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From WMU Ambassador to Aviation Analyst – Karen Kropornicki Sets the Gold Standard
College of Aviation
… by Tom Thinnes on Approved for public release, 21-183 Who knows what is on a person's horizon? What's important is to … Earth." Need more background? Its forerunner -- under another name -- first identified the Soviet Union's cache of … larger organizations outside of WMU," she says, "is a big bonus. It's always an instant conversation-starter and …
https://wmich.edu/aviation/news/2021/03/kropornicki
The Bronco Advocate-in-Chief
W Magazine
… its “so that all may learn” mission and future. On July 1, 2025, Russ Kavalhuna returned to his alma mater as … we wanted a West Michigan person—an alum—who could take us not only to the next level, but to the next two levels … competitive pool of candidates from across the country. Now, nearly a year in—wow—he’s exceeded my expectations.” …
https://wmich.edu/magazine/news/2026/06/bronco-advocate-chief-russ-kavalhuna
Starting Gate business accelerator serves 100th student company
W Magazine
… Gate student business accelerator opened in summer 2013. Now, the accelerator is on the cusp of its 10th anniversary … they navigated those challenges. Payton Walker operates a crypto mining service that is geared toward those with no … I had a rough idea of what I wanted to achieve with my crypto mining startup, but I wasn't quite sure how to get …
https://wmich.edu/news/2023/02/70888
Open educational resources grants awarded
University Libraries
… our Open Educational Resources (OER) Grants program. In 2025, we awarded 12 adoption grants to help instructors … Grant recipients Dr. Peter Gustafson, AE 4630 Dr. Pavel Ikonomov, EDMM 3540 Dr. Elizabeth Isidro, LS 6300 Dr. Cristina … Grant recipients Dr. Julie Apker, COM 4840 Marie Moreno, BCM 2400 Dr. Dee Sherwood, SWRK 2100 1. Savings …
https://wmich.edu/library/news/2026/02/impact-report-oer
Hints from Helmer – Charles Culminates Marine Tenure with Aviation Technical Operations Enrollment
College of Aviation
… students who share class time with Charles Helmer receive a bonus in their instructional knowledge and perspectives. So do the folks in the front of … is now known as the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field . "This allows me to work full time while …
https://wmich.edu/aviation/news/2022/02/helmer
WMU board extends President Kavalhuna to 8 years, signaling enduring commitment
News
… of candidates. He has exceeded our expectations. There is no better indication of his leadership style than his … directly solve the problems business, government and nonprofits face in a changing world.” Kavalhuna sees an … $432 million 2026-27 operating budget, a 1.6% increase from 2025-26. The budget closes a $4.7 million budget gap by …
https://wmich.edu/news/news/2026/06/wmu-board-extends-president-kavalhuna-8-years-signaling-enduring-commitment
Western remembers VP Emeritus Robert Beam
W Magazine
… ’71, vice president emeritus for business and finance, died Nov. 7, 2025, in Kalamazoo. Beam managed the University’s financial … Under his direction, the facility underwent a major technological overhaul, including a complete transition to …
https://wmich.edu/magazine/news/2026/06/western-remembers-vp-emeritus-robert-beam
Souder Soars: How Aviation Tech Ops has Transformed Tom
College of Aviation
… "to lock myself in my room for hours" to get his brain and knowledge up to top speed. Souder says it turned out to be … course papers and final exams were routine challenges, but not quite on the scale of making certain that an airliner is … I acquired in my aviation courses at WMU." Another bonus for Souder is living near where he works and operating …
https://wmich.edu/aviation/news/2019/11/souder
Bronco in the Sky: How WMU Took This Pilot from Jackson to Jet Set
College of Aviation
… Alumni Cole Dillon, current Captain at SkyWest Airlines Nothing like flying the friendly skies of the WMU College of … of more than 520 planes to 258 destinations throughout North America. Dillon and fellow WMU Aviation Alumna, … allowed me to make new friends and industry connections. A bonus was flying to those events." Dillon during his WMU …
https://wmich.edu/aviation/news/2025/08/dillon
Rising from Republic Airways and Soaring with Spirit Airlines: Aaron Jones Climbs Higher
College of Aviation
… earned a degree in aviation flight science and a minor in geography , he took a position as a … with fatigue. With degree in hand, Jones followed a suggestion from a faculty member to check out Republic, which … beating Central." They were married at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant in 2018 and the family now includes …
https://wmich.edu/aviation/news/2023/09/ajones