Johnson Appointed to State Nursing Board

Michelle Johnson (Practical Nursing) has been appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to serve as an LPN educator representative on the Michigan Board of Nursing. Johnson applied for the position with support from the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA).

"It always helps to have the backing of a professional organization," she said. "Of course, they also benefit because now they have a connection to the board and can keep track of what’s going on at the state level related to nursing education and the profession.

"My goal is to make sure that things are kept in proper perspective. With the national shortage, we’re seeing a lot of patch-up programs being developed to help fill the void, but the concern is that it may be at the expense of quality. Consumers should be able to know that they are in the care of highly qualified nurses.” Full Story

NMU 'Builds Green'

Northern has registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and will seek “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification for all future capital projects, beginning with the Magers Hall renovation.

According to its Web site, the U.S. Green Building Council is a “coalition working to promote buildings that maximize economic and environmental performance.” Its 4,000 members include local, state and federal governments; product manufacturers; contractors; builders; utilities; and educational institutions. Full Story

Seminars Thursday on New Deferred Comp Plan

NMU will soon offer a new tax-deferred retirement savings plan administered by TIAA-CREF. The voluntary 457(b) plan is in addition to the existing 403(b) program and allows participants to put away up to $14,000 in 2005.

TIAA-CREF will explain the new retirement savings option at two informational seminars. They are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, in room 2306 in the University Center.

Enrollment Record Possible

Northern’s 10th-day enrollment figures show all-time highs for new freshmen and suggest NMU might break the final fall enrollment record set in 1980. Based on course registrations two weeks into the semester, Northern’s enrollment was 9,221 – an increase of 97 over last year’s figure of 9,124. Credit hours also increased by 1.8 percent.

Paul Duby (Institutional Research) said he is projecting a final fall count of 9,425. This would break the previous record of 9,376 set in 1980. Duby said the most positive gains this year relate to incoming freshmen. Full Story

Three U.P. Presidents on WNMU-TV

The presidents of the three Upper Peninsula universities will appear together on public affairs program to discuss budgets, affordability and the connection between higher education and Michigan’s economy.

Presidents Les Wong from NMU, Glenn Mroz from Michigan Tech and Betty Youngblood from Lake Superior State will be guests on Public TV 13’s “Media Meet.” The program airs at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 25) and is repeated at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. It can also be heard on Public Radio 90 at 1 p.m. Saturday. “Media Meet” is hosted by Sonya Chrisman (WNMU-TV).

New TLC Awards Programs Announced

Three new award programs have been established for faculty, staff and students related to the Teaching, Learning and Communication (TLC) initiative.

The faculty program recognizes exemplary use of TLC laptops in the areas of teaching, research and community service.

The staff awards recognize exemplary use/support of TLC laptops and/or associated technologies in the areas of teaching or university business practices. Full Story

Golf Outing Winners Named

It took a tie breaker to determine the winners of the NMU President's Golf Outing.

Members of the top team, with a score of 64, were (from left) Carol Hicks and Tom Meravi (Engineering Technology), Cameron Howes (College of Professional Studies), Bill Bernard (Academic Affairs) and John Vickers (Military Science).

Close behind in 2nd place were Paul Truckey, Shelley Russell and Dwight Brady (CAPS), Bob Thomson (WNMU-TV) and Steve Oates (Education). Full Story