2023 WMU College of Arts and Sciences Magazine

Dunbar Hall, an Academic Landmark, Nears Completion Also Inside – - Reimagining Environmental Education and Scholarship at WMU - Alumnus Returns to Inspire the Next Generation of Journalists 2023

The College of Arts and Sciences Strategic Plan GUIDING PRINCIPLES Our Mission Greetings From the Dean to Our Alumni and Friends Dear Friends and Alumni, It has been an exciting and energizing fall semester on campus, especially with the opening of our new Student Center. The $99M facility has been positively packed with students enjoying the comfortable seating, many food options, game room, meeting rooms and, of course, Starbucks coffee. We are getting very close to the completion of another major project on campus – the $43M renovation of Dunbar Hall. In addition to active learning classrooms, Dunbar will feature a Dance Studio; an academic advising suite; three HyFlex classrooms allowing remote students to participate in classes held in person; a School of Communication Media Suite; and inviting informal study areas throughout the building. The Media Suite, which will include podcasting, journalism and broadcasting facilities, was designed to provide sophisticated training for our students. It will feature the best communication teaching equipment at any university in the state of Michigan, bar none! Renovations to Dunbar Hall have been completed with our strong commitment to sustainability at the forefront. In addition to very significant improvements in energy and water efficiency, it will feature indoor bicycle parking; two visible, demonstration-scale green roofs; and an 11,000 sq ft addition constructed with special glass intended to deter bird collisions.

This fall we are also celebrating the launch of our new School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability. Led by founding director Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, the new school will house more than a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs previously administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Tourism and the Institute of Environment and Sustainability, as well as the climate change studies minor, the global and international studies programs, and the W.E. Upjohn Center for the Study of Geographical Change. The new school will further elevate innovative interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary scholarship and teaching in our college. This fall also marks the launch of our new Tribal Governance Graduate Certificate program, housed in the School of Public Affairs and Administration. This unique program, focused on issues pertaining to indigenous culture, government and sovereignty, was developed in close partnership with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

The State of Michigan has been a tremendous supporter and partner this year, recognizing and investing in excellence across the college. Our Autism Center of Excellence will receive a $4M grant, allowing us to greatly expand services provided by the Kalamazoo Autism Center (KAC) to children in our community with autism spectrum disorder. The Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) will receive nearly $6M to build a new facility, a $5M grant for aggregate mapping and ongoing operational funding of $3M per year. The KAC and the MGS engage our faculty and students in cutting-edge scholarship, provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and have an enormously positive impact on the broader community. I am truly grateful to our state legislature for making this critical work possible.

This edition of our college magazine highlights just a few of the incredible accomplishments of our outstanding faculty, students, staff and alumni. As you will see, the College of Arts and Sciences continues to transform lives and communities through our commitment to academic excellence; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; outstanding research and creative activities; and strong community partnerships. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Our mission is to ignite and sustain a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences and sciences, to help students, staff and faculty succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global.

Our Vision Our vision is to achieve excellence in all aspects of learning and discovery across the humanities, social sciences and sciences while fostering a climate of intellectual freedom, diversity and inclusion.

OUR CORE VALUES Collaboration We promote an atmosphere in which staff, faculty, students and community collaborate in their discovery, learning and engagement.

Creativity We cherish intellectual vitality and innovation, driven by curiosity and critical thinking.

Equity We are committed to an inclusive and equitable community comprised of diverse faculty, staff and students.

Integrity We seek to operate in an environment that features accountability, transparency and respect.

Intellectual Freedom In a spirit of civility, we value intellectual freedom and the open exchange of ideas in our inquiry, discovery and learning.

Financial Sustainability We work to be financially accountable and viable through sustainable operations, programs and outcomes.

Student Success

Carla Koretsky, Dean College of Arts and Sciences

We center students’ needs in our academic planning, policies and programs to enable learners to meet their educational goals.

2023

Inside

Features Arts and Sciences News

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Doctoral student starts WMU Justice-Involved Higher Ed Program Michigan Geological Survey Receives $14 Million in Funding And more —

From Silos to Synergy

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School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability reimagines environmental education and scholarship at WMU

On the Cover Architectural rendering of the newly-renovated Dunbar Hall opening in spring 2024.

Preserving History, Embracing the Future Dunbar Hall's Renovation Blends Legacy and Innovation

Magazine Staff Meghan Behymer, Managing Editor Michael Worline, Art Director

Empowering Tribal Leaders

Contributors Elena Meadows, Writer Kayla Lambert, WMU Student Writer Alissa Minard, WMU Student Writer Kate Anson, WMU Student Writer

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Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson returns as a visiting scholar in the School of Communication

Dunbar Hall architectural renderings provided by

The World is His Lab

Tower Pinkster Architecture • Engineering • Interiors

Holland Litho Printing Service

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WMU partners with local tribes to create Tribal Governance Graduate Certificate

Inspiring Alumni

Mike Lanka, Photographer Mark Bugnaski, Photographer Kayla Lambert, Photographer Johnathon Moulds, Photographer

Printer

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Mohamed Sultan's curiosity fuels discoveries across the globe, inspires student geologists

Student Success

Arts and Sciences is an annual publication of Western Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kalamazoo, Mich., for alumni and friends of the college. The views in the magazine are not necessarily those of the University.

School of Communication student lands coveted Victory Congressional Internship

Connect With Us!

Questions or comments? Contact Meghan Behymer at meghan.behymer@wmich.edu.

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Arts and Sciences News

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

Dr. Staci Perryman-Clark

Dr. Raymond Thompson

Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez

Dr. Jennifer Harrison

Dr. Laura Dinehart

Dr. Jason Glass

Dr. Sara Nelson

2023/2024 New Western Michigan University Senior Leadership Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

WMU biologist helps settle 50-year-old fish evolution debate Growing up surrounded by fish tanks and nearby creeks, Dr. Andrew Thompson's passion for aquatic life ignited at an early age. His curiosity led him to spend time learning about different fish species, which eventually paved the way for his career in fish genome research.

Today, as an assistant professor in Western Michigan University’s Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson's passion led him to co-author a paper titled “Genome structures resolve the early diversification of teleost fishes,” recently published in the esteemed journal, Science.

“It was a relief and exciting to see when it was finally accepted,” says Thompson. “It's always a goal to publish in these high-impact journals because they have a lot of readership, so your science is seen by a lot of people from all over the world.”

Dr. Raymond Thompson Dean, College of Aviation Dr. Laura Dinehart Dean, College of Education and Human Development

The study sheds new light on a long-standing debate regarding the early evolution of teleost (or “ray-finned”) fishes. Thompson’s research confirmed that eels and bony-tongues were the first evolutionary split in teleosts.

Dr. Jennifer Harrison Interim Dean, College of Health and Human Services

“For years, (researchers) have looked at the DNA sequences, the shape of the animals' bodies and done all these analyses,” says Thompson. “They just keep getting different answers depending on how you look at it.”

Dr. Staci Perryman-Clark Interim Dean, Merze Tate College Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez Associate Provost for Equity-Centered Initiatives

Thompson sought to finally “nail down” the answer about the early evolution of teleost fishes through genome sequencing. Early classifications suggested that the "bony-tongues" were the oldest group, while more recent classifications identified "eels" as the oldest.

Dr. Sara Nelson Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Dr. Jason Glass Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning

“When we infer these evolutionary histories, it’s impossible to know you have the right answer because you can’t go back in time and see what evolution did,” says Thompson. “We can infer them using genetic data.”

To finally settle the 50-year debate, the research team sequenced the genomes of several species in the "eel" group, revealing that the "eels" and "bony-tongues" are actually one and the same group, which researchers named "Eloposteoglossocephala." This finding will provide the basis for further studies on the evolution of teleost fishes.

Dr. Matthew Mingus

Monique Haley

Dr. Michael Ryan

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah

2023/2024 New College of Arts and Sciences Chairs and Directors Dr. Matthew Mingus Director, School of Public Affairs and Administration Monique Haley Acting Director, Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies Dr. Michael Ryan Chair, Department of Economics Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah Director, School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability

With the age-old teleost debate settled, Thompson is now seeking to understand killifish dormancy. These organisms, which possess embryos that can withstand seasonal dryness, provide unique insight into evolution, development, behavior, cancer and aging. Thompson’s lab uses them as a model to study the evolution of different traits in harsh environments.

From a childhood hobby in Western Pennsylvania to a professional pursuit of knowledge, Thompson's interest in fish evolution has only grown. He aims to inspire others to find and follow their own passions.

“Use whatever curiosity you have, and your passion for some weird nerdy thing and start early to pursue that,” says Thompson. “It’s never too early to start.” ◆

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Doctoral student launches WMU Higher Education for the Justice-Involved program At Western Michigan University, Bronco pride runs deep. It is felt by students from vastly different backgrounds whose varying dreams and goals will launch them to a myriad of different futures, all united by the transformative power of the spirit of brown and gold. For Dale Brown, a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Studies, the potential found in that kind of passion inspires a desire to bring a quality education to individuals incarcerated at Western’s newest branch campus, WMUColdwater, officially located inside the Lakeland Correctional Facility.

Brown's commitment to the transformative power of higher education has driven the establishment, in August 2023, of a program that will provide incarcerated individuals the opportunity to pursue and obtain a Bachelor's degree from Western.

Entitled Higher Education for the Justice-Involved (HEJI), the program spearheaded by Brown will require its students to complete at least 122 credits within five years in order to earn a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences through the Student Planned Major program.

“During the beginning of my academic journey, I always knew I wanted to aim for some sort of social good, especially in terms of expanding access to higher education,” says Brown. “So when I arrived here for graduate school in 2016, I started asking, how could we start doing something like this in prison?”

The program is both inspired by and follows from Brown’s doctoral thesis, which focuses on the transformative and humanizing power of higher education for justice-involved people. In 2018, Brown partnered with the Michigan Department

of Corrections and the Department of Philosophy to offer a pilot program that provided incarcerated students with the opportunity to study the humanities. Although that initial foray did not provide academic credit, the new HEJI initiative, which now also includes a partnership with WMU’s Center for the Humanities, makes it possible for program participants to earn a college degree.

“The goal of the program is to provide credit and credential conferring programming in the liberal arts to incarcerated people,” says Brown. “We took the syllabi from the courses that we taught on campus, and we just went and did it in prison and we thought, let's see what happens.”

Classes in a variety of disciplines are intended to give students a well-rounded opportunity to learn. Most courses fall within the scope of the humanities, including anthropology, literature, philosophy, education, classics, religion and sociology.

“We're focused on classes with themes that say something about the complexity of being human,” says Brown. “That’s going to be a big part of the program. We are unapologetic in that the humanities and liberal arts are not a fancy addition to a college education: they're the foundation on which it stands.”

The first cohort of 25 students comprises students of different ages, backgrounds and experiences, all eager to learn by coming together to educate themselves and one another. This, according to Brown, is one of the most important parts of the program.

“These are folks who are extremely dedicated to improving themselves through higher education,”

says Brown. “There’s this hunger for self improvement within the incarcerated population.”

For Brown, one of the best parts of the experience is being present to see the students find pride in their academic institution. He highlighted the way his students’ eyes light up when they receive their Bronco-branded notebooks and pens, their excitement reminding him of the importance of higher education.

Brown confesses that before embarking upon the HEJI project, “I never had much school spirit myself, I never understood it. But I saw them get excited about a folder, and I started to understand.

That's the type of student we want, right?

Incredibly proud to be a Bronco.” ◆

“We're focused on classes with themes that say something about the complexity of being human.

That’s going to be a big part of the program. We are unapologetic in that the humanities and liberal arts are not a fancy addition to a college education: they're the foundation on which it stands.”

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Arts and Sciences News Department of Mathematics receives $7 million endowment for student scholarships

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous endowment, which will have a transformative impact on our department and students pursuing mathematics degrees," says Dr. Melinda Koelling, chair of the Department of Mathematics.

"We are grateful for the donor's generosity, and look forward to using this gift to support our students.”

Burns, who bequeathed his entire estate upon his death to Western, attended the University in the 1970’s pursuing first a Master’s and then a Ph.D. in mathematics, focused on graph theory. Burns was the sole doctoral student of professor emeritus Dr. Shashi Kapoor.

Professor emeritus Dr. Gary Chartrand recalls Burns as “a good guy—very friendly and modest.” After earning his Ph.D., Burns taught at Ferris State University for 40 years, retiring as a full professor.

A transformative gift of $7 million from the late Dr. David P. Burns, M.A.’72, Ph.D.’79, is set to fuel Western Michigan University's Department of Mathematics with new possibilities and pave the way for students to pursue their passions in the field.

The David P. Burns Endowment, which constitutes the single largest donation in the history of the Department of Mathematics, will be used to support scholarships for undergraduate and graduate mathematics students.

When Burns was not in the classroom he enjoyed collecting, repairing, and riding vintage bicycles, and reading books on U.S. history, especially about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War period.

“With this endowment, the only parameters are that it must be used for mathematics student scholarships, so now the Department of Mathematics has the exciting and challenging task of figuring out the best ways to use this endowment to serve students,” says Koelling. ◆

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A curious mind's pursuit: Biological Sciences doctoral candidate journeys from childhood microscopes to cutting-edge research When faced with a scientific mystery, Western Michigan University doctoral candidate Samantha Hack cannot help but try to solve it. A detective in the biological sciences currently interested in adult stem cells and tissue regeneration in flatworms, Hack has dedicated herself to pursuing research in Western’s biological studies programs since her undergraduate studies.

Hack’s interest in science was sparked at a young age when her grandfather gave her a subscription to “National Geographic.” She became intrigued by biology and was inspired to conduct her own childhood research, eager to learn more.

“I had a little microscope where I could go out and cut leaves, put them on glass slides and make wet mounts,” says Hack. “When the book fair came around, I would beg for any kit that was science related.”

This passion steered Hack toward a career in science, a path she likens to solving an intricate puzzle, each twist and turn yielding a fresh revelation.

“I think that discovery, where you’re the only one who knows what you found, is so cool,” says Hack. “I don't really know how to describe how it feels, but it’s a very powerful feeling being the only one that knows what you just found.”

Hack’s interests brought her to Western. After successfully completing both baccalaureate and Master's degrees in biological sciences, she has continued her studies in pursuit of a doctoral degree, which she expects to complete in June 2024. Currently conducting research in Dr. Wendy Beane’s lab, Hack credits Beane and her doctoral committee with being incredibly supportive mentors.

“My experience has been fantastic in the Ph.D program because of how awesome my mentors are,” says Hack. “They have not put a limit to what I can do, which has been really nice.”

Throughout her time at Western, Hack has garnered numerous accolades, including the All-University Graduate Research and Creative Scholar award.

This year, she was selected to receive a Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowship. Her other accomplishments include oral presentations at the Society for Developmental Biology Annual Meeting and WMed Research Day, co-authoring two journal publications with three more in the pipeline, and being selected from highly competitive pools of international applicants to enroll

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“I think that discovery, where you’re the only one who knows what you found, is so cool.

I don't really know how to describe how it feels, but it’s a very powerful feeling being the only one that knows what you just found.” in three advanced research courses at Cold Spring Harbor and Marine Biological Laboratories. She was also selected for two highly competitive post-doctoral fellow recruitment programs at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute.

“I feel like getting your Ph.D. just feels like an upward battle,” says Hack. “You have to love it or else it's just kind of brutal. People really only stay in it if they really love what they’re doing.”

Hack’s next goal is to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at an academic institution or research hospital. She would particularly enjoy remaining in academia by teaching at a university and overseeing her own research lab. However, she is happy with whatever comes her way for the time being. “I love teaching,” says Hack. “It has been really nice to share my knowledge with other grad students in the department.”

As Hack approaches the end of her doctoral journey, she anticipates the bittersweet farewell to the academic environment at Western that has been so instrumental “in helping to foster critical thinking, which is really what a Ph.D is all about.” Ready for wherever her passion and expertise will lead her next, Hack affirms that her time at Western has fully satisfied the love she has for science that her grandfather’s gift first inspired.

“I'm ready to take the next step: excited maybe, scared yes,” says Hack. “I have come to the point where I'm ready to be independent and on my own, moving onto something where I can really take charge and ownership of the project.” ◆

A Resurgent Future: Michigan Geological Survey Receives $14 Million in Funding A new chapter begins for the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS), affiliated with Western Michigan University’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, as it secured a substantial funding surge of $14 million from the state of Michigan. This funding promises to bolster the survey's efforts and lead to advancements in geological research and resource management.

"We are excited and grateful that this funding will once again support the survey to conduct resource assessments and research to serve all of Michigan’s citizens,” says John Yellich, director of the MGS. The comprehensive funding package includes an annual $3 million grant from the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) budget, additional one-time supports of $3 million from the higher education budget and $2.9 million from EGLE, together with a separate one-time allocation of $5 million from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to be distributed over five years.

Collectively, these funds will be used to support the survey's basic operations, the establishment of a larger Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE) facility and a variety of projects that Western faculty and students will continue being essential collaborators in.

A ROCKY PAST The MGS has a long history, dating back to January 26, 1837—the same day Michigan was admitted as a state. That day, a bill was introduced and approved in the state legislature to establish a geological survey of Michigan. The survey has faced challenges and changes in focus over the years.

One of the primary efforts of the MGS is to create comprehensive geological maps of Michigan, with particular emphasis on surface geology. Most recent geological maps date back decades and only represent the upper few feet of geological materials. Updating these maps has become paramount for understanding water resources, identifying potential hazards and locating valuable geological formations critical to meeting societal needs.

“Our whole structure of society is dependent on natural resources and, to have a facility and research institute that allows you to better understand where those resources are, how to manage them in a sustainable way and understand what the possible risk factors are, is absolutely essential. That’s the work that we get to do,” says Dr. William Harrison, MGRRE director of research and professor emeritus in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences.

Yellich underscores the critical importance of research into Michigan's natural resources for identification, protection, economic development and sustainability.

The state's wealth of natural resources, including minerals and energy reserves, necessitates a deep understanding of its geology so that policymakers can make informed decisions that foster sustainable economic growth in the region.

“Our legislators and communities need information that is accessible and easy to understand so that we are all on the same page working together, to manage and develop our natural resources” says Yellich.

SHAPING FUTURE GEOLOGISTS

Early years were dedicated to exploration throughout the state and identifying the vast potential for natural resource development. Many reports and studies were published as Michigan became a national leader in the production of iron, copper, salt, lime, gypsum and many other materials needed in today’s society.

Beyond the various research efforts, the new funding will support the expansion of the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education. The repository holds a vast collection, including more than 550,000 linear feet of core samples from Michigan's subsurface geological formations and extensive data from drill cuttings, wireline logs, well records, engineering analyses, testing data, and oil and gas well production records.

After the 1970’s recession, the Michigan Legislature reduced general fund allocation to many state agencies, including the survey. With much reduced funding and staff following that, the survey focused primarily on regulatory work and largely eliminated geological research. Countless resource studies and reports remained untouched, and vital geological research came to a near total standstill.

“The repository is really at this critical point where anything we collect, we don’t have room to store it,” says Yellich. “This is the space for all our data collection, laboratory resources and training and outreach. As we continue to expand, especially with the funding support, it's vital that we have more space to continue our work and train the next generation of geologists.”

In 2010, recognizing the critical need for comprehensive geological research, the MGS, a division in the DEQ, sought to transfer the scientific assessment and research functions to WMU. Through the passage of Public Act 167 of 2011, the scientific functions of the survey were assigned to Western, which was already home to the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE), founded by Dr. William Harrison in 1982. This crucial move was supported by WMU, which provided a two-year funding lifeline, igniting hope for a sustainable future for the survey by opening avenues for future financial support.

Initially, Dr. Alan Kehew, WMU professor of geosciences, was appointed as the new survey’s director, leading efforts to revive geological mapping and resource assessment across Michigan. In 2013, Yellich, a Western alumnus, returned from working in industry to assume the role of MGS director. He was soon instrumental in the successful acquisition of several grants, which laid the groundwork for the ambitious vision of a fully operational and thriving geological survey.

“It has always surprised me that Michigan lacked the same level of funding and support [as other state surveys] despite its immense potential for different types of resources, such as oil, gas, energy storage, critical and non-critical minerals,” says Autumn Haagsma, assistant director of the MGS and director of MGRRE. “This really is a significant turning point that can lead to impactful advancements in understanding and utilizing our state's geological resources.”

AN EXPANDING HORIZON With the $14 million funding on the horizon, the Michigan Geological Survey is poised to enter a new era of geological research and assessment with a strong focus on critical minerals, carbon sequestration and hydrogen storage projects.

The extra resources will enable MGS to broaden its offerings in student and professional training, enrich connections between academia and industry with historical data, and amplify outreach endeavors.

Among these initiatives is the CoreKids K-12 Earth Science Outreach Program, which engages approximately 15,000 kids annually in comprehending the Earth, its mechanisms and its resources. Additionally, up to 25 Western students at any time will be engaged within the MGRRE facility to assist diverse projects.

“Offering students hands-on experience in geological research is a valuable component for the entire University system and, above all, for the students aspiring to enter the field. They bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the work, and they will ultimately be the ones driving our work forward,” says Yellich. ◆ arts&sciences | 2023 5

From Silos to Synergy: School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability reimagines environmental education and scholarship at WMU

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, founding director of the new School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability (SEGS), would like to make Western Michigan University the first-choice school for students interested in the environment, geography and sustainability.

Born of discussions between WMU’s Department of Geography, Environment and Tourism and Institute of the Environment and Sustainability about how best to collaborate and strengthen teaching and scholarship focused on the environment, SEGS combines the expertise of faculty and staff in both units. On July 1, 2023, SEGS formally became the administrative home of existing programs previously housed separately in the two units.

These programs include 11 undergraduate majors and five minors, one graduate degree, and two graduate certificate programs from the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and Department of Geography, Environment and Tourism. In addition, the global and international studies major and minor programs and the climate change studies minor will now be administered by SEGS. The school will also continue to offer a joint graduate certificate program in climate change policy and management with the Department of Political Science. Additionally, SEGS will be the home of the W.E. Upjohn Center for the Study of Geographical Change.

With 22 full-time faculty and staff, together with part-time faculty and more than 300 students, SEGS looks forward to pursuing their mission: to foster the training of students who are interested in the environment, providing them with outstanding experiences in the classroom and beyond, and preparing them for diverse careers, while supporting world-class research and creative scholarship focused on protecting the environment for all.

“I’m really excited about the new school because it’s going to be an opportunity for faculty members to work together,” says Ofori-Amoah. “We are bringing together two units that have a wide variety of expertise in all aspects of the environment and sustainability, so it will be very interesting and very good for our students to come in and work with all these wonderful people.”

Gone are the artificial “silos”created from having two separate units. Students will benefit from an expanded pool of faculty with expertise in the environment and other areas. Ofori-Amoah trusts that the new school will encourage faculty to work closely with one another to develop innovative, interdisciplinary courses and programs, creating something more unique for themselves and their students.

“Down the line we know there will be some transitions, trying to frame certain programs as not geography or environment, but something else in the spirit of both programs, so I see that as an advantage,” says Ofori-Amoah.

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The school plans to revive a community and regional planning program that had been put on hold due to low enrollment despite of an outstanding job market for graduates, as well as to investigate how they might combine existing environmental studies and environmental geography programs to create unique environmental- and sustainability-related programs. In addition, “we have a very good master’s program and we think it’s going to become stronger as we get more environmentally focused,” Ofori-Amoah says.

While there will inevitably be some growing pains in achieving the merger for faculty, staff and students, including the task of physically integrating two previously separate units located in different sections of Wood Hall, Ofori-Amoah and his leadership team are fully committed to addressing these challenges throughout the upcoming year.

Ofori-Amoah brings significant global experience to his role, starting with an education in his native Ghana, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in geography with statistics, and master’s degree in urban and regional planning. After that he moved on to the United Kingdom to pursue a master’s degree in higher educational administration.

From there he continued his education in Canada, where he earned a doctorate in geography.

Wetland Ecology (BIOS 5515) Dr. Tiffany Schriever and students sample Goldsworth Pond for macroinvertebrates and measure water quality.

Arriving in the United States in 1990, he began as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 1991, teaching economic geography and urban planning, and ultimately becoming a department chair. He joined the staff at Western Michigan University as department chair of geography in 2006, where he has taught classes in economic geography, urban geography and urban planning.

Ofori-Amoah’s original roots in Ghana sparked his special interest in studying economic development issues, while his experiences in Stevens Point and Kalamazoo led him to develop a second interest in studying the needs of America’s small cities.

“Big cities have problems, but they have resources so they can do a lot of things,” says Ofori-Amoah. “Kalamazoo—we are not Chicago, we are not New York. Small cities have their own unique problems.

Because of [limited] resources they are not able to bring in highpaid consultants to solve these problems.”

Some areas of focus for SEGS students will include climate change, extreme weather conditions and their impact on resources, freshwater sustainability, environmental planning, and physical and environmental issues that impact living conditions—including those resulting in health inequities such as racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Physical Geography (GEOG 1050) Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook and students discuss landscape processes using a relief model.

Long-term, Ofori-Amoah envisions opportunities for SEGS to have a positive impact not only within Western’s walls, but also in the broader community. “Already, some of our programs have a lot of connections within the local community, and with all the things that are going on that are environment related, it is our hope that the school will become a major player and a major contributor with the local community.”

He would like to expand current faculty involvement in the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition, as well as increase the number of students engaging in service learning with local organizations— sharing their own knowledge and gleaning new information.

Such experiential learning opportunities “help our students learn the practical aspects of the concepts they are studying in class,” say Ofori-Amoah, and will prepare them for success well beyond graduation. ◆

Global and International Students interview Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson on the Studies (GIST 2000) connectivity between capital, talent and sustainability in fostering a thriving community.

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Dunbar Hall, Circa 1973, shortly following the original construction. This southeast exterior wall is the location of the new addition shown in the architectural rendering below.

A wave of excitement is building at Western Michigan University as the highly anticipated renovation of Dunbar Hall, an academic landmark that has served tens of thousands of students over the decades, nears completion. The thoroughly modernized learning environment, made possible by a $43 million investment, is slated to open in spring 2024.

Originally built in 1971 as part of a trio of buildings to meet the surging demand for classroom space, Dunbar Hall has faithfully served the University for nearly five decades. As the second most-utilized teaching facility on campus, Dunbar serves more than 17,000 students each year.

As the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the aging facility became evident, a visionary renovation plan was launched. Designed in partnership with Tower Pinkster and HGA, the renovated building design is intended to create a contemporary educational space that is environmentally sustainable, supports active and collaborative learning and is welcoming for all. It was made possible by $30 million in state funding together with $13 million contributed by the University and philanthropic support.

“I am looking forward to the incredible impact that renovated Dunbar Hall will have on our students and the overall academic experience at Western," says College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Carla Koretsky. “This substantial expansion and renovation, encompassing approximately 90,000 square feet of space, will provide an exceptional and inviting environment for learning and discovery. The thoughtful design is intended to lay a foundation for enhanced interactions among students and faculty, igniting a spirit of collaboration and innovation and elevating the educational experience for all.”

Dunbar Hall, as it will be seen from the south east.

The design also incorporates indoor bicycle parking; two living, vegetative roofs; and innovative exterior glazing to deter bird collisions.

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The ambitious renovation project involved stripping the building down to its structural skeleton and reimagining the interior to meet the needs of the 21st-century student.

With a focus on creating a vibrant and collaborative learning environment, the renovations include reconfigured classroom layouts, cutting-edge technology upgrades and both formal and informal student workspaces designed to foster active learning and innovation.

"As we reinvent Dunbar Hall, we hope to provide students with an inspiring space where they can cultivate their intellectual curiosity, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and further develop critical thinking skills," says College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Carla Koretsky. "Our goal is to create an environment that sparks creativity and supports the success of all students."

Environmental sustainability is a key element woven through the renovation. Upgrades to the existing utility infrastructure, shared with Friedmann and Knauss Halls, will greatly improve and maximize water and energy efficiency. A dedicated outdoor air unit will provide 100 percent fresh air to most of the building, and care was taken to select sustainably sourced building materials and to maximize recycling and reuse of materials during construction. The design also incorporates indoor bicycle parking; two living, vegetative roofs; and innovative exterior glazing to deter bird collisions. These and other "green" features ensure that Dunbar Hall will meet the University requirement to achieve LEED Silver certification, with a goal of achieving LEED Gold certification for this project still in sight.

Rendering of the informal study space in the new addition. Ground level two, near the fountain plaza entrance.

A drop-in advising center for all College of Arts and Sciences students will be located near the W logo.

Not only is the new Dunbar Hall designed to be aesthetically pleasing, it was also strategically designed to serve as a campus connector. With an 11,000-square-foot glass structure, the building will be a prominent landmark visible from Fountain Plaza and the future Hilltop Village, facilitating easy access between them.

Rendering of the informal study space in the new addition. Upper level four, on the fountain plaza end.

A new dance studio for the College of Fine Arts will be located adjacent to this space, just beyond the interior windows.

"As we reinvent Dunbar Hall, we hope to provide students with an inspiring space where they can cultivate their intellectual curiosity, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and further develop critical thinking skills." arts&sciences | 2023

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Rendering of the College of Arts and Sciences advising suite.

RENEWING AND HONORING A LEGACY

INSIDE DUNBAR: MEDIA SUITE SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE MEDIA EDUCATION AT WESTERN

The significance of Dunbar Hall extends far beyond the physical space.

Inside, the Dunbar Media Suite was designed as a beacon of innovation in a world where media fields are increasingly interconnected, transforming the way students experience storytelling and media education. This state-of-the-art collaborative space, which includes television broadcasting, podcasting and journalism facilities, is intended to revolutionize media education in the School of Communication.

Named after Dr. Willis F. Dunbar, a highly respected professor of history at WMU, the building holds a special place in the hearts of the Western community.

Dunbar worked at the University from 1951 to 1970 in the history department, serving as department chair from 1960 to 1967.

The vision behind the Dunbar Media Suite is ambitious yet intuitive: bring together various media disciplines under one roof, fostering collaboration and interaction among students from different fields. Instead of separate classrooms scattered across campus, this cutting-edge suite offers a shared space where aspiring journalists, broadcasters and digital media enthusiasts will engage with one another's expertise, sparking creative ideas and skills that transcend their respective specialties.

"For students, the Dunbar Media Suite is really going to broaden their understanding of their field and their craft, give them ideas for collaboration and a better understanding of different ways of telling stories,” says Dr. Cynthia Klekar-Cunningham, director of the School of Communication.

“Ultimately, this will take our students' experience in the classroom to the next level and prepare them for their careers."

For students embarking on careers in television and broadcasting, the suite promises to provide a deep understanding of the ways journalism and audio media can enhance storytelling. Simultaneously, journalism and digital media students will gain insights into the interconnectedness of their fields with broadcasting and television. This broadening of knowledge and skills will equip program graduates to become versatile professionals capable of nimbly adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape.

Central to the Dunbar Media Suite will be sophisticated equipment and technology, intended to support a diverse array of media projects. The switcher, comparable to a newsroom's nerve center, fosters collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside one another rather than in isolation.

Moreover, the suite will feature 4K technology, delivering visual and auditory excellence while remaining sustainable and upgradable. The incorporation of virtual reality equipment will allow students to delve into the immersive world of storytelling—a rapidly growing area within the media industry.

Dunbar appeared daily on WKZO-TV as a news commentator.

Through his research and scholarship as a historian, Dunbar made significant contributions to the preservation of Kalamazoo's history. His book "Kalamazoo and How It Grew," initially published in 1959 and later revised and updated, remains a cornerstone in understanding the city's development.

Beyond academia, Dunbar actively shared his knowledge with the wider Kalamazoo community. He served in local politics, chaired the board of the Kalamazoo Symphony Society and engaged with various organizations, including the Torch and Kiwanis Clubs, the Michigan Historical Commission, the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters. Before coming to Western, he worked in the history department of Kalamazoo College and on the staff at WKZO radio where he hosted the series "Know Your City", sharing insights into a myriad of aspects of Kalamazoo.

Dunbar's dedication to teaching and his scholarly contributions to the field of history continue to inspire.

His legacy lives on in the Zhang Legacy Collections Center, where his extensive writings and research are housed. ◆ In the photo to the right, students enjoy the vibrant and distinctive new Student Center located at the heart of WMU’s main campus in the Hilltop Village.

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The concept for the suite goes well beyond training students in advanced technology in a standard classroom setting; it will provide real-world experiences. Students will conduct live broadcasts, collaborating with professionals from renowned media organizations like ESPN, elevating their learning and preparing them for success in their future careers.

To bring this visionary project to life, the School of Communication and the College of Arts and Sciences are raising $2 million for cutting-edge equipment. Every dollar donated will be matched, up to $1,000,000, doubling the impact of supporters. This funding ensures that the suite will remain at the forefront of media education for years to come.

Beyond the benefits it will bring to School of Communication students, Klekar-Cunningham envisions the Dunbar Media Suite as a hub of collaboration across campus.

"We want to make the Dunbar Media Suite a great learning space for students from across campus.

We're open to collaborating with other units on what that could look like.” ◆

WMU student Haley Fike stands outside of the new Student Center that opened in August 2023.

Long before it housed lecture halls and textbooks, the land where Western Michigan University now stands was home to the Ojibwe, Odawa and Bodewadmi people, whose legacy still influences the University's identity today. A deep reverence for this ancestral heritage has led the University on a journey of cultural celebration and respect.

As part of this journey, in 2019 Western Michigan University adopted a land acknowledgement statement, prompting individuals to consider the history of our space and the people who have and continue to inhabit it.

The establishment of the WMU Native American Affairs Council (NAAC) in 2021 strengthened the University’s engagement with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The NAAC champions four core charges: building collaborative relationships; empowering students; developing programming; and acknowledging the land and sense of space Western inhabits. Another milestone was reached in March 2023 with the approval of a groundbreaking new program—the region's only Graduate Certificate in Tribal Governance, offered by the School of Public Affairs and Administration.

PAVING THE PATH TO NEW COLLABORATIONS The path that eventually led to the creation and launch of the Tribal Governance Graduate Certificate program began years earlier. Sam Morseau, the Secretary of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Council and a tribal governance instructor at Western, has been a key participant in the burgeoning relationship and conversations between the University and tribes since at least 2016. “We met with the athletic director looking for partnership opportunities. It began with a sponsorship, but then the tribes came back and said that we were looking for professional development and accreditation. He put us in contact with the Provost, and the rest is history.”

Working toward a shared and culturally-informed vision, WMU academic leaders and tribal leaders participated in frequent meetings to explore opportunities for collaboration. Initial discussions identified several potential areas for enhanced engagement and collaboration, including bolstering support services and community for indigenous students, launching an advisory council to foster continued partnership, and developing an academic program focused on tribal leadership and governance.

Morseau describes the partnership as a "co-governance model" that offers a wealth of opportunities, though he emphasizes the need for ongoing communication. Dr. Dee Sherwood, director of the Native American Affairs Council, agrees, noting that "Oftentimes, universities do not consult with tribes in their region when developing relevant courses and curricula. This is a missed opportunity. Tribal consultation is essential."

“When we started collaborating with the tribes, we were genuinely curious about how WMU could best support them,” says School of Public Affairs and Administration Director Dr. Matthew Mingus. “The program is tailored for tribal member needs and the needs of their community in mind, providing an opportunity for advanced college credit and professional development. The hope is also that non-tribal members will attend each class to promote valuable cultural interaction.”

Through authentic engagement and continuing discussion between faculty, academic leaders and tribal leaders, the Tribal Governance graduate certificate began to take shape. In fall 2023, the 12-credit curriculum was formally launched. Delivered primarily online, the program delves into the legal and cultural tapestry of tribal peoples and their intricate relationships with local, state and federal governments. More than theory, it provides hands-on experience in navigating the multifaceted challenges faced by tribal governments, including economic, managerial and societal dimensions.

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FORGING STRONG TIES THROUGH EDUCATION The Tribal Governance Graduate Certificate is largely designed for current tribal members and individuals who work with them. Students gain a deeper knowledge of tribal sovereignty and functioning, with particular emphasis on the importance of education for those serving in administrative and tribal council roles.

“Being a treaty tribe means that at some point, the U.S. government literally acknowledged and negotiated treaties with the tribe, indicating that they have their own governmental sovereignty,” says Mingus. “They’re constantly involved in intergovernmental negotiations with the local, state and national governments. This graduate certificate is one way to support the tribes and is likely to expand as interest has come in from across the nation.”

“Implementing a certificate program in collaboration with three tribal nations allows the opportunity to provide tribally endorsed resources to increase capacity building within our communities,” says Morseau. “Students can engage with various Tribal entities through subject matter experts and content endorsed by each Tribal Nation.”

The certificate requires courses including Foundations of Federal Indian Policies (PADM 6301) and Tribal Sovereignty Through Self Determination (PADM 6302), as well as elective courses focused on economic diversification and public management. Several courses will include a full Saturday session

hosted by one of the local tribes to provide a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for those who are able to attend.

“We are currently planning cohorts which will include government, gaming and economic development corporations within each tribal nation,” says Morseau. “This will promote a collaborative approach and environment to explore best practices in policies through the creation of service-learning projects.”

The certificate program is open to anyone interested in learning more about tribal governance. Although a specific undergraduate experience is not required, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree. The certificate can be earned on its own, or as a part of the Master of Public Administration degree program, allowing students to have the flexibility to choose their own path and “stack” credentials.

“I’d love to see it continue to expand,” says Morseau. “I think over the last couple of years, the organizing efforts between the three tribes and Western has greatly improved. Getting the information or communication out beforehand and working in conjunction together, what I see in the future is really the expansion of the program.”

“It has been an honor to see this dream come to fruition,” says Morseau. ◆

Brian Newland, U.S. Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, stands with WMU leaders and tribal representatives from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Gun Lake Tribal Council to celebrate the Tribal Governance certificate launch.

Pictured from left to right: Jeff Breneman Dee Sherwood Carla Koretsky Brian Newland Julian Vasquez-Heilig Matthew S. Mingus Jamie Stuck Sam Morseau Becky Richards Ben Brenner

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LZ Granderson teaches students in the “Opinion Writing and Reporting” course offiered by the WMU School of Communication in fall 2023.

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Life has come full circle for LZ Granderson: graduating from Western Michigan University, achieving an award-winning career as a journalist and then returning this fall as a visiting scholar in the School of Communication.

“I’m just really excited to be back in front of students,” says Granderson. “I’ve taught at USC, Northwestern and University of Chicago, but this is different because it’s home. It only makes sense to invest in the people who invested in me first.”

Granderson is teaching two courses on main campus: one focused on sports journalism and one on refining one’s voice as an opinion writer. He also hopes to raise awareness that the field of journalism is viable and admirable.

“I hope students will get a road map, with the understanding that the map as written on a page is constantly changed by technology, the economy and methods of consuming media,” says Granderson. “What we do is what was called upon us by the forefathers. While they had issues, they understood the importance of the press to hold elected officials accountable and ensure people knew they had a voice.”

Granderson, a dancer in middle school and high school, first came to Western while participating in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival during his senior year: he and another dancer choreographed a piece that was accepted into the gala. The dance department offered him a scholarship for his first year of college. The theater department offered another in his second year and ultimately Granderson graduated with a major in interpersonal communications and a minor in journalism.

reporter covering a beat, and falling in my lap was a national story with White House implications.”

After doing some home design writing for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he joined the staff of ESPN during LeBron James’ rookie year. His first piece appeared in an issue with James on the cover.

Starting as an editor for ESPN’s magazine, over the next 17 years Granderson became a columnist for Page 2, co-hosted SportsNation radio shows, covered Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, and created and produced online shows in the early days of streaming. He was also on the team that developed ESPN’s first Employee Resource Group.

“Being openly gay presented challenges,” says Granderson.

His presence at ESPN challenged assumptions about queer people in sports, and he was proud to push the network to make changes to embrace the LGBTQ+ community. Photos of his 2016 marriage to Steve Huesing, an executive at Sprouts Farmers Market, were the first same-sex wedding pictures ESPN ever broadcasted.

Currently, Granderson contributes to ABC News and writes columns for the Los Angeles Times. He hosts ABC’s first LGBTQ-focused podcast, “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” for which he is also the producer. In the podcast, Granderson draws from his own lived experience as a gay, Black father to host thought-provoking, poignant and engaging conversations with some of the most influential and inspirational people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Through the recommendation of a GVSU advisor, Granderson took a job as the higher education reporter at the Grand Rapids Press, and got his first real taste of national politics during the Bush vs.

Gore election in 2000. Reporting from Cornerstone University, he covered Bush’s first public appearance after his drunk driving conviction became public.

“It was my first time in that environment—it was intoxicating,” says Granderson. “It was super-duper exciting and challenging. Writing a front-page story, surrounded by national reporters—I was a local

Granderson recently had a chance to attend the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Birmingham, Ala.—one he has frequented annually since his introduction to it as a WMU student—and was thrilled to have Isaiah attend with him for the first time.

He was nominated for two awards at NABJ this year. His other accolades include an Emmy Award, as well as the 2023 Excellence in Column Writing Award, from NLGJA (The Association of LGBTQ Journalists).

Granderson looks back warmly on his time in Kalamazoo.

With the birth of his son Isaiah on commencement day, Granderson was motivated to find immediate employment. While he was grateful to be able to support his family making cold calls to businesses as an employee at a uniform rental company, it quickly clarified what he didn’t want to do with his life.

When Granderson told his boss he planned to pursue graduate school, and his boss countered with the opportunity to become assistant manager, he thought “that sounds awful” and enrolled at Grand Valley State University to study higher education administration.

LZ Granderson interviews American singer-songwriter and musician Jason Mraz on the evolution of his music, career and life.

Writing for the Western Herald as the men’s basketball beat reporter and a political columnist, as well as hosting a radio show on WIDR, he gained skills that benefited him for decades to come. As a stringer for the Kalamazoo Gazette, he remembers covering Ani DiFranco at the Kalamazoo State Theatre and eating at the Blue Dolphin for breakfast.

LZ Granderson with tennis sensation Francis Tiafoe Jr. discussing Tiafoe’s U.S. Open run and career on the court on the news, health and lifestyle program GMA3

His role at the L.A. Times, sports and culture columnist, was created specifically for him in 2019—although, “I had worked at the intersection of sports and culture all my life, so the work has always been there.”

After the May 2020 murder of George Floyd, Granderson became an op-ed columnist focused on culture, saying, “I wanted to dive into all the tentacles of a crime so horrible.”

Now living in Texas, Granderson and Huesing continue to challenge themselves and to model the opportunities available to son Isaiah, who works as a TV producer for ABC News, and as a model and a consultant.

“I had such fond memories that I came back to get married here.”

He is quick to point out that his WMU experience really prepared him for his career.

“You say certain universities and people’s ears perk up—I’m happy to say I’m living proof that’s not the only path,” he says. “I’ve gone to the White House and talked with Dr. Fauci and Pete Buttigieg.

I have no lack. I’ve hosted national TV and radio— I did that all as a WMU graduate. It’s possible. I just want to make sure I do good quality work and set a good example for my son and communities.” ◆

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“Writing a book is like writing a very personal, and long, letter to the world, and to have it well received, to have it reach readers who fall into the story and are entirely transported to the particular Alaska I've portrayed is really wonderful.”

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Emotional short stories and melodramatic poems provided the childhood building blocks for Western Michigan University alumna and author Dr. Melinda Moustakis’s exceptional career. A writing journey that was launched crafting elementary school writing projects eventually led Moustakis to WMU, where she earned her Ph.D. in creative writing.

“I had to let the fiction take over the family story or mythology and let these characters shape themselves,” says Moustakis. “My uncle, Sonny, had spent a lot of time on the homestead as a child and he shared a lot of memories with me. I was able to interview my grandmother some years ago, while walking around the homestead, and hear about her experiences as a homesteader.”

Her work has attracted numerous accolades including the Flannery O’ Connor Award, the O. Henry Prize, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 selection, and it has been positively reviewed by numerous media outlets, including NPR and the Sunday New York Times.

Through the novel, Moustakis sought to tell a complicated story of people in Alaska, to avoid further perpetuating stereotypes and false narratives.

“When I was a child, I wrote emotional and melodramatic poems,” says Moustakis. “I think my mother kept some of them. But I didn’t think of becoming a writer until I started writing about Alaska in creative writing classes in college. I was spending more time up there visiting and thinking about my family history there.”

Moustakis received her B.A. from California Polytechnic State University and her M.A. from the University of California, Davis, before attending Western for her Ph.D. Moustakis’s intention was to teach at the college level.

“Even then I applied to grad school mostly to become a professor—that was my main plan,” says Moustakis. “I was accepted into a few literature programs and also waitlisted at U.C. Davis for the M.A. program in creative writing and eventually a spot opened up for me. After U.C. Davis, I wanted to continue to learn about writing and so I applied to WMU.” Moustakis continues, “It was actually the only program I applied to because I decided quite late in the process and the application was still open. I ended up getting to work with the brilliant writer Jaimy Gordon, who was exactly the teacher I needed at the time.”

Moustakis's passion for creative writing blossomed during her time at Western while working on her dissertation, which eventually became the collection of short stories titled "Bear Down, Bear North: Alaska Stories," published by the University of Georgia Press in 2011. The book received widespread acclaim, earning her the Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Stories and the Maurice Prize while also being shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing and selected as a finalist for the Washington State Book Award. Moustakis’s journey continued with the publication of her second novel, "Homestead,"

by Flatiron Books in 2023, fulfilling her goal of sharing her work with the world.

“Writing a book is like writing a very personal, and long, letter to the world, and to have it well received, to have it reach readers who fall into the story and are entirely transported to the particular Alaska I've portrayed is really wonderful,” says Moustakis.

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ‘HOMESTEAD’

“One of my goals in writing about Alaska is demythologizing the notion of it being ‘The Last Frontier’ and a pristine wilderness when Alaska Natives have lived there for thousands of years and to subvert the ‘lone man in the wilderness' trope,” says Moustakis.

Moustakis met her narrative goals, and “Homestead” received a rave review in the Sunday New York Times, an impressive accomplishment. Although Moustakis is proud of this, she is mindful that such achievements may be few and far between.

“My agent told me publishing and launching a book was a roller coaster and year-long process which has been a helpful notion to hold onto,” says Moustakis. “You also hope for the best but cannot expect anything and wait and agonize. And you have to celebrate and be grateful for the wins as they come because that might be the last one.”

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORDS Beyond writing, Moustakis enjoys a variety of pastimes, ranging from outdoor adventures to baking.

“I was just visiting family in Alaska on the Kenai River where I went trout fishing, salmon fishing and kayaking,” says Moustakis. “Right now, I’m based in Denver and so I had to learn to ski and to paddleboard since this is a very sporty town. As a writer, I feel I need to have interests that take me away from my writing desk.”

She continues, “My book launch was at the New York Public Library where I had the Cullman Fellowship, so I got to go to NYC in February and tried to see as many plays and musicals as I could afford. I could spend all my money on theater tickets. I also stress-bake quite frequently which is a challenge in the elevation of Denver.”

Despite her success in publishing, part of Moustakis’ heart still belongs to teaching the subject she loves the most.

“I’m proud of all the years of teaching I’ve done all across the country,” says Moustakis. “I went on a short book tour this spring and one of the stops was in Seattle. Some students I had taught came out to the event. It was so wonderful to hear about their lives and it was a reminder that you might not get to see what impact you had on students, even as a visiting professor, until some years later.” ◆

“Homestead” is a novel that follows characters based on Moustakis’s grandparents, who homesteaded in Point MacKenzie, Alaska in the 1950’s, living in an old school bus their first winter while waiting to build a cabin.

Moustakis expanded upon her family’s story, creatively unfolding their journey in a new, untold way.

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here passion meets excellence, you find Dr. Mohamed Sultan. An awardwinning, internationally-recognized professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Sultan balances his roles as a devoted family man, inspiring educator and relentless researcher.

But at his core lies an enduring love for geosciences and remote sensing.

“The variety is the reason I like remote sensing,” says Sultan. “It has so many different facets and fulfills every niche that I find interesting. It looks at water, land, urban areas and vegetation. It covers everything I’m interested in.”

SULTAN’S PATH TO WESTERN

Sultan's distinguished geoscience career has earned him numerous awards and substantial research funding from many other prestigious organizations, including NASA, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Science Foundation, the United Nations Development Program, the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and the Geological Society of America, where he is a fellow. He was also honored with the Farouk El-Baz Award for Desert Research.

Using processed radar satellite imagery and funding from the Qatari Ministry of Municipality, Sultan and his research team are monitoring sink holes in Qatar to determine whether they are stable or subsiding. As part of this study Sultan and his students visited a number of those sinkholes, one of them shown in the photo here, to understand how they form

Sultan's journey in geosciences began far from Michigan, at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Geoscience and his Master's degree in Stratigraphy. His thirst for knowledge led him to the United States, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Geochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Since then, Sultan has dedicated himself to his research and teaching, becoming a mentor for the many students and postdocs who have enrolled in his courses and joined his research group to work alongside him.

“By nature, I don’t really like to work on one particular thing, and just keep digging,” says Sultan. “I like to branch out into different areas, and try to be interdisciplinary.”

Originally from Egypt, Sultan was fascinated by the landscapes that surrounded him and the inspiration that research offered him. He is particularly inspired by the idea that research helps to form people’s perception of the world, remarking, “We have this curiosity about things that we try to answer. Researchers actually open all these doors.”

His early experiences and education led Sultan to dedicate his career solely to research for nearly twenty years. Yet, as time passed, he felt a calling to teach— an aspiration that eventually led him to Western Michigan University.

“At some point, I reevaluated my earlier decisions,” Sultan says. “I decided I wanted to do both teaching and research. It's not always intentional decisions that make you actually choose a career, but incidents that happen throughout your life.”

EXPLORING THE WORLD THROUGH REMOTE SENSING Today, as Sultan embarks on his 19th year at Western, the crux of his work centers on guiding students and researchers within the Earth Sciences Remote Sensing Lab. As the lab's director, Sultan collaborates with esteemed organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), spearheading pioneering geological and environmental research that spans the globe—from the banks of the Nile River to the shores of Lake Michigan.

FOSTERING STUDENT EXCELLENCE Beyond his work as a classroom instructor and world class researcher, Sultan fervently champions student participation in research. He firmly believes in the transformative power of experiential learning, emphasizing, “We want our students to be prepared and be competitive in the workforce. In every part of our university, we want the students to be a part of the research.”

In alignment with this commitment, Sultan has dedicated himself to creating opportunities for students to actively engage in geological research. A standout initiative is the course he introduced in 2020: GEOS 5170, Research Project. In this dynamic course, students gain hands-on research experience in geological and environmental sciences. They tackle real-world problems using authentic datasets, identifying research topics, formulating critical questions and hypotheses, and proposing innovative solutions.

Working within the lab affords Sultan the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, from tracking land changes in Qatar via satellite data to examining the impact of climate fluctuations on Saharan fossil aquifer systems. This versatility suits him well, as he humorously admits that keeping his research to a single area is an impossible feat.

“I would work on the whole world if I could,” Sultan says.

Sultan’s breadth of work is a widely cast net that includes the development of remote sensing methods for tracking harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes, creation of advanced statistical models for mapping shallow groundwater in Saudi Arabia and the Western Desert of Egypt and collaboration with NASA to study climate change's effects on the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates watersheds.

Most recently, Sultan has successfully acquired two grants from King Saud University, with a combined funding value of approximately $700,000.

One grant focuses on natural radioactivity and the factors controlling its distribution in Saudi Arabian groundwater. The other will be used to monitor the distribution of sand dunes and sabkhas in Saudia Arabia, to better understand and mitigate the hazards they pose to infrastructure and properties.

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Students also gain profound insights into the broader applications and implications of their findings, as well as the limitations of their chosen methodologies. Sultan's commitment extends to ensuring that students acquire essential skills in effectively presenting their research findings, equipping them to become well-rounded professionals in their field.

“Students have to learn how to think about topics outside of the classroom,” Sultan says. “You give them a proper opportunity to research a topic, you know, and get results from their research. You inject it into the classes, and then all of a sudden you get them excited about that stuff.”

While Sultan is deeply dedicated to his students and his field, he is even more devoted to his family. A husband, father and grandfather, Sultan spends weekends and breaks with his loved ones every chance he gets. Additionally, Sultan loves to travel the world, experiencing it as both a scientist and a tourist.

“My wife is the one who books the trips, but it’s really growing on me,” Sultan says.

“I have to work on finding hobbies—that's what she keeps telling me.” ◆

Mohamed Sultan's curiosity fuels discoveries across the globe, inspires student geologists

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Faculty Notes Dr. Susan Pozo, professor of economics, received the American Society of Hispanic Economists (ASHE) 2024 Academic Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding scholarship.

Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook, School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability professor, was awarded the first Chapter Sponsor Award by Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Geography International Honor Society, for her work with the Alpha Gamma chapter at WMU.

Dr. Adam Bennett, Director of Operations at the Kalamazoo Autism Center, was elected Vice President of the Michigan Behavior Analysis Providers Association.

Dr. Daniela Schröter, a professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration, is leading the development of evaluation questions and methodologies for a November 2023 national seminar presentation on UN system development activities in Uganda, as part of her role on the global advisory board of UNISWEM.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FACULTY BOOKS Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again Translation by Jeffrey Angles, Department of World Languages and Literatures

The first English translations of Shigeru Kayama’s iconic kaijū Godzilla novellas, “Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again,” offer a compelling narrative that serves as a powerful fable for the Anthropocene. As human activity leads to mass extinctions and rapid climate change, Godzilla serves as a reminder that nature will retaliate against humanity's impact in unpredictable and devastating ways.

Forgeries and Historical Writing in England, France, and Flanders, 900-1200

By Robert F. Berkhofer III, Medieval Institute “Forgeries and Historical Writing in England, France, and Flanders, 900-1200” is a close analysis of forgeries and historical writings at Saint Peter's, Ghent; Saint-Denis near Paris; and Christ Church, Canterbury, offering valuable access to why medieval people often rewrote their pasts.

On the Basis of Race: How Higher Education Navigates Affirmative Action Policies

By Lauren S. Foley, Department of Political Science “On the Basis of Race” examines the historical and ongoing impact of policies related to race. From landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education to recent legal battles such as Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Foley explores how organizations have resisted and complied with public policies regarding race.

ABC’s of Geography

By Adam Mathews,

School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability

A part of the Baby University Collection, “ABC’s of Geography” is the perfect introduction to social studies and geography for kids. Featuring vivid illustrations and expertly crafted content, ABC’s of Geography is the perfect book for inspiring the next generation of bright minds.

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Unraveling Time: Thirty Years of Ethnography in Cuenca, Ecuador

By Ann Miles, Department of Sociology “Unraveling Time” traces the enduring consequences of political and social movements, transnational migration, and economic development in the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca.

Practicing what she calls an ethnography of accrual, Miles takes a long view, where decades of seemingly disparate experiences coalesce into cultural transformation. Her approach not only reveals what change has meant in a major Latin American city but also serves as a reflection on ethnography itself.

Gender, Constitutions, and Equality: A Global Comparison (Gender and Comparative Politics)

By Priscilla A. Lambert, Department of Political Science At a time when gender equality provisions are increasingly common in constitutional design, this book clarifies the mechanisms that link constitutional provisions to changes in process and outcomes while also systematically describing and analyzing the effect of gender provisions across countries and over time.

Gender, Constitutions, and Equality will inform theoretical debates on gender and politics, law and social change, feminist institutionalism, and constitutional design and its effect on legislation and political strategies.

The California Days of Ralph Waldo Emerson

By Brian C. Wilson, Department of Comparative Religion In the spring of 1871, Ralph Waldo Emerson boarded a train in Concord, Massachusetts, bound for a month-and-a-half long tour of California—an interlude that became one of the highlights of his life. On their journey across the American West, he and his companions would take in breathtaking vistas in the Rockies and along the Pacific Coast, speak with a young John Muir in the Yosemite Valley, stop off in Salt Lake City for a meeting with Brigham Young, and encounter a diversity of communities and cultures that would challenge their Yankee prejudices.

School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability professor Dr. Lynne Heasley's book, "The Accidental Reef and Other Ecological Odysseys in the Great Lakes," earned a Grand Prize in nonfiction from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, as well as first place in the education/academic and animals/pets categories.

•••••••••••••••••••••••• Untamed Shrews: Negotiating New Womanhood in Modern China

By Shu Yang, World Languages and Literatures "Untamed Shrews" explores the transformation of despised 'shrews' in Chinese literature to revered 'new women.' Initially representing disruptive femininity, these traits evolved into symbols of empowerment in modern China, shaping suffragettes, radicals and socialist figures. Despite ongoing criticism, the shrew's negative attributes became a source of pride, aligning her with liberated female models.

Natural Allies: Environment, Energy, and the History of US-Canada Relations

By Daniel Macfarlane, School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability

“Natural Allies” explores the historical context of US-Canada relations, focusing on environmental perspectives. From the late 1800s fisheries to contemporary oil pipelines, the book chronicles numerous cross-border environmental and energy agreements between the two countries.

Foundations and American Political Science: The Transformation of a Discipline, 1945-1970

By Emily Hauptmann, Department of Political Science

“Foundations and American Political Science” delves into the postwar initiatives led by Carnegie, Ford, and Rockefeller, which significantly influenced the landscape of political science. Hauptmann illustrates how the evolution of postwar political scientists' methodologies and research focus was intricately tied to the preferences outlined by their philanthropic supporters.

aving secured a coveted Victory Congressional Internship (VCI), Raymond Falkiewicz journeyed to the nation's capital last summer determined to knock down barriers and champion the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Originally from Michigan, Falkiewicz, who is studying psychology and interpersonal communication, has long aspired to advance LGBTQ+ rights at the national level. When the opportunity to participate in the VCI program in Washington D.C. arose, Falkiewicz seized it without hesitation, eager to make a meaningful impact on the issues they deeply cared about.

“I have always been very passionate about doing something for the queer community,” says Falkiewicz.

“I want to be the adult that I needed growing up.”

The VCI program brings LGBTQ+ students from across the nation together for an 8-to-10-week immersive experience, providing insights into the legislative process and fostering collaboration with the Congressional Equality Caucus—a supportive coalition of LGBTQ+ friendly members of Congress. As a team member alongside Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), Falkiewicz actively engaged with constituents via phone calls, mail and emails related to pending legislation.

During Falkiewicz’s time in D.C., as important legislation was introduced in Congress, they gained valuable insight into the legislative process and the importance of garnering broad support to advance LGBTQ+ equality.

While Falkiewcz was participating in the VCI program, the Equality Act, which seeks to amend existing civil rights protections, was reintroduced to Congress, together with two other bills that acknowledge and protect LGBTQ+ veterans.

“The Equality Act, introduced by Representative Takano, gives more discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community by expanding the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” says Falkiewicz. “My boss, Representative Pappas, signed on to the bill the day it was introduced, which is a big deal to me as a transgender and queer person. It made me feel like my presence on the Hill was just as important as everyone else’s.”

Falkiewicz's internship experience also included guiding Capitol tours for visitors, promptly addressing constituents' letters and providing support to Rep. Pappas as he prepared to address legislative matters on the floor.

In addition to their work as a VCI intern, Falkiewicz's contributions to WMU student organizations and programs, particularly the Sexual Health Peer Education (Sexpert) program, have solidified their passion for being an engaged advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Falkiewicz acknowledges that this is an emotionally demanding task when, from their vantage point, the world seems to resist progress and equality for all.

"This work is not easy: it is very lonely, and is incredibly gut-wrenching, especially for people like me," says Falkiewicz, recognizing the emotional toll and challenges of their advocacy.

Contemplating their experiences, Falkiewicz highlights the challenges faced by non-binary and queer individuals, emphasizing the importance of having supportive networks to navigate through obstacles.

"You cannot do it alone or it will destroy you. It's important to surround yourself with people who will remind you that not everyone is trying to endanger your community," says Falkiewicz.

While Falkiewicz relished their experience at VCI, they acknowledge that their future may not solely lie in politics. Intersectionality, particularly the experiences of those who belong to multiple marginalized communities, holds immense significance for Falkiewicz, shaping their vision for the future.

“Being able to try many different things and graduate with a well-rounded perspective is a unique experience here at WMU and I’m grateful for it,” says Falkiewicz. "I am open to any opportunity that comes my way, but I'm certain about doing something that makes me happy while also helping others."

Reflecting on their experience, Falkiewicz offers a piece of advice to those considering the VCI program: "Just freakin' go for it," encapsulating the essence of courage and determination in pursuing meaningful change. ◆ arts&sciences | 2023 21

Student Notes

herders since the fall of communism in 1990. His research aims to bridge a knowledge gap within migration studies, focusing on the environmental conditions and political economy factors that influence rural-to-urban migration and adaptation of herders. The limited existing research on the rural-to-urban migration of herders, together with the significant changes in herding culture caused by climate change and political economic policies, have created challenges in formulating effective migration policies in Mongolia.

How Mongolia's herding culture shaped a doctoral candidate's journey Nestled amidst a tapestry of contrasting terrains, from mountains and plains to deserts and forests, Mongolia and its herding population have captured the academic imagination of Western Michigan University Department of Sociology doctoral candidate Byron Miller.

That curiosity led Miller to embark on a year-long research expedition in Mongolia in early 2022, where he meticulously pored through archival data, conducted in-depth interviews and immersed himself in the vibrant lives of former herders in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.

“I got to see how former herders navigate and negotiate their daily lives in the yurt districts on the edges of the city as they took care of their children, performed household chores, harvested fruit, constructed greenhouses, celebrated holidays and performed various forms of paid labor,” says Miller.

“It was really powerful to actually see how they live, rather than just conducting interviews.”

The research is a testament to Miller’s deep personal connection with Mongolia, nurtured during his formative years when he served as a Peace Corps volunteer working as a school social worker in a local village, living with a herding family— a transformative experience that ignited his fascination with Mongolian herders.

“I became acquainted with various struggles new migrants to the capital city encounter as I worked as an instructor at the University of Finance and Economics,” says Miller. “My personal experiences with herders in the countryside and my knowledge of the obstacles former herders face in the capital after migration sparked the construction of my dissertation research project.”

But, in order to pursue his dissertation research project, Miller needed funding— and with a dedicated effort, he succeeded in garnering more than 11 total scholarships, fellowships and grants. One of these was a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Research Award, which he used to fund data collection in Mongolia “I started writing for grants before I even started writing my actual research proposal,” says Miller. “I was able to use the smaller grants to do the research before I was in Mongolia when the COVID-19 pandemic began, but I used most of it while I was in Mongolia.”

Miller's research revolves around the intricate interplay between the political economy, environmental conditions and migration patterns of Mongolian

Byron Miller with a herding family in the countryside celebrating Tsagaan Sar.

“While I was conducting research in Ulaanbaatar, there were a lot of protests against the government for inflation, high unemployment, stagnant wages, corruption and a lack of perceived future for the youth,” says Miller. “I hope by sharing my research findings with organizations supporting former herders in the capital that I can raise awareness and assist in crafting public policy [to address] the various social problems facing former herders.”

While Miller worked at the National University of Mongolia’s Sociology Department conducting his dissertation research, he cultivated collaborative research and public policy relationships with organizations working on issues that former herders encounter in their rural-to-urban migration and adaptation in Ulaanbaatar.

“The U.S. Embassy and the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration are interested in receiving my dissertation findings to better inform themselves on how to craft public policy to address social problems former herders and migrants experience in the capital,” says Miller.

Ultimately, while he plans to remain in academia, Miller hopes that his research findings will raise awareness, spark public debate and result in public policy that will effectively address the challenging social issues that former herders and migrants in Ulaanbaatar experience. ◆

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Biological Sciences Ph.D. candidates Luke Kinsey and Samantha Hack placed first and second respectively for best graduate student oral presentations at the 41st Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day. WMU dual enrollment Forest Hills students Tess McGrath and Maxwell McGrath received third place and an honorable mention respectively in the 2023 National Chinese Contest.

2023National ChineseContest

Department of Geological Sciences doctoral candidate Chanho Park was awarded an Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) scholarship for two years to support his research on groundwater pollution originating from landfills.

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Donovan Vitale, Ariel Margin and Ashley Scott, students from the Department of Geological Sciences, received prestigious accolades from the Michigan section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Vitale was awarded first place in the undergraduate poster category, while Margin and Scott excelled in the graduate poster category, securing first and second place, respectively.

Department of Psychology doctoral student Molly Mattes was awarded the 2023 Innovative Student Research Grant from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis for her study, “Evaluating the effects of learning new targets during follow-up on maintenance of mastered targets.”

Pictured are students in Dr. Frederick Stull’s lab, including Elizabeth Mumby, Jamin Willoughby, Christopher Clark, Cristian Vasquez and Zhiyao (Bobby) Zhang. Not pictured: Niusha Delavari .

“The research was very interesting and unique, and I’m so grateful to Dr. Stull for allowing me to be a part of the team,” says Cristian Vasquez. “I can already tell that this will help me obtain future roles in industry or academia. I learned so much from this experience.”

As the scientific world ebbs, changes and flows with new findings, Western Michigan University students are serving as key contributors to new discoveries. Six undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Chemistry recently published their research findings in Biochemistry, a prestigious journal of the American Chemical Society. Their project, led by Dr. Frederick Stull, expands on the Stull research group’s prior work, which focused on investigating fundamental chemistry that may lead to novel nicotine cessation therapies.

But what sets this achievement apart is the fact that four undergraduate students—Elizabeth Mumby, Jamin Willoughby, Christopher Clark and Cristian Vasquez—are listed as primary authors of the article, alongside graduate students Niusha Delavari and Zhiyao Zhang.

“Having undergraduates as lead authors on a scientific research article is quite rare,” says Stull. “Research faculty will sometimes involve undergraduates in their research programs, but normally their involvement is pretty small. To have them work on it and get published so early on is really cool.” The students became involved after contacting Stull, inquiring about the opportunity to do research in his lab. Stull, having just received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was willing and eager to give these undergraduates a chance to join his research group.

“Honestly, they just emailed me out of the blue, asking to get involved,” says Stull. “The research we were doing was really interesting, and people were excited about it, and that’s why we were given funding by the NIH to engage undergraduate students.”

The students worked with Stull to determine how a nicotine degrading enzyme (called NicA2), which Stull’s lab has been studying, interacts and works with another protein, cytochrome c. This research is primarily intended to develop better nicotine cessation therapies and help individuals stop smoking. “It helped me feel like a real scientist,” says Vasquez, who is still in his undergraduate program. “I feel like I can finally consider myself one now that my name is on a publication.”

In addition to NIH funding, both Mumby and Willoughby received additional support for their work from the Lee Honors College Research and Creative Scholarship fund, with Mumby using the project as the basis of her honors thesis. In fact, it was Mumby’s honors thesis paper that served as the first draft for the published article in Biochemistry.

For Mumby, Willoughby, Clark and Vasquez, participating in this experience was an essential aspect of their undergraduate education.

Today, Mumby and Willoughby are pursuing their doctorates in Biochemistry at the University of Utah, while Vasquez is on the brink of completing his undergraduate program at Western. According to Stull, the success of these students demonstrates the value of undergraduate research opportunities, and he encourages students to engage in them whenever possible.

“I think that if students are interested in getting some undergraduate research experience, the best course of action is to send an email to faculty, and just ask,” says Stull. “Research experience is really important, especially in the sciences, because a lot of the careers within the field are research related.”

This won’t be the last time that Stull includes undergraduate students in his research. His undergraduate research group recently collaborated on another project with scientists at the University of Michigan. The resulting work is currently under review for publication in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. “I think this is a good example of how undergraduates at WMU have the opportunity to do real research that gets published in scientific journals,” says Stull. “I can speak to how incredibly valuable this experience is.”

“The research was very interesting and unique, and I’m so grateful to Dr. Stull for allowing me to be a part of the team,” says Vasquez. “I can already tell that this will help me obtain future roles in the industry or academia.

I learned so much from this experience.” ◆

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2022 Alumni Awards

Institute of Environment and Sustainability Jenny Doezema BS ‘06

College of Arts and Sciences 2022 Alumni Achievement Awards

Western Michigan University takes pride in being learner centered, discovery driven and globally engaged. The College of Arts and Sciences 2022 Alumni Achievement Award winners were selected by faculty for exemplifying these pillars and for their remarkable contributions to society.

Vice President for Learning and Engagement, Kalamazoo Nature Center

Beyond Doezema’s position as the Vice President for Learning and Engagement at the Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC), Doezema co-founded the nonprofit Michigan Earth Corps and pioneered elementary-classroom-level environmental and sustainability curricula for Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS). In an effort to increase representation and accessibility in KNC educational programs she organized a Climate Youth Leaders program and during the pandemic year, led efforts to distribute nature-based learning materials like seed kits to student households.

Global and International Studies Kathryn Giroux BAS ‘13

Senior Content Writer, Articulate

Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences Sara K. Pearson MS ‘94

Source Water Unit Supervisor, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)

Pearson holds a leadership position in the Source Water Unit within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). She has served on the national and Michigan boards of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), as well as the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC). She also gives back to WMU's Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, where she has long served on the Advisory Council and is now Vice President.

Mallinson Institute for Science Education Daniall Poulsen BA ‘00, MA ‘06 Science Teacher, Portage Northern High School

We are proud of all of our Alumni Achievement winners. Their contributions to their fields and communities exemplify our college’s mission to ignite and sustain passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences and sciences.

These alumni have helped others succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global.

Prior to her current position, Giroux taught story structure and interview techniques to a community of 6,000 plus filmmakers. In her years at WMU, Giroux worked with refugee relief through Samaritas and became a member of Alpha Lambda Delta. She has worked abroad extensively in Southeast Asia. She just completed a fundraising bike ride across the United States..

Department of Mathematics Dr. M. Lynn Breyfogle Ph.D. ‘01 Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Mathematics, Bucknell University

Breyfogle served as Writing Program Director, chaired the Composition Council and served on the initial College Core Curriculum Committee for Bucknell University. She recently chaired a university-wide Retention Investigation Task Force, which laid the groundwork for the THRIVE project on Bucknell’s campus.

She has served on the editorial board of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) journal Teaching Children Mathematics and the 2011 NCTM Yearbook Motivation and Disposition: Pathways to Learning Mathematics.

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Poulsen is a science teacher at Portage Northern High School where she teaches International Baccalaureate Environmental Science, Earth Science, Biology and Astronomy. She took part in the two-year (2009–2010) ocean curriculum development and application program at the National Geographic National Teacher Leadership Academy, and received the 2011 Michigan Outstanding Earth Science Educator Award from the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association.

Department of History William (Bill) Parsons BA ‘67, MSL `71

Retired Director, Administrative and Human Resources, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

Parsons has held membership in the State Bar of Michigan; American Bar Association, legal administrators’ section; and the Association of Legal Administrators. Parsons is a member of the WMU President’s Circle Pyramid Society, a life member of the WMU Alumni Association, and a member of the Lee Honors College Advisory Board. He has also served on the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Advisory board and is involved with the United Way and March of Dimes.

William (Bill) Parsons, the Department of History honoree, received a surprise special tribute for his accomplishments from several area and state legislators, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Pictured, left to right: Dr. Linda Borish, Chair, Department of History; Dr. Carla Koretsky, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Jeff Parsons, son of William Parsons; William (Bill) Parsons, recipient of the special tribute; and Sean McCann, Michigan State Senator District 20.

Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies Michael Scott Johnson BAS ‘00

Sculptor and Photographer, Gallery Myrtis Fine Arts and Advisory

As an undergraduate student, Johnson was recognized and mentored by noted African-American anthropologist, Dr. Warren Perry. Johnson is the 2005 recipient of The Vicktor Lowenfeld sculpture prize presented by The Hampton University Museum for his sculpture “the Tao of Physics.”

Since 2004, he has held a wide range of artist residencies at institutions including the Lincoln Center’s Cork Gallery, The Town Hall, The Schomburg Center, The Dwyer Center, The Williamsburg Historical Society and MoCADA.

Department of Political Science Collin Mays BA ‘15

Director of the Department of Economic Inclusion, City of Cincinnati, Ohio

Mays has been credited with assisting several small and minorityowned businesses with securing grants and other means of capital for operation. He has also been recognized for workforce development program innovation.

He was named a Spirit of Detroit award recipient in 2015. He was a 2015 Michigan Chronicle “40 under 40” honoree and a member of Crain’s Detroit Business “20 in their 20’s” class of 2019. Mays is an active member of the International City/ County Management Association and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Department of Biological Sciences Erica Wehrwein BS ‘98, MA ‘01 Associate Professor, Michigan State University

Wehrwein, the founder of the Physiology Majors Interest Group, helped develop guidelines that were used in an initiative by the American Physiological Society for the Center for Physiological Education. Wehrwein was named the 2022 Arthur C. Guyton Distinguished Educator of the Year by the American Physiological Society, and received the Donald F. Koch Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Award at Michigan State University.

Department of Philosophy Dr. Peggy Vandenberg MA ‘91 Retired Professor, Grand Valley State University

Vandenberg’s achievements include serving as a regular presenter at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics; co-editing and contributing to the Routledge 2015 volume, Developing Moral Sensitivity; co-directing the 14th International Conference for the Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum (SEAC) and the 19th International SEAC Conference; and co-directing a four-week National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute. She is a contributor and reviewer for the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, as well as reviewed for Teaching Ethics and the NEH.

School of Public Affairs and Administration Angela Bennett BA ‘94, MPA ‘96

Financial Analyst, Michigan Supreme Court

After a successful career in political financs, Bennett joined the Michigan Supreme Court as a Financial Analyst. Bennett has been active in many professional organizations including the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, Michigan State University Extension Program, Habitat for Humanity and St. Stephen Lutheran Church. She has twice received the GFOA Financial Reporting Achievement Award.

Department of Psychology Dr. Bernadine Pinto Ph.D. ‘92

Professor and Associate Dean for Research; Co-Director, Cancer Survivorship Research Center; Health Sciences Endowed Professor

Pinto is the inaugural Health Sciences Endowed Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina. She is also the Co-Director of the College of Nursing's Cancer Survivorship Research Center. She has received grants from the National Cancer Institute, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Cancer Society and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Department of Physics Dr. Elias Garratt Ph.D. ‘13

Diamond Crystal Growth Scientist.

General Technical Services/Army Research Laboratory

Garratt’s career highlights include competitive fellowships, significant internal and external funding, numerous publications and student mentorship. He was a National Science Foundation Fellow in 2012, and from 2014-2017, held a postdoctoral research position funded by National Research Council Research Associateship Program. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Air Force Research Lab, Department of Energy and Michigan State University Foundation through his research at Michigan State University.

Department of Spanish Margaret Bullard-Marshall BA ‘98

Chief Operating Officer, Aldevra, LCC

After studying Spanish and Organizational Communications as an undergraduate, Bullard-Marshall and her husband established Aldevra, a government contracting firm, in 2009. She now works as Chief Operating Officer. One of her most notable accomplishments was a precedent-setting ruling at the Government Accountability Office, which led to a unanimous United States Supreme Court decision in favor of veteran-owned small companies.

Department of Economics Mike Burns BS ‘98, MA ‘01

Sr. Director, Supply Chain, Blommer Chocolate Company

Burns has spent his career in supply chain positions in the consumer packaged goods industry, most recently joining the Blommer Chocolate Company. He also offers supply chain services to Second Harvest and the American Refugee Committee (now Alight). Burns has built and implemented a warehousing seminar used by eight global refugee sites, as well as helped organize a virtual 5K run to raise donations and awareness of Uganda's refugee crisis.

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1903 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5308 USA

It’s simple but true.

Giving to the College of Arts and Sciences isn't just generosity; it's an investment in our students today and a brighter, more empowered tomorrow for generations to come. With your support, we can provide our students with scholarships and experience-driven learning opportunities that spark generational change.

I’d love to hear from you about the enduring impact of your College of Arts and Sciences education and explore ways for you to establish your WMU legacy.

Elizabeth McCarthy Chief Development Officer, College of Arts and Sciences

elizabeth.mccarthy@wmich.edu (269) 387-4379