Western scores in 2024
Persisting to peak performance
The fall 2024 sports season made history at Western and beyond! The five Bronco teams with postseason opportunities—men's and women's soccer, football, volleyball and cross country—all made it to their postseason competitions. This is an institutional record, but Western's success is also launching the Broncos into the top three schools in the nation.
Stepping into the next era of Western education
Impactful research
NSF grant aimed at advancing construction education with generative AI and BIM
$3.17 million grant will energize electric vehicle research at WMU
Researchers discover role Saharan dust plays in hurricane rainfall
Working to say 'goodbye' to forever chemicals
Mobility grant drives WMU and state forward as leaders in high-tech education, research and training
Moving into the next phase for voice-activated technology accessibility
Empowering Futures
Student successes
Bolstered by impactful experiences, 94% of recent Western grads securing jobs, furthering education
Mathematics student accepted into prestigious international program
Empowering undergraduate students with research internships
Awards and competitions
WMU business students successfully sweep awards in DECA competition
Western's jazz program captures four 2024 DownBeat magazine Student Music Awards
WMU Sky Broncos again claim top spot at regionals, advance to national competition
Western's women's aviation team finishes fourth in 'empowering' cross-country race
Employee accolades
Adjunct jazz professor Duane Davis wins prestigious Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award
Faculty member, students honored by YWCA for their positive impact
Chen awarded third Fulbright award, research to focus on AI and business analytics
Broncos recognized for commitment to diversity, inclusion with 2024 Excellence in Diversity Award
Trio of science innovators recognized as Distinguished Faculty Scholars
Exemplars of engaging education honored with Distinguished Teaching Award
Western honors staff for impact on students and campus community in 2023-24
Professor honored for her service, commitment to students
Educator honored with Emerging Scholar Award for impactful research
Amazing alumni
Moving in and moving up
Haenicke Institute announces new senior director of International Student and Scholar Services
Walker Institute’s new director ‘stands on business’ with youth community outreach
Indigenous hip-hop artist brings new perspective to Western
Global education leader named interim associate provost at Haenicke Institute for Global Education
‘Community-focused, innovative’ academic appointed to lead College of Health and Human Services
Strong supporter of student success named dean of Merze Tate College
Western announces new director of choral activities
New director appointed to lead Michigan Geological Survey
Noteworthy developments
Leveling up the experience
"Experiential learning isn't just a resume or portfolio builder; for me, it's an amazing guide to the right career path, and it builds comfort through discomfort."
The world stopped for but a moment in April 2024 as a rare solar eclipse in near totality descended on Western's campus. Students, faculty and staff brought out blankets and law chairs while sharing eclipse viewing glasses for mini watch parties to catch this spectacular sight!
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and The Kalamazoo Promise receive $620,000 grant to help working-age students earn postsecondary credentials
New partnership puts Kalamazoo Public Schools students on path to Spanish minor at Western Michigan University
WMU and Kent Career Tech Center announce dual enrollment partnership for aviation students
New $2 million grant supports nursing pipeline from KCC to WMU
Western joins new initiative to increase Michigan's child welfare workforce
