Western Michigan University

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Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University Logo
Established 1903
Type Public
Endowment $150,242,000
President Diether Haenicke (interim)
Faculty 925
Students 24,481
Undergraduates 18,869
Postgraduates 5,612
Location Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Campus Suburban
Sports Broncos
Colors Brown and Gold
Website wmich.edu

Western Michigan University (abbr. WMU) is a public university established in 1903; its main campus is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As of 2006, the school has slightly less than 25,000 students. The school is the fourth largest in the state of Michigan and is one of the 50 largest universities in the United States.The school's mascot is Buster Bronco, and the school colors are brown and gold.

WMU's College of Aviation is one of the largest aviation programs in the United States; the university is also noted for its Paper Engineering and Behavioral Analysis programs, as well as for the Haworth College of Business. WMU's theatre department has also produced many talented individuals working in the entertainment industry throughout the country.

WMU's expansion projects include a new Business and Technology park for research, a new aviation campus in Battle Creek, Michigan, and extensive building renovation and restoration in the Kalamazoo campus, as well as a new chemistry building and a visual arts center.

WMU is the site of the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies.

Contents

[edit] Academics

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching places WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of American colleges and universities includes WMU as one of the nation's top-100 public universities.

The university offers 254 degree programs through 9 colleges. The colleges that are part of WMU are: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Aviation, the Haworth College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Health and Human Services, the Lee Honors College, and the Graduate College.

The Haworth College of Business operates out of Arnold Schneider Hall. The school is named for an alumnus, who gave a gift of $5,000,000 towards the construction of Schneider Hall, and later served on the school's board of directors. Aside from having a nationally recognized undergraduate business program, the Haworth College of Business has one of the oldest and most successful Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the state. It also is the sixth largest college of business in the country, with over 5,200 students.

[edit] Campus

Western Michigan University is divided into four campuses in Kalamazoo:

  • West Campus
  • East Campus
  • Oakland Drive Campus
  • Parkview Campus

[edit] West Campus

Stewart Clocktower, flanked by Waldo Library to the left.
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Stewart Clocktower, flanked by Waldo Library to the left.

West Campus is the primary and largest WMU campus in Kalamazoo, and could also be referred to as "Main Campus." Most of the university academic and administrative buildings are located on West Campus, including the College of Arts of Sciences, Haworth College of Business, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, and the Lee Honors College. Many of the residence halls are found scattered throughout West Campus, while freshman dormatories are located a short distance away in Goldsworth Valley. The Bernhard Center is a centrally located multi-purpose building to provide student and community groups with meeting space. Located within the Bernhard Center is the Bronco Mall, a one-stop-shop for students which includes a large computing center, a food court and dining area, a full service bank, and the school bookstore. Waldo Library and an attached computing lab are located on West Campus, as is the Dalton Musical Center.

West Campus is also the site of Miller Auditorium. A large entertainment venue seating nearly 3500 people, it is Michigan's fourth largest auditorium. Miller Auditorium hosts many events ranging from popular musicals and concerts to graduation commencements and film screenings. The Gilmore Theater Complex is located directly next to Miller Auditorium, and features three performance stages and faculty offices.

[edit] East Campus

East Hall at late dusk, overlooking the city of Kalamazoo.
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East Hall at late dusk, overlooking the city of Kalamazoo.

East Campus is the original development dating from when the university was founded in 1903. It contains many of the university's historical buildings including, East Hall, West Hall, North Hall, Walwood Hall, Spindler Hall, Vandercook Hall, and The Little Theater. Many of these buildings are located on a hill overlooking the city of Kalamazoo.

Although most of the academic and administrative functions of the university have moved to West Campus, East Hall houses the Western Michigan University Archives in the old school gymnasium. There was little to no renovation for the original gym, as the original floor is intact, along with fitness ropes that still hang from the ceiling. Many aspects of East Campus were left "as is" during the move, with many undesirable items simply left behind. This includes anything from old announcements and bulletins left hanging on the walls to old audio/visual equipment. Despite being on the National Register of Historic Places, WMU has found limited uses for East Hall and the rest of historic East Campus. Some of the space is used by WMU's Art Department for studio use and occasional faculty office space.

East Campus is also the site of some of Western's athletic facilities including Waldo Stadium, Hyames Field, Ebert Field, and The Donald Seelye Athletic Center.

[edit] Oakland Drive Campus

The Oakland Drive Campus is the university's newest land acquisition. The campus, acquired in 1998, was originally state property used by the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. The hospital is still leased to the state and remains in operation, although in a more limited role. Geographically, it is generally located between West Campus and East Campus, allowing for a natural accessability. A focal point of the area is the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital Water Tower. Completed in 1895, this large (175 feet tall) gothic-style construction can be seen from many areas on campus and in town. The new Oakland Drive Campus buildings are located on Oakland Drive, north of the hospital and water tower.

The Oakland Drive Campus is home to the university's College of Health and Human Services. The college's new $48.2 million facility opened in 2005, with a total building space of 195,000 square feet. An interesting design feature is the "winter garden", a 3-level open atrium and commons area with floor to ceiling transparent windows. This feature has become popular in northern climates, as featured in the renovated Renaissance Center in Detroit and the Chrysler Headquarters in Auburn Hills. As of August 2006, the building has yet to be named.

[edit] Parkview Campus

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Parkview Campus
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College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Parkview Campus

The Parkview Campus is home to the university's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Business Technology and Research Park. Erected in 2003, the $72.5 million building is 343,000 square feet and features two two-story 600 foot wings connected by a middle glass enclosure. The campus is located about 3 miles southwest of the main campus. Students often commute to the campus via a shuttle bus that runs Monday through Friday between the main campus and the engineering college.

The 265 acre campus is the only in the world with paper production, paper coating, and printing pilot plants on site. The school offers 16 undergraduate engineering, technology and applied sciences programs, while the graduate level, the College of Engineering offers 11 master programs, and 5 doctoral programs.




[edit] Branch Campuses

Western also has several branch campuses that offer education to more than 6,000 students each year. These branch campuses are located in various cities throughout Michigan:

[edit] Student life

Students enjoying WMU's Main Campus on a spring day.
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Students enjoying WMU's Main Campus on a spring day.

Western offers a wide range of activities for its students. There are currently over 300 registered student organizations that students may join. Students are welcomed to school each year with Bronco Bash, an event with live entertainment performances and booths sponsored by student and community organizations. The Campus Activities Board CAB is the main student organization responsible for bringing entertainment events for students. Some events the organization sponsors include "At The Show" concerts, "Bernie's After Hours" comedians, "Special Events Live" and "Miller Movies," presented at the school's main theater, Miller Auditorium. CAB sponsors both Bronco Bash and WMU's student Homecoming activities. The Western Student Association (WSA) also plays an important role in funding RSO events as well as addressing student concerns around campus.

WMU sponsors or recognizes several groups aimed towards personal and social development. This includes Faith and Spiritual Development, LBGT Student Services, Greek Life, services for International Students, Multicultural Affairs, Off Campus Life, and Sponsored Student Organizations.

Western Michigan University students and faculty are served by Sindecuse Health Center. Resources include full clinical, diagnostic, and nursing services, health promotion options, sports medicine and therapy, dental services, and a pharmacy. Sindecuse Health Center is located on West Campus.

[edit] Athletics

Also see: Western Michigan Broncos football

Western Michigan University Bronco Logo (1999-present)
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Western Michigan University Bronco Logo (1999-present)

Western Michigan University is a NCAA Division I-A school and competes in the Mid-American Conference in men's baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. The men's hockey team competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

The facilities include Waldo Stadium (football), University Arena (men's and women's basketball, volleyball), Lawson Arena (hockey), Hyames Field (baseball), Ebert Field (softball), Sorensen Courts/West Hills Athletic Club (men's and women's tennis), and Kanley Track (women's track and field). The soccer teams compete at the WMU Soccer Complex located near the Parkview Campus.

The school's primary intra-state rival is Central Michigan University.

WMU athletic teams once known as The Hilltoppers (a reference to the location of the East Hall on top of Prospect Hill) but changed their nickname in 1939 to the "Broncos" to avoid confusion with other schools. Former Bronco head coach John Gill was the man who renamed the school athletics after approval was granted by the then Western State Teachers College's Athletic Board.

WMU's Waldo Stadium.
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WMU's Waldo Stadium.

[edit] NCAA Division I National Championships

  • Cross Country (Men's) (2)
1964 • 1965

[edit] NCAA Division I National Runners-up

  • Baseball (1)
1955
  • Cross Country (Men's) (1)
1958

[edit] MAC Championships

  • Baseball (14 championships)
1989 • 1967 • 1966 • 1963 • 1962 • 1961 • 1959 • 1958 • 1957 • 1955 • 1952 • 1951 • 1950 • 1949
  • Basketball (Men's) (6)
2004-05 (West Division) • 2003-04 (West Division) • 1997-98 (West Division) • 1980-81 • 1975-76 • 1951-52
  • Basketball (Women's) (1)
1999-2000 (West Division)
  • Cross Country (Men's) (14)
1980 • 1979 • 1977 • 1976 • 1970 • 1968 • 1966 • 1963 • 1961 • 1960 • 1959 • 1958 • 1957 • 1948
  • Cross Country (Women's) (4)
1993 • 1986 • 1985 • 1984
  • Football (4)
2000 (West Division) • 1999 (West Division) • 1988 • 1966
  • Golf (Men's) (1)
1949
  • Gymnastics (3)
2006 • 1987 • 1986
  • Soccer (Men's) (1)
2003
  • Soccer (Women's) (1)
2003
  • Softball (1)
2006
  • Swimming and Diving (Men's) (2)
1964 • 1963
  • Tennis (Men's) (18)
2004 • 2000 • 1999 • 1981 • 1965 • 1964 • 1963 • 1962 • 1961 • 1960 • 1959 • 1958 • 1957 • 1956 • 1955 • 1954 • 1952 • 1950
  • Tennis (Women's) (9)
2006 • 2005 • 2001 • 2000 • 1999 • 1997 • 1995 • 1990 • 1984
  • Track and Field (Men's) (18)
1996 • 1995 • 1985 • 1980 • 1976 • 1971 • 1970 • 1969 • 1968 • 1966 • 1965 • 1964 • 1963 • 1962 • 1961 • 1960 • 1959 • 1958
  • Track and Field (Women's) (2)
1987 • 1985
  • Volleyball (8)
2000 • 1988 • 1987 • 1986 • 1985 • 1984 • 1983 • 1982

[edit] CCHA Championships

  • Ice Hockey (Men's) (2 Tournament Champions)
1975-1976 • 1985-1986

[edit] United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSSA) Championships

  • Snowboard Team Combined (Men's) (1)
2005

[edit] American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 2 Championships

  • Ice Hockey (Men's) (1)
1996

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] External links

Mid-American Conference
EAST: Akron • Bowling Green • Buffalo • Kent State • Miami • Ohio • Temple (football only)
WEST: Ball State • Central Michigan • Eastern Michigan • Northern Illinois • Toledo • Western Michigan
Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Alaska • Bowling Green • Ferris State • Lake Superior State • Miami (OH) • Michigan • Michigan State • Nebraska-Omaha • Northern Michigan • Notre Dame • Ohio State • Western Michigan
Public universities in Michigan
Central Michigan • Eastern Michigan • Ferris State • Grand Valley State • Lake Superior State • Michigan State • Michigan Tech • Northern Michigan • Oakland • Saginaw Valley State • U-M Ann Arbor • U-M Dearborn • U-M Flint • Wayne State • Western Michigan
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