TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is nearing the end of its current strategic initiative, the NMC Next plan, which began in 2022 and will conclude at the end of 2025. The plan focuses on enhancing future-focused education, student engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, community partnerships, and institutional sustainability.
Over the past three years, NMC has experienced seven consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. In 2025 alone, enrollment increased by 6.2% compared to 2024. Reduced tuition for dual enrollment programs accounts for much of this growth and the college plans to continue this upward trend as it transitions into its next strategic plan.
Looking ahead, NMC is seeking community feedback to help shape its new strategic plan, which will begin in 2026.
A public input session will be held on October 15th at 6:00 p.m., giving community members the opportunity to voice their opinions and suggestions about topics such as student resource accessibility, utilization of the Boardman Lake campus, and general input regarding the upcoming strategic plan.
For those unable to attend the session, an online public forum will be open until October 29. Community members can access the forum here.
In addition to planning for the future, NMC board of trustee members are currently evaluating how to best utilize the Boardman Lake Campus while maintaining its lease agreement with Greenspire High School.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued and will be a key topic of discussion at the Building & Site Committee meeting on October 15th at 1:30 p.m.
Community input plays a vital role in helping NMC understand and meet student needs while maintaining a strong connection with Traverse City residents. The college will use the remainder of 2025 to finalize decisions regarding both the Boardman Lake Campus and its new strategic plan—and encourages anybody interested to share their feedback.