WIXLIB

MY NMCNMC’s Academic & Career Advising Center staff are key partners in helpingstudents stay on track toward their goals. Prior to the fall semester, theydoubled the students served via virtual drop -in advising. Clockwise fromback left, advisers Deb Maison, Jeremy Heinlein, Katie Sommerfeld, LisaBaldyga, Taylor Nash and Lindsey Dickinson (director) assisted 400 studentswith creating academic plans, registering for fall classes, course changes,transfer and career advice, and more. They are ready to help students withregistration for the Fall 2022 semester, which starts March 9. NFind out more at nmc.edu/advisingNEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE NMC.EDU2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 7712/21/21 12:45 PM

DUALIE PROFILEDUAL-ENROLLED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, in whichthe student’s school district pays the in-district tuition,are the fastest-growing segment of enrollment at NMC.Find out more at nmc.edu/dualenroll2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 812/21/21 10:29 AM

DUALIE PROFILE‘THEGOLDILOCKSCLASS’TC Central senior Grady Luyt fndsdual enrollment classes just rightAS A JUNIOR at Traverse City Centrallast year, Grady Luyt faced a dilemma.No honors English class was offered. Hefelt the Advanced Placement class wouldbe too time-consuming and the standardclass too boring.Luyt found his answer at NMC. He dualenrolled in an online English course forthe spring 2021 semester, earning collegecredit in one semester instead of the yearthe AP class would require.“The class here wound up being the Goldilocks class,” said Luyt, 18.He also liked the taste of college life. Hesubsequently enrolled in Calculus III lastsemester, and Differential Equations thissemester.GRADY LUYT DUAL ENROLLED IN THREEDIFFERENT NMC CLASSESWHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL.THOSE CREDITS WILLSAVE HIM TIME ANDTUITION DOLLARS WHENHE ENTERS EITHER THEUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANOR MICHIGAN TECH.“You’re more responsible for your own education,” said Luyt, who’s also a NationalMerit Scholarship semi-fnalist, a distinction based on his PSAT scores and earnedby less than 1 percent of high school seniors. He will be able to transfer his NMCcredits to Michigan Tech, where he’s already been accepted, or the Universityof Michigan, his top two choices for hisplanned engineering major.He joined the Raptors as a freshman andis now the technical lead, overseeing thebuild, electrical and programming leads inthe endeavor to build a competitive robot.“It’s the hardest fun you’ll ever have,” Luytsaid, adding that learning to collaborateand communicate with teammates andmeet deadlines are also part of the robotics team experience.“Those skills are as important if not moreimportant than the mechanical skills,” Luytsaid.Engineering, after all, is a natural ft for thelifelong basement tinkerer. As a middleschool student he built a go-kart from afree snowblower he found at the side ofthe road. As an eighth grader he built aplayable PacMan Halloween costume. Itwas hard to move in, but with the strategic choice of a friend’s Slabtown yard ashis base, Luyt found the trick-or-treaterscame to him.“I charged one candy per play and got allmy candy that way,” he said.“You’re saving a lot of money, and you’resaving time,” Luyt said of dual enrollment.The public school district, not the student,is responsible for paying tuition.In the robotics off-season, he works atBrick Wheels and is involved with the Norteyouth cycling group, including its youthadvisory board. Whatever he’s doing, hetries to focus as much on his journey as hisdestination, and is grateful dual enrollmentwas part of his high school years.When not in class, Luyt spends most of histime with Central’s FIRST Robotics team.“The process is always at least half thefun,” he said. NNEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE NMC.EDU2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 9912/22/21 11:04 AM

M OMENTUOF T H EMOM E NTN O T I M E L I K E T H E P R E S E N T , T H E S AY I N G G O E S .As 2022 begins at Northwestern Michigan College, that mayliterally be true: Efforts and energies in strategic planning,leadership and statewide policy are poised to coalesce this year,giving the college powerful momentum and creating a uniquemoment of opportunity as it embarks on its eighth decade.10SPRING 2022 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 1012/21/21 10:29 AM

NMC’S STRATEGIC AREAS, 2022-25 Future-focused education Student engagement and success Diversity, equity and inclusion Community partnerships and engagement Institutional distinction and sustainabilityVisit nmc.edu/strategicplanning for more details.STRATEGIC PLANNINGIN FINAL STAGESUMLast spring, NMC began its most comprehensive strategic planning process in decades. Meetings, focus groupsand surveys have involved allcollege constituencies, fromcommunity to students, fromtrustees to faculty and staff.After fnal board approval,expected yet this winter, thecollege will begin to measure progress on the plan’stwenty-some objectives andaction items, which fall underfve overarching pillars (see box.) Newlyinstalled Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade, right, will oversee theplan implementation.“We’re at a completely new time forhigher education,” Slade said.“Students and learners havemore choices and more opportunities.”Objectives created in response to thatchanging learner demand are spread outfrom 2022 to 2025, but Slade expects aquick start. For instance, to enhance fu-AT LEFT, STUDENTS LANDON DEHEER,VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS, AND GAILEICKENROTH, CULINARY, STROLL PASTTHE WEST HALL INNOVATION CENTER.GREAT LAKES MARITIME ACADEMYCADET FABIAN BLACHE, IV ENTERS.BELOW, SOUS CHEF LELAND NELSONCLEANS UP IN THE HAWK OWL CAFE.ture-focused education, offer more shortcourses (as short as two weeks), andshort programs (microcredentials, accomplished as quickly as a single semester),in some academic areas yet this year. Results will inform how future-focused education expands.“I think you’ll start seeingsome very targeted approaches, and use those as abarometer to fgure out yeartwo, year three,” Slade said.The plan prioritizes and buildsupon existing efforts. In thearea of future-focused education, NMC already offerseight- and 12-week sessions in the summer semester, and has steadily increasedthe proportion of online classes year-round.Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is another plan pillar with roots in a previousstatement that “NMC valuesall people.” As DEI has grownin national prominence overthe last year and a half, calling it out specifcally is refective of whatmany organizations from various sectorshave done, such as Traverse Connect, theregion’s economic development agency.“I really think you’ll see the college embrace it and prove that we’re serious aboutDEI,” Slade said.Objectives in this pillar include identifyingmethods to track vulnerable student populations such as BIPOC students, studentswith disabilities, and low income students,as well as DEI-focused onboarding, trainingand education for current faculty and staff.Each of the fve pillars will see activity thisyear, involving the whole college, Sladesaid.“We’ll need everybody’s help in getting tothose goals,” he said. And when that happens, NMC will be at an even better place.“It’s a great opportunity to be in the forefront [of higher education],” Slade said.112022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 1112/21/21 4:33 PM

MOFOMENTUMTHEMOM E NTGREAT LAKES MARITIMEACADEMY CADET FABIANBLACHE, IV, OF NEW ORLEANS,AND BUSINESS STUDENT MAHLIBRAAK, OF GRAND HAVEN, HANGOUT IN THE LIBRARY INSIDE THEWEST HALL INNOVATION CENTER.hybrid and online class formats as wellas success coaches all help mitigatethat risk, and are called for in the plan.ANOTHER BACHELOR’S DEGREE?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for health professionals, especially nurses. To help meet the demand,state representatives John Roth, R-Traverse City, and John Damoose, R-HarborSprings, introduced a bill last Novemberthat would allow community colleges tooffer bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN).FREE IN-DISTRICT TUITIONFOR ADULTS 25 Michigan Reconnect, which offers free,in-district tuition to adults 25 and olderwho don’t have a college degree or certifcate, will enter its second year in 2022.The scholarship is part of Michigan’s effort to raise the proportion of adults witha degree or certifcate to 60 percent by2030. It’s currently 49 percent, slightlybelow the national average.In the Grand Traverse region, thatamounts to more than 19,000 adults. Twoof the pillars in the new strategic plan—future-focused education and studentengagement and success—are aimed atbetter serving adult learners who needmore fexible options due to jobs andfamily commitments. Those same obligations also make them more prone topausing their education. Short courses,12Matt Jones, 34December 2021 Maritime Technologybachelor ’ s degree graduateDuring his three and a half years at NMC,Jones weathered the COVID -19 pandemicand a divorce. That he still graduated ontime, with a 3.9 grade point average, is a trib ute to his own perseverance and NMC ’s.“Growth in the face of challenges is how Iwould look at my life,” said Jones, who credits the relationships the Great Lakes Maritime Academy has in the shipping industrywith allowing him to accrue his required seatime despite COVID restrictions.“If I was at any other academy, I think I wouldn’tbe on track now,” said Jones, originally of ChulaVista, Calif. “That’s not lost on me. I’m verygrateful.”His Coast Guard license and bachelor ’sdegree will afford him job security as wellas the opportunity for significant timeoff, which he plans to use for travel andeventually, a master ’s degree.“I’m getting ready to have a six-figureincome job,” Jones said. “I’m now to thatplace where I can really enjoy what I’vedone. I’m glad I came here to NMC tomake that happen.”SPRING 2022 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 1212/21/21 10:29 AM

BSNs were originally part of a 2012 billthat permitted a few community collegebachelor’s degrees to be awarded, butwound up being stripped due to opposition from four-year colleges and universities. A decade on, the 2022 environmentis more favorable, due chiefy to the diretalent shortage.“Now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to encourage new students to enter the nursing profession andremove barriers for degree and career advancement,” Munson Healthcare CEO EdNess said in video testimony supportingthe legislation. Munson hires more than100 nurses per year with an associate’s degree, and wants 80 percent to earn a BSN.“This legislation would allow our existingworkforce the access and conveniencethey need,” Ness said.The legislation passed out of committee tothe full House in early December.“This legislation has good momentum topass,” said Gabe Schneider of NorthernStrategies 360, a consulting frm that NMCworks with on legislative issues.Like Michigan Reconnect, offering a BSNdovetails with the new strategic plan.Gail Eickenroth, 19Great Lakes Culinary Institute baking certificate student2022 anticipated graduationAfter she completed high school, Eickenroth,of Leelanau County, took two years off tosave money and figure out what she wantedto do next.College wasn’t on her radar, until she foundout about the three-semester baking certificate offered at NMC. Growing up in a familyof caterers, Eickenroth aspires to open herown bakery and flower shop, helping planevents like weddings. She’s even got a namepicked out: Wildeflour.engage more with NMC and each otherthrough student events.“I’m right where I need to be, doing whatI need to be doing to get where I want togo,” she said. “Everything I’m involvedwith in NMC is propelling me where Iwant to go.”Eickenroth is also a student success ambassador, working to help fellow studentsNMC’s associate degree nursing programis already one of the college’s most competitive. Offering a bachelor’s would makeit more distinctive still.“We’re ready to offer that. We have a greatnursing program currently in place. Wehave the facilities, we have the staffng,”Slade said. NLandon DeHeer, 20Visual Communications student2023 anticipated graduationAs a student, North Hall resident adviser, student success ambassador and member of theU.S. Army Reserve, DeHeer always has some where to be.“I’m constantly on the move, constantly on thego,” said DeHeer.Originally from Bellaire, the homeschooled highschool student was familiar with NMC thanks totwo older sisters who attended. He “could drawbefore he could talk,” leading him first to FineArts and then Visual Communications. Now,DeHeer ’s studies, extracurricular activities andmilitary service are all helping him build skillsfor his future.Internships in Traverse City are in his near-termplans. Halfway through a six-year contract in theReserves, DeHeer plans to re - enlist, and hopes toeventually work in animation or the film industry.NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE NMC.EDU2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 131312/21/21 10:29 AM

MOFOMENTUMTHEMOM E NTRookie seasonis a rocket rideHAWK OWLS LEAD ESPORTSDEVELOPMENT IN REGIONEsports at NMC is less than a yearold, but varsity team advisor TerriGustafson already has become asort of regional guru, with regional schools regularly reaching out about howto start their own teams.Though brief, Gustafson and the HawkOwls’ track record is enviable: In its frstsemester, one of the two teams, RocketLeague, made it into divisional playoffs. Allstudent athletes get 500 scholarships persemester. This semester, Gustafson plansto add a third team, which will share theEsports lab in the West Hall InnovationCenter that “blows away” visiting students.“Not bad for a rookie program,” Gustafsonsaid. “The varsity aspect of it has really taken off.”Electrical engineering transfer student Jordan Hunt says being on the Overwatchteam benefts his overall well-being.“The scholarship alleviates the need to workso many hours,” said Hunt, 24. “It’s been agood way to connect with others on campus.”Kyle Warner, a Computer Information Technology student from Cadillac who takesmost of his classes online, agreed. “If notfor this program I probably wouldn’t havemet a single student,” he said.That feeling isn’t simply sentimental. It’s keyto students persisting semester to semester, and completing their degree.“I think it’s really helped them have a senseof belonging and community, and we knowhow important that is to keeping themhere,” Gustafson said.14TOP: ENGINEERING TRANSFER STUDENT JORDAN HUNT, LEFT, ANDCOMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENT KYLE WARNER, RIGHT,PLAY OVERWATCH IN NMC’S ESPORTS LAB. BOTTOM: OVERWATCH TEAMMEMBERS FROM LEFT, BACK ROW: SIMON WELLINGTON, HUNT, GARRETTCOAN, COACH MIKE CULP; FRONT ROW MEG ALBU AND WARNER.SPRING 2022 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 1412/21/21 10:29 AM

GRAND TRAVERSERESORT AND SPAFIND A CAREERTHAT INSPIRES YOUAt Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, ouremployees enjoy a collaborative culture,competitive benefits, and unbeatable perks.For career information, call 231-534-6500or visit grandtraverseresort.com/careers.PROUD SUPPORTER OFNORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGEOwned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Bandof Ottawa and Chippewa IndiansHIRING FOR THE SPRING SEASONCHOOSE YOUR DREAM 4 Different Career Path Options Stay in Northern Michiganfor your Career Year Round Positions 401K Company Match Health Benefits Season Bonuses Profit Sharing Paid Time Off Paid HolidaysNorthern Michigan’s PremierLandscape & Design CompanyYou are one call away from your future.Call Sherry at 231-547-3472or fill out an application atwww.landscape-logic.comNEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE NMC.EDU2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 151512/21/21 10:29 AM

s the frst NMC faculty memberto attain the 50-year teachingmilestone, you might say mathinstructor Steve Drake has had amultiplier effect.At least six current NMC mathfaculty members had him as ateacher. So did a former math department chairman at Traverse City West High School.Even a professor who’s gone on to dual positions atboth Harvard and Washington University in St. Louis.Drake’s disciples tell a similar story of an instructorboth respected and liked, who not only has a masteryof the material, but has mastered presenting a subjectthat often challenges students, and who, at 79, still enjoys going to work.“He truly made me love math. I had a very hard timein school with math, and he changed the entire wayI thought about math,” says Liberty Vittert, a visitingstatistics professor at Harvard University, who hadDrake in 2005.“Most people think (math) is a thing they’ve got to getpast,” says NMC adjunct instructor Jason Teichman,who frst took a class from Drake in the summer of 1999.16SPRING 2022 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 12022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 1612/21/21 10:29 AM

LEFT, JASON TEICHMAN,WHO HAD STEVE DRAKE,RIGHT, AS AN NMC STU DENT IN 1999, FOLLOWEDHIS MENTOR ONTO THEFACULTY. TEICHMAN JOKESDRAKE “EVEN TAUGHT MEHOW TO DRESS.”NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE NMC.EDU2022 NEXUS WINTER PUB.indd 171712/21/21 10:29 AM

LIBERTY VITTERTDRAKE STUDENT 2005“I like to think that I followed in his footsteps, of being thattype of teacher that the kids always talked about,” LyonSchumacher says. “Steve was so well-liked by his students,but it was because he earned their respect.”In her 39-year career, Lyon-Schumacher taught everythingfrom remedial math to advanced placement classes. Drake,she says, modeled making math accessible for all students.“Everybody can do math,” she says. “The best teachers canreach all kids, not just teach to the high-level kids that aregood in math.”“Whenever a student doesn’t understand what I am teaching, I think about Professor Drake and remember that thereis always a way to teach someone,” said Vittert, who is alsoeditor of the Harvard Data Science Review and a visiting“You have to change the thinking. Drake did that a lot for us.”Back in 1999, Teichman was enrolled in NMC’s Police Academyand aspired to a career in high-level law enforcement, like theFBI or the DEA.“My whole goal was to be a federal agent,” Teichman says. “Itook that class with Steve, and in the frst week, I knew what Iwanted to do with the rest of my life.”Law enforcement was out. Teaching was in. Teichman went on toearn a bachelor’s in math from Ferris State University and taughtas an adjunct at NMC from 2001-2012. In 2007 he won the Adjunct Faculty Excellence award, the counterpart to a faculty excellence award that Drake’s received twice. Teichman left NMCfor a few years and earned his master’s in physics, then rejoinedthe adjunct faculty in 2018. Now 50, he still considers himself aprotégé of Drake.assistant professor at Washin

THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE . Nexus. is published two times a year by the NMC Offce of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications and designed and printed by MyNorth Media. Alumni notes and updates may be submitted at . nmc.edu/alumni or e-mail alumni@nmc.edu . For correspondence and address updates: 1701 E. Front St.