Top News of the Year

Making history in 2022

Western's Cold Case Program helps police net arrest in decades-old murder

Just shy of 35 years after a woman was found murdered in her home in Niles, Michigan, police arrest a suspect. It's a case students in Western Michigan University's Cold Case Program helped breathe new life into after decades of dead ends.

College of Fine Arts celebrates 50 years with cutting-edge vision for the future

"I believe the future will take our college to new heights as the next 50 years build on the work and talents of those before us," Daniel Guyette, dean of the College of Fine Arts, says. "Because of those efforts, the great philanthropic support of our donors, because of the Kalamazoo community and the support of a University which values the arts, I am confident that the future for our students is bright."

Empowering Futures already making impact on student success

About 60 staff and administrators from across vice presidential divisions gathered in December at Heritage Hall for the Empowering Futures Work Group Kickoff. This was the first collective gathering of all team members working on the Empowering Futures project. Work groups, with the support of the Executive Leadership Team and Steering Committee, will continue advancing and refining initiatives supported by the historic Empowering Futures Gift.

Western Michigan University launches 24/7 year-round mental health support for students

Western Michigan University is taking its well-being support to the next level, offering a new platform to give students free, immediate access to teletherapy services in partnership with Uwill. The program meets students where they are, allowing them to access support any time of day, any day of the week, and tailors the experience to the individual based on their unique needs and preferences.
New Empowering Futures Community promotes exploration, campus engagement at Western

Supported by the $550 million Empowering Futures Gift, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Housing and Residence Life and Merze Tate College have collaborated to develop the Empowering Futures Living Learning Community, which will provide a space for recipients of the Empowering Futures Housing Scholarship to find belonging, explore their personal and academic interests, and engage with campus programs and resources.

Lance Taylor Named Western Michigan Football Head Coach

Taylor comes to Western after spending the 2022 season as the University of Louisville's offensive coordinator. Taylor has held coaching positions at the University of Notre Dame, Stanford, Appalachian State and the NFL's Carolina Panthers and New York Jets.

WMU taps MSU's Stephens to lead men's basketball program

Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae announced the hiring of Dwayne Stephens as the new head coach of the WMU's men's basketball program. Stephens was introduced as the 15th head coach in program history on April 6 at a press conference inside University Arena.

MODA Motown fashion show drives donations to breast cancer charity

Student clothing designers and fashion aficionados revved up their creative skills for a cause. MODA raised $2,000 for the Ford Warriors in Pink initiative with its Motown Fashion Show at the Gilmore Car Museum, supported by Seelye Ford. A recent alumna helped secure donations of hundreds of bandanas left over from fundraising campaigns for breast cancer patients. Several student designers then used those bandanas to construct their garments for the show.

Western unveils new public electric vehicle chargers on campus, more than any other Michigan university

Western Michigan University, in partnership with Consumers Energy, unveiled 10 new dual-port electric vehicle chargers on campus capable of powering up 20 vehicles simultaneously—the most public chargers of any university in the state.

Lucas-Perry makes declaration in Broadway debut: She's here to stay

The Western alumna starred in two Broadway productions within a month—first as John Adams in a groundbreaking reboot of the Tony Award-winning musical "1776" and then reprising her Lucille Lortel Award-winning role as Passenger 5 when hit comedy "Ain't No Mo'" made its debut Broadway run in November.