchen (Elzey) obituary
Sandra Lou Roellchen (Elzey), a former part-time occupational therapy instructor at WMU, died April 26 at age 82. Services have taken place.
Mildred K. 'Millie' Hedrick obituary
Mildred K. "Millie" Hedrick, a former WMU librarian, died May 1 at age 94. Services have taken place.
Kathleen McHugh Drzick obituary
Kathleen McHugh Drzick, professor emerita of English, died May 13 at age 91. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, in Kalamazoo.
Newly designed program in organizational change leadership offered
The revamped master's program is available in Kalamazoo and WMU regional locations in Grand Rapids and Auburn Hills. The latter location offers an accelerated version and a $500 scholarship for early admits.
Cross country and gymnastics teams recognized for academics
Based on their most recent multiyear Academic Progress Rates, WMU's cross country and gymnastics teams have earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards for posting scores in the top 10 percent of their sport.
Jazz students again take multiple awards in DownBeat competition
WMU jazz studies students and their instructors are upbeat after again earning multiple wins in DownBeat magazine's 40th annual Student Music Awards.
First-year electronic business marketing student to represent WMU at national summit
Alison Schram, a first-year business student from White Lake, has been selected to attend the marketing EDGE Collegiate Summit in New York City in June.
Endowed med school scholarship honoring Dunn will benefit WMU alums
President John M. Dunn's devotion to students was honored by Kalamazoo community members with a $2.2 million endowed scholarship fund that will support WMU grads who go on to medical school.
Geography professor wins two prestigious national awards
The National Council for Geographic Education has awarded Dr. Joseph Stoltman both the Distinguished Mentor Award and the Higher Education Distinguished Teaching Award.
WMU is new Delta partner for training aircraft maintenance personnel
WMU chosen to train aircraft maintenance technicians, known as AMTs, to fill a high demand the airline is expected to face for the next several years.
PSSO recognizes annual award winners
This year's PSSO Service Awards went to Amber Hutson and Beth van den Hombergh. Mark Johnson received the Spirit Award.
University's green cleaning efforts recognized nationally
The top higher education award in the 2017 American School & University's Green Cleaning Award competition went to WMU for its efforts to protect health without harming the environment.
WMU honors students shine in STAR Awards
Madelyn Aittama and a group of 2013 Medallion Scholars, all members of WMU's Lee Honors College, recently received STAR Awards for their volunteer efforts.
WMU journalism students pen issue of West Michigan magazine
The May 2017 issue of Encore Magazine was written almost entirely by a team of junior- and senior-level journalism students taught by Professor Sue Ellen Christian.
WMU advertising students take second place in national competition
WMU advertising and promotion students placed second in their division in the District 6 American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition.
Newman Civic Fellow from WMU receives additional honor
Alexis Lenderman is one of a select few fellows to be named a designated scholarship winner by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
Three WMU students receive Gilman Scholarships to study abroad
Justin Black, Devin Moyer and Marcos Santiago are among about 1,000 American undergraduate students to win the prestigious national award.
Partnership will lead to WMU engineering degrees for Aquinas students
Academic officials at both institutions have been working for two years to put the program in place. Aquinas students may apply for acceptance in the engineering program at the end of their sophomore year.
Clara Ouding obituary
Clara Ouding, a former cook in Goldsworth Valley II for WMU Dining Services, died April 24. She was 97.
Joseph Asenbauer obituary
Joseph Asenbauer, a retired equipment operator for landscape services in the Department of Facilities Management, died March 20 at age 93.
WMU entrepreneur wins Brian Patrick Thomas Award
Amber Delgado, an industrial and entrepreneurial engineering major from Allegan, received the $10,000 award for her invention, BlueBoards.
James Martin obituary
James Martin, a retired service officer in WMU's Department of Public Safety, died Dec. 6, 2016, at age 83.
Business students recognized for academic excellence and leadership
Twenty-four WMU business students were recognized as part of the Trailblazer Student Recognition program, including Lauren Carroll, who was named Trailblazer of the Year.
Decades-old alumni friendships honored with naming of campus facilities
William F. Pickard, Ronald E. Hall and Dennis W. Archer were classmates at WMU. The residence halls that make up Western Heights will be named for them.
Annette LaVier obituary
Annette LaVier, a former University Libraries staff member, died April 8 at age 80. She left the University in 1990 after nearly 27 years of service.
Bronco geology team brings home silver in prestigious competition
A team of WMU geology students recently placed second among 11 teams competing in the Eastern Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Imperial Barrel Award competition.
WMU Soccer Complex receives $75,000 field upgrade
The WMU Soccer Complex is undergoing a renovation in which the existing surface is being removed and several upgrades are being made through the installation of a new playing field.
Governor, honorary degree recipient highlight WMU commencement
WMU will grant more than 2,600 degrees during four commencement ceremonies April 29. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will speak during one ceremony and Dr. Antonio R. Flores will be honored during another.
WMU facility earns 'Biggest Loser' title in Michigan Battle of Buildings
WMU's College of Health and Human Services building demonstrated the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy-use intensity in the 2016 competition.
WMU recognizes 2016-17 Presidential Scholars
This year, 50 students from WMU's 5,900-member senior class were named Presidential Scholars. The annual Presidential Scholar designation is the highest honor WMU can bestow on an undergraduate.
Insomnia prevention device takes first place at annual Pitch Competition
Just Right Temp, a device to combat insomnia invented by WMU industrial and entrepreneurial engineering students, has won first place and $2,000 at the fifth annual K.C. O'Shaughnessy Business Pitch Competition.
WMU theatre faculty member wins NEH grant
Dr. Lofton Durham, associate professor of theatre, has received a $6,000 Summer Stipend from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Virginia (Robinson) Sorenson obituary
Virginia (Robinson) Sorenson, an emerita teacher in education and professional development, died Nov. 7, 2016, at age 90.
Nancy S. Wilson obituary
Nancy S. Wilson, a retired occupational health and safety specialist in the Department of Public Safety, died Dec. 22 at age 73.
Gertrude E. 'Trudy' Rohr obituary
Gertrude E. "Trudy" Rohr, a retired clerk II in parking services, died March 16 at age 82.
Anna K. Campbell obituary
Dr. Anna K. Campbell, a retired assistant professor of psychology, died Dec. 16, 2016, at age 81.
Bernice F. Bigelow obituary
Bernice F. Bigelow, retired audio visual clerk in Waldo Library, died Feb. 6 at age 101.
WMU advertising student honored by national advertising organization
Senior Venezia Jones, of Detroit, was one of only 50 selected by the American Advertising Federation to participate in its Most Promising Multicultural Students Program.
WMU trustees to meet in special session focused on presidential selection
Trustees are expected to vote on the selection of a single candidate when they meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, in the Heritage Hall Ballroom.
WMU's presidential search nears conclusion
The 22-member search committee narrowed the field following airport interviews with nine candidates. Three candidates were recommended to the Board of Trustees, which is expected to make a final decision soon.
Arbor Day tree planting to honor John and Linda Dunn
A short program on April 21 also will note WMU's ninth consecutive Tree Campus USA designation and a student project to increase the number of trees in the Goldsworth Valley Pond area.
Ten to be feted as top staffers for spring 2017
This semester's 10 Semiannual Make a Difference Award recipients will be recognized during a reception at 2 p.m. Monday, April 17, in 157 Bernhard Center.
WMU student wins coveted scholarship from broadcasters foundation
Teresa Turner, of Kalamazoo, was one of 27 students statewide to win a competitive scholarship from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation.
Rising senior awarded coveted $10,000 national scholarship
Rachel Larson, an integrated supply management student, will receive her award Friday, April 14, at the Industrial Supply Association's national convention in Denver.
Top seniors to be honored as 2017 Presidential Scholars
Fifty students out of a senior class of more than 5,941 students will be recognized during the 37th annual Presidential Scholars Convocation March 28.
Math professor awarded Fulbright grant to work in South Africa
In a country that has 11 official languages, relating culture to math may lead to better learning outcomes for students.
WMU gets final OK to offer classes in Punta Gorda and Tampa
With the approval of the Higher Learning Commission, WMU will be able to move forward with its plans, including the launch of an aviation flight science bachelor's degree program.
Tickets now available for Dunn Farewell event at Miller Auditorium
Tickets for general seating at the April 7 event must be secured before the event and are only available by request through the Miller Auditorium box office in person or by calling (269) 387-2300.
Rising stars in WMU sales and marketing program place at competition
Junior Kaitlyn Phillips and sophomore Lauren Nowakowski represented WMU. They were coached by senior Jeremy Juday and associate professor of marketing Dr. Kelley O'Reilly.
Ross Gregory obituary
Ross Gregory, retired professor of history at WMU, died Feb. 10. He was 83.
WMU grad programs ranked among nation's best by U.S. News
WMU has eight programs ranked among the top 100 in their disciplines, four in the top 50 and two programs assessed as the best of their kind in Michigan.
WMU Fostering Success program saluted as a 'beacon' for college access
The Michigan College Access Network has awarded Fostering Success Michigan with the 2017 Beacon Award, recognizing it for leadership in the college access and success field
WMU's Ming Li among national diversity award honorees
Dr. Ming Li, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, is among 39 national higher education leaders to receive INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine's 2017 Giving Back Award.
WMU will award honorary degree to Antonio Flores
Dr. Antonio R. Flores, president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, will receive an honorary degree from WMU during April 29 commencement ceremonies.
Sports Media students getting real-world experience with ESPN3
Students in the WMU School of Communication's Sports Media course are learning the ins and outs of live-sports production thanks to communication instructor Wade Cutler and Bronco Productions.
WMUK brings home two more awards
The station won 2016 Michigan Association of Broadcasters best awards in the Musical Programming and Marketing Materials and Promos categories.
WMU racks up four Educational Advertising Awards
The Office of University Relations received awards for its Brand Book, its Visual Identity Program booklet, the Strike Gold television spot and a letterhead project for the Office of Admissions.
Barbara Jane Miller obituary
Barbara Jane Miller, WMU's first lady for 13 years and widow of the University's third president, James W. Miller, died Feb. 14 at age 98.
WMU food marketing students strike gold at national case competition
A team of food marketing students posted a first-place finish at the 2017 National Grocers Association Student Case Study Competition.
2017-18 Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series announced
Miller Auditorium's 2017-18 lineup includes performances of "The Lion King," "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Sound of Music." Season subscriptions are available now.
Delores Flowers obituary
Delores "Dede" Flowers, a former administrative assistant for speech pathology and audiology, died Dec. 2016, at age 85.
Stanford names two WMU students as University Innovation Fellows
Jill Puckett and Nathan LaWarre are among 224 nationally and internationally named University Innovation Fellows, a global program run by Stanford University.
WMU student receives prestigious Gilman award to study abroad
WMU exercise science and Spanish major Enrico Montalvo received a prestigious Gilman International Scholarship to study in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this semester.
WMU hailed as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright Scholars
WMU is one of the nation's top producers of U.S. Fulbright Scholars according to the U.S. Department of State's annual ranking. The University is tied in 10th place as a top producer among the nation's research universities.
Professor wins prestigious Japanese literary prize for poetry
Dr. Jeffrey Angles, world languages and literatures, is one of only a handful of non-native speakers ever to win the prestigious Yomiuri Prize for Literature.
WMU celebrates research, diversity and global engagement
Spring Convocation, set for Friday, Feb. 17, is a daylong event beginning at 9 a.m. that will include lectures, awards ceremonies and a Gold Gathering mixer.
Dunn set to begin five-day tour of 13 Michigan cities and Chicago
WMU President John M. Dunn will spend five days—Feb. 27-March 3—covering 1,500 miles by bus to say farewell to supporters and shine a light on the University's current and emerging strengths.
Chrysa Richards obituary
Richards, a former secretary for student activities and leadership in Kanley Chapel and for the Center for Teaching and Learning in Waldo Library, died Jan. 8 at age 58.
Snyder appoints Lynn Chen-Zhang to WMU Board of Trustees
Chen-Zhang, of Portage, will serve through 2018, completing an eight-year term begun by Trustee Dana Debel, who resigned from the board last month.
Emeriti Council awards $10,000 in book scholarships
Donations from retired faculty and staff members granted emeritus status helped 25 students defray the cost of textbooks this semester.
Supply chain program ranks No. 2 in world
WMU's integrated supply management program has been ranked No. 2 by SCM World, a cross-industry learning community powered by the world's most influential supply chain practitioners.
Updated WMU post-grad data shows 92 percent find immediate success
Report shows 92 percent of WMU grads are employed or in graduate school within three months of commencement. Of those, 84 percent are employed in jobs related to their major.
Safety communication options grow out of committee appointed by Dunn
Among the new communication tools is a Twitter account, @wmupublicsafety, which anyone can follow—even those who have not signed up for Twitter.
WMU makes deep cuts in tuition for future nonresident undergrads
WMU caps nonresident tuition for future undergraduates to dramatically reduce the tuition bills for incoming nonresidents and make WMU more competitive.
Rinvelt, Bolger will lead WMU Board of Trustees in 2017
Jeffrey Rinvelt of Ann Arbor and James Bolger of Whitehall have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively.
Virginia S. Doornbos obituary
Virginia S. "Ginny" Doornbos, a retired staff member, died Dec. 31, 2016, at age 81. She joined the WMU staff in 1970 and retired in 1991.
Bill Morris Chambers obituary
Bill Morris Chambers, former WMU head baseball coach, died Jan. 10 at age 92. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, in Tennessee.
Anthropologist's research expertise showcased in 'Nova' documentary
Dr. Jacqueline Eng, a WMU faculty member with expertise gained through years of studying the skeletal remains of ancient humans, is in a new PBS documentary.
Former Bronco star Tim Lester tapped as new head football coach
Former Bronco standout Tim Lester has been named WMU's head football coach. Lester began his coaching career in 2003 and most recently was the quarterbacks coach at Purdue.
John F. Walker obituary
John F. Walker, a former industrial design teacher, died Dec. 27 at age 76. Survivors include his wife, Gay, emerita in interdisciplinary health programs. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15.
Class project puts social work students' research in leading journal
Seven graduate social work students who examined the practical therapeutic applications of mindfulness had their paper published in one of the discipline's most prestigious journals.
Kamlesh Sharma obituary
Dr. Kamlesh Sharma, assistant professor emerita of biological sciences, died Dec. 21, 2016, at age 78. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
George M. Dennison obituary
Dr. George M. Dennison, a former WMU provost and much-lauded president of the University of Montana, died Jan. 3 at age 81. A May memorial service in Montana is being planned.
Kalamazoo Beer Exchange awards WMU-KVCC brewing scholarship
Junior Dan King of Bloomingdale is the first WMU student to receive Kalamazoo Beer Exchange's Beer Week scholarship. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree through the joint WMU-KVCC sustainable brewing program.
Charlie H. Harris obituary
Charlie H. Harris, a retired staff member in what is now landscape services, died Sept. 21, 2015, at age 91. Services have taken place.
Charles 'Chuck' Comer obituary
Charles "Chuck" Comer, an assistant professor emeritus of health, physical education and recreation and a former assistant football coach, died Dec. 13 at age 79. Services have taken place.
Kandeiss-Toi Ross obituary
Kandeiss-Toi Ross, Human Resources, died Dec. 29 at age 60. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, and noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday.
Football Broncos suffer first loss of season in Cotton Bowl
The No. 15 WMU football Broncos' record-breaking season came to an end with a 16-24 loss to No. 8 Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium.