September 2024 WMU News

Indigenous hip-hop artist brings new perspective to Western

Frank Waln is a world renowned Indigenous hip-hop artist who is providing students with unique experiences across a multitude of educational platforms. 

Libraries awards two 鈥楰ARE鈥 awards to library employees

Sept. 30, 2024鈥擳he University Libraries recognized two library employees for outstanding customer service to the Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University community鈥擟herise Fox and Dr. Kate Langan.

Nour Khaiara is growing into her goals

A recipient of the A. Robert Kleiner Memorial Scholarship, junior Nour Khaiara is achieving her academic and professional goals at Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University. Khaiara鈥檚 professional and academic recognition goes far beyond receiving this scholarship. WMU Haworth has provided her with resources to obtain the support she needs to succeed in her ambitions.

Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University teams up with Detroit Lions as official educational partner

Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University is thrilled to kick off its new partnership with the Detroit Lions, marking an exciting milestone as the Lions鈥 official educational partner. Through this dynamic, three-year alliance, Western aims to strengthen its connection with alumni, current students and prospective students in the Detroit metro, where the University proudly has nearly 47,000 alumni.

Broncos recognized for commitment to diversity, inclusion with 2024 Excellence in Diversity Award

Recognized as a meaningful acknowledgment, the award highlights the tireless efforts of individuals, departments and groups across campus who are dedicated to fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.

Educator honored with Emerging Scholar Award for impactful research

Dr. Daniel Macfarlane, associate professor of environmental and sustainability studies at Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University, is being celebrated for his impactful teaching and research that span multiple disciplines and hold great promise for future contributions.

Professor honored for her service, commitment to students

Joining WMU in 2001, Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook earned her Ph.D. from Texas State University-San Marcos. As a professor of geography, she specializes in environmental geography, with a focus on natural disasters, risk management and environmental impact assessment.

Western honors staff for impact on students and campus community in 2023-24

Honorees are Grant Allers, WMU Public Safety police officer; William Mitchell, assistant manager of Valley Dining Center; David Prellwitz, gardener with Landscape Services; and Karmella Todd, senior administrative assistant the vice president for business and finance.

Exemplars of engaging education honored with Distinguished Teaching Award

Drs. Whitney DeCamp, professor of sociology; Timothy Palmer, professor of management; and Dee Sherwood, associate professor of social work, are being honored with the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award during the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11.

Trio of science innovators recognized as Distinguished Faculty Scholars

Dr. Lisa Baker, professor of psychology; Dr. Kristina Lemmer, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Dr. Elena Litvinova, professor of physics, are the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Scholars. They will be recognized at the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11.

Celebrate faculty, staff achievement at 2024 Fall Awards Celebration

The celebration on Friday, Oct. 11, begins at 11 a.m. in Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center. It will honor the University's finest, including awards for exceptional teaching, service, longtime and emerging scholarly work.

WMU sees record number of recipients for nationally competitive study abroad scholarship

Eight Western students received the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in 2024鈥攁 record for the University.

Bridging cultures and celebrating unity, International Festival returns to Miller Auditorium

Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University's International Festival returns to campus on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. This free event welcomes students, staff, faculty and the community to celebrate diverse cultures and traditions showcased by student performances.

WMU Board of Trustees to meet in formal session Thursday, Sept. 26

Individuals wishing to address the board during the meeting鈥檚 public comment sections must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Former U.S. congressmen and elections director will lead 'Protecting Democracy' discussion

WeTalk, WeVote and Citizens Rising are collaborating to host a bipartisan panel to explore challenges facing democracy on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. in the WMU Student Center.

WMU engineering, engineering technology and computer science programs renew ABET accreditation

"ABET accreditation is a key indicator of the quality of our programs at WMU," says Dr. Steve Butt, dean of Western鈥檚 College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "It reflects our commitment to providing students with an education that aligns with global standards, equipping them with the skills and experiences that enhance their career prospects."

Education and human development honors alumni at 26th annual award ceremony

The College of Education and Human Development at Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University is recognizing the achievements of four alumni at the 26th annual CEHD Alumni Awards. Dr. Leadriane Roby and Dr. Donald E. Thompson will receive Golden Apple Awards, Dr. Odell Miller will be honored with a Keystone Early Career Award, and Trey Conner will be awarded a Keystone Meritorious Award.

Western 鈥榮hows up鈥 for our community in United Way Campaign

The campaign supports critical programs that benefit the greater Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson and Lansing regions.

Chen awarded third Fulbright award, research to focus on AI and business analytics

Dr. Kuanchin (KC) Chen, professor of business information systems and director of the Center for Business Analytics at Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University, has been awarded his third Fulbright Specialist Award, leading Western faculty in this recognition. One of the most prolific researchers in the Haworth College of Business, Chen has initiated many AI and analytics projects.

WMU president announces plan to retire next summer

Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University President Edward Montgomery, who for the past seven years has steadily led Western to remarkable milestones鈥攊ncluding its first enrollment increase in a decade in the second most competitive market in the nation, record student retention and six-year graduation rates, an all-time high in research productivity and the largest gift ever made for a public university in U.S. history鈥攈as announced that he will retire next summer.

New event series explores, 'What is a life well lived?'

Three local organizations are launching an event series this fall encouraging residents to engage with the question, 鈥淲hat is a life well lived?鈥

From outlawed to sustainable: Fashion student's outfit from hemp to be featured in touring exhibit

Fashion design and development student Sam Covell was accepted into Louisiana State University's "Hemp Impressions: Sustainable Fiber and Fashion Reimagined" exhibition.

From music to cybersecurity, Nick Ford is making an impact

Nick Ford's path to cybersecurity included studying music and earning an associate's degree. Now he is making an impact not only on his future but the future of STEM through events targeted to introducing technology to children.

Medicine garden harvest helps kick off academic year for Native American Student Organization

The community medicine garden, located in front of Floyd Hall on Western's Parkview Campus, holds sage, sweetgrass and tobacco, which are sacred medicines of the Ojibwe medicine wheel.

Ryan Rubarth races into his finance future

For recent Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University graduate Ryan Rubarth, the field of finance is full of potential. The Haworth College of Business 2024 graduate from Macomb, 九一麻豆制片厂, sped toward his future, getting involved in campus activities and internships.

Ethics Center announces book clubs for fall

The first 10 people to sign up for a book club receive a free book.

Associate director of culinary operations makes mark in nationwide cooking competition

WMU Dining's associate director of culinary operations, Chef Andrew Francisco, secured a second place win in the Pacific Northwest Canned Pears Can-Do Challenge this summer. Francisco's submission, a Korean pear kimchi and grilled goat cheese sandwich, featured a homemade kimchi made with canned pears, thick-cut cherrywood bacon, goat and mozzarella cheese and Dijon mustard sandwiched between sourdough bread. 

Exercise science grad represents WMU on international rugby stage

Ivan Delgado helped the National Collegiate Rugby All-American team sweep a three-match series in France over the summer.