April 2026 WMU News

Ready to serve: Grad Molly Cochran prepares for duty in Army Nurse Corps

Hands-on clinical experience through Western Michigan University's Bronson School of Nursing paired with leadership training in the Army ROTC program prepared Medallion Scholar Molly Cochran for her future as an Army nurse.

Global Engagement Program honors student achievement and community support

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education celebrated its Global Engagement Program this month, recognizing student achievement, community impact and campus partnerships at an annual awards ceremony.

Constructing joy: Student fashion show explores and showcases happiness on the runway

MODA hosted its annual spring fashion show, themed “Pursuit of Happiness,” which showcased the diverse creative visions of 24 student designers. From sustainable upcycling and music-integrated performances to collections inspired by personal heritage and 2000s aesthetics, the runway event highlighted the exceptional talent at WMU.

Strengthening Global Engagement Amid Global Challenges

A reflection from the Western Michigan University Associate Vice President of Global Education on the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

From Student Involvement to Airline Operations: Kevin Klimas’ Aviation Management Path

Advice from close friends generally can lead to one of two outcomes -- a bad experience in a perilous place or a life-altering productive event. 

It was the latter for Kevin Klimas, a senior majoring in aviation management and operations in the WMU College of Aviation. 

Shifting focus: WMU film grad Aidan Ralko captures success through Experience-Driven Learning

Leveraging Experience-Driven Learning opportunities at the student newspaper, videography internships and a prestigious film festival collegium abroad, Aidan Ralko is ready to start his career in video production.

Western Michigan University partners with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to expand opportunities for Nursing Students

Western Michigan University has partnered with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to provide nursing students with financial support and hands-on experience through Pine Rest Nursing Academy.

Clear for takeoff: How WMU’s aviation program launched A’maree Waddell’s career

Western Michigan University aviation management graduate A’maree Waddell has secured a high-profile role as an operations coordinator at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport starting in May 2026. A Foundation Scholar and leader within the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and the University's National Pan-Hellenic Council, Waddell credits WMU's College of Aviation for the hands-on experience and professional networking that launched her career at one of the world's busiest airports.

Brewing up global business

MBA student Dhyan Bopanna is gaining a dual perspective of business at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. From Coorg, India, Bopanna is preparing to become a leader who can build something meaningful and make a global impact

WMU Theatre grad Jack Austin is ready to take his career to the next stage

From landing a range of roles on the theatre stage to creating award-winning music and taking the national spotlight singing alongside music superstars on NBC’s “The Voice,” Jack Austin has squeezed a lot into his four years at Western Michigan University. Next up? A starring role in “Into the Woods” at Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo before heading to New York City.

Global community of medieval scholars converges on WMU for annual international congress

More than 1,700 international medieval scholars will convene on Main Campus Thursday through Saturday, May 14-16, for the 61st meeting of the International Congress on Medieval Studies.

WMU, Kalamazoo Valley launch guaranteed admissions partnership

Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College have launched the Bronco Bound Guarantee, a new partnership offering guaranteed admission and scholarships to eligible transfer students. This streamlined initiative simplifies the transition from an associate degree to a four-year university by removing financial barriers and providing automatic admission to the WMU.

Asian Forum 2026 examines East Asian perspectives on aging, honors the late Dr. Timothy Light

WMU Asian Initiatives will host a multidisciplinary conference May 2–3 at Western Michigan University, bringing scholars from Asia and the West to explore how aging is understood across East Asian societies. All are invited.

WMU Haworth digital marketing students repeat as world competition champions

A team of Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business digital marketing students has claimed first place at the 2026 Digital Marketing Competition. This is the second consecutive year that Western students have placed first, with four other WMU teams ranked in the top 25, reaffirming WMU’s standing as one of the top digital marketing programs in the world.

All in the numbers: Broncos Lead intern helps local tourist org make data-informed decisions

Through the Broncos Lead Internship Program, Western Michigan University student Arshpreet Singh utilized business analytics to help Discover Kalamazoo optimize regional tourism through geolocation data and trend analysis. This hands-on experience allowed Arshpreet to provide actionable insights for local businesses and city leaders, demonstrating the power of data-informed decision-making in the Kalamazoo business community.

Transforming cities: leadership, community and change

On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Social Work with Communities course (SWRK 4600) at Western Michigan University Health and Human Services had the distinct honor of hosting former Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan.

Physician assistant students participate in 2026 Capitol Summit

Three Western Michigan University Physician Assistant (WMU PA) students recently represented the program at the 2026 Capitol Summit, hosted by the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates in Lansing. The annual event brings together practicing physician assistants, students, and state legislators to engage in meaningful dialogue about healthcare policy, patient access, and the evolving role of PAs across Michigan.

CHHS faculty and alumna receive international award for research excellence

Faculty members from the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at Western Michigan University, along with an M.S.W. alumna, have been recognized with an international award for their scholarly contributions to student learning and professional development.

Leadership and business strategy: The stakes are high, the recommendations real

WMU's leadership and business strategy courses focus on Experience-Driven learning. Student teams consult for Sleeping Giant Capital's operating companies, creating real recommendations for business leaders.

WMU to celebrate grads earning 2,300-plus degrees May 2

In addition to the conferring of degrees and presentation of graduates, there will be vignettes on graduate success and a tribute to the degree earners.

Earth Day marks grand opening of new, dedicated space for WMU’s IDEAS Collaboratory

A student art exhibition focused on environmental sustainability and the impact of plastics will welcome the public to the new collaborative space on Wednesday, April 22.

New Zhang Financial Presidential Internship levels up Experience-Driven Learning opportunity through investment management

Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna is taking his investment in student success to the next level, entrusting a student with designing, implementing and managing a portion of his personal financial portfolio under the guidance of professionals at Zhang Financial. Mo Tall, a personal financial planning student, is the first recipient of the Zhang Financial Presidential Internship.

An energetic start to a career in cybersecurity

From Accra, Ghana, Gabriel Gyimah is taking his career to the next level by pursuing a Master of Science in cybersecurity from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. As a first-year graduate student, Gyimah is not only achieving a robust education, but he is also setting himself up for a fulfilling career.

Libraries awards two Library Student Employee Scholarships

The University Libraries awarded two scholarships to student employees for their outstanding contributions. Manahel Abdulrab and Autumn Ropp have been selected to receive $1,000 scholarships to support their academic pursuits at Western.

Celebrating the 2026 College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ Presidential Scholars

Every year, Western Michigan University's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences honors outstanding students as Presidential Scholars, the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on a student's general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence relative to their majors, and intellectual and artistic promise. One student is selected from each department. 

WMU Alumnus Breaks Ground on 48‑Unit Recovery Housing Development

A Western Michigan University graduate has launched construction on a 48‑unit recovery housing project designed to support individuals rebuilding their lives after addiction. The development will provide stable, long‑term housing paired with recovery resources, aiming to expand access to safe, supportive environments for people in treatment and early sobriety.

Education alum’s lesson plan for a meaningful career: Embrace the unexpected

Thanks to the skills he gained at Western Michigan University, education alumnus Jonny Shatter, B.S.’20, was able to make a critical career pivot during a time of uncertainty in the teaching profession. As an executive loan officer at a mortgage brokerage, he’s been able to put his teaching skills and passion for helping others to good use.

From Intern to Operator: Hudson's Aviation Management Journey

Reed Hudson is one of those typical College of Aviation enrollees whose resumes are chock full of academic and professional achievements. 

Except he's gone one step further -- being designated "Aviation Student of the Year" for 2025 by the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

WMU Board of Trustees to meet Thursday, April 16

Trustees will meet at noon in the WMU Student Center ballroom.