College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences News

Students in Quito, Ecuador

Learning across the globe

From Tanzania to China, opportunities abound for students to see the world from a new perspective. In pursuit of experience-driven learning, students and their professors traverse the globe, acquiring cross-cultural competencies necessary to thrive in today's globalized world. 
Read more about globally engaged Broncos

Recent News

A group of WMU stakeholders tosses dirt into the air during the groundbreaking for the new Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education on the WMU Parkview Campus.

New geological repository expands essential geoscience research capabilities at WMU

A portrait of Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten in the Cold Case Program classroom.

WMU’s Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten wins MAC Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success

Students working on spanish at computer

From classroom to community: Service learning in Spanish at WMU

Students in a forensic anthropology lab with Michelle Hrivnyak

Discover the IIAS Experience at WMU

Dr. Lisa Paulius and Dr. Clement Burns, both professors of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Igor Fedotov, professor of viola in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

Three WMU faculty earn prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards

A portrait of Mehran Najafi in his graduation regalia holding up a W sign with his hands.

Political science grad eyes future in advocacy for refugees, immigrants

Geosciences Banquet

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences celebrates 60 years of excellence 

A portrait of Noah Braasch outside in his graduation regalia.

Lessons in language: Mastering Japanese, computer engineering opens doors for WMU grad

Dr. Popkova and PR students

Experiential learning in public relations at WMU

Students in Quito, Ecuador

Language immersion through study abroad at WMU

Bronco and Student Day at the Capitol

WMU Day at the Capitol showcases innovation, diversity and Bronco pride

Morgan Shiver

Department of English Ph.D. student wins prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award

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News Archive

WMU professor elected senator of Phi Beta Kappa

WMU Professor awarded prestigious Bellagio Residency: continues work on grief

“Nothing about us without us:” new research group focuses on disability and neurodivergence in STEM 

Geology students conduct research as part of carbon sequestration work

New partnership puts Kalamazoo Public Schools on path to Spanish minor at Western Michigan University

Students uplift community stories through film 

WMU students shed light on Kalamazoo's early settlers

Educator honored with Emerging Scholar Award for impactful research

Professor honored for her service, commitment to students 

Trio of science innovators recognized as Distinguished Faculty Scholars

State lauds success of Western Michigan University's Cold Case Program with major financial investment

Researchers discover role Saharan dust plays in hurricane rainfall 

New state funding will enhance carbon capture research at Western

Finding his way: coursework, experiences and support 

WMU history professor discovers new stories of early Colombia 

Environmentally-focused student reels in internship with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Working to say "goodbye" to forever chemicals 

Combining passion for medicine with philanthropic ideals, biomedical sciences grad ready to make an impact 

Joseph L. Peyser Book Prize established by WMU Department of History, Organization of American Historians 
 

Mathematics student accepted into prestigious international program

Western's graduate public affairs program rises in U.S. News and World Report rankings

Western welcomes medieval scholars to ‘heart of campus’ for 2024 International Congress

Understanding grief: WMU philosophy professor awarded National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship

Fort St. Joseph celebrates 25 years of archeological education

Mathematics student accepted into prestigious international program

Medieval historian wins WMU's 2024 Gründler Book Prize

Western's graduate public affairs program rises in U.S News and World Report rankings

College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff recognized for achievements 

Western welcomes medieval scholars to "heart of campus" for 2024 International Congress

Understanding grief: WMU philosophy professor awarded National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship

Doctoral student launches new program to support justice-involved

WMU department changes name to World Religions and Cultures

WMU faculty secure grant to create curriculum on media, news literacy for state libraries

Ethics lectures topics range from loving strangers to AI policy

Graduate student endeavors for social change through communication

Ethics Center announces book clubs for spring 2024 

Mallinson Institute for Science Education celebrates 20 years of global scientific literacy

Fort St. Joseph celebrates 25 years of archeological education

A love letter to single parents: WMU alum publishes poetry collection

Semester-long series at WMU focuses on climate crisis, inspiring change

Alumna’s HBO documentary shines light on medical errors

Physics alumnus journeys from space dreams to quantum realities

A growing inspiration: Undergraduates’ garden initiative motivates the masses

Undergraduate research, career-related experiences helped psychology grad find purpose

Undergraduate, faculty research published in Biochemistry

How Mongolia's herding culture shaped a doctoral candidate's journey

WMU partners with local tribes to create tribal governance graduate certificate

WMU student takes passion for activism to Washington D.C.

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

Department of Mathematics receives $7 million endowment for student scholarships

From childhood poems to literary Alaska: An alumna's journey to authorship

LZ Granderson returns to WMU to inspire next generation of journalists

Dunbar Hall's renovation blends legacy and innovation

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

Michigan Geological Survey receives $14 million in funding

Biological sciences doctoral candidate journeys from childhood microscopes to cutting-edge research

Doctoral student launches WMU Higher Education for the Justice-Involved program

WMU biologist helps settle 50-year-old fish evolution debate

Psychology professor emeritus, 3-time alumna launch nonprofit school

A beast of a book: WMU professor translates Godzilla novellas

WMU Ethics Center announces keynote speaker on privilege in research ethics

Michigan State Police fund WMU Cold Case Program students: A win-win for justice and education

College of Arts and Sciences honors 18 alumni at 2023 Alumni Achievement Awards

WMU to host 11th annual Michigan Autism Conference

Western’s Distinguished Teaching Award recipient engages learning inside and outside of the classroom

Physics professor honored with Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award for supporting student STEM success

Spanish educator recognized for contributions to students with Distinguished Service Award

Immersive course lets Western students explore Indigenous approaches to environmental justice

Broncos Lead interns learn life skills in the legal field

First crop of Broncos Lead interns grows interest in sustainable farming

$4M state funding boost will help WMU's Kalamazoo Autism Center expand services

Triple major undergraduate takes on the world

Western offers new course on the intersection of artificial intelligence and writing

Greenhouse staff pushes past glass ceiling for Alice the agave plant

Western professor’s book on the Great Lakes honored in 2023 Indie Book Awards

Three Broncos honored by YWCA as Young Women of Achievement

Popular plant TikTok showcases student’s succulent humor and self care

WMU, WMed join forces in $1.37M project to reduce prehospital medication errors for children

Economics instructor honored for supporting, empowering students with disabilities

Medieval art scholar wins WMU’s 2023 Gründler Book Prize

WMU introduces new tribal governance certificate

New School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability positions WMU for the future

Western's Cold Case Program helps crack second case

WMU Board of Trustees to consider new School of Environment, Geography and Sustainability, naming of Main Campus plaza during formal session Thursday

WMU geologist co-chairs national conference

College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff recognized for achievements

Geography grad created road map to success at Western

Western's Dr. Chansheng He receives third Fulbright award

WMU to announce region’s only graduate certificate in tribal governance as it hosts Native American U.S. assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at talk

English department faculty, students help Kalamazoo high school students write scholarship essays

Three new dinosaurs stomping into Rood Hall Dino Park in summer 2023

WMU’s century plant reaches new heights

World-renowned artist carved path to success at Western

Why I Give: Linda Lesniak

Alumna with passion for poetry named Kansas Poet Laureate

Anthropology professor emeritus receives State History Award for Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project

Research opportunities, campus involvement set biomedical sciences student up for success as future pediatric heart surgeon

Faculty, grad students travel to Japan to explore pandemic response

Bridging science and community

Geography professor publishes ‘ABCs of Geography’ children’s book

STEM Workforce Collaboratory established to improve WMU STEM programs, expand STEM workforce

College of Arts and Sciences honors 15 alumni at 2022 Alumni Achievement Awards

Clinical psychology Ph.D. student wins first place in regional Three-Minute Thesis

Western alumna named Distinguished Educator of the Year

Recent graduate pursues dream to ignite students' passion for learning and discovery

Philosophy professor awarded Core Fellowship at Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies

Recent alumnus pursues passion for geosciences research

Drs. Chad and Autumn Edwards are Western’s own dynamic duo

Professor’s project selected for funding by Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program

A lifelong gift: 1980 graduate gives back to Department of Philosophy

Journalism students gain professional experience through Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative

Longtime College of Arts and Sciences director of advising retires

BIORETS program gives local science teachers authentic research experience

Molecular biology lab uses classroom for real-world research

Navy veteran and four-time CAS alum built a career by probing the link between humans and their machines

Cold Case Program gains national attention, inspires expansion

School of Communication professor launches new podcast: ‘The Communicative Leader’

College of Arts and Sciences faculty earn coveted rotations with federal programs

WMU professor awarded Haenicke Institute’s 2021-22 Global Engagement Award

Communication professor's immersive exhibit in media and news literacy will debut at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Professor, institute director Perryman-Clark leads national convention

Rudge named College Science Teacher of the Year for ability to inspire students

College of Arts and Sciences selects new associate dean

Dunbar Hall undergoing transformation in renovation project

Building Cultural Humility

WMU faculty awarded NSF grant to explore fast-growing hydrogeology field

Spring virtual book clubs examine ethical questions

Groundbreaking research could provide key to kicking smoking habit for good

Research shows alarming gap in mental health access for adolescents of color

Physics professor uncovers surprising results from nuclear reactions inside stars

First-year biology student aims to inspire environmental activism through art

Western expert: Pandemic sparked a 'she-cession,' disproportionately forcing women out of the workforce

New program pairs Western students with MSP to bring justice in unsolved murders

Western students connect with legislators to advocate for environmental policies

Biomedical sciences graduate driven by resilience, called to help others

Chaucer scholar honored with prestigious Medieval Institute book prize

World’s medievalists to convene virtually during annual congress

Award-winning WMU alumna is new Grand Rapids regional location director

Brontosaurus will take Western's dinosaur park to new heights

Immersive program aims to empower next generation of science teachers

University College to become Merze Tate College, honoring legacy of trailblazing alumna

Western leads NSF-funded, multi-university research into ancient rocks

Fueled by her own trauma, doctoral student fights to break cycle of sexual violence

Eckert, Gogan honored with Distinguished Teaching awards

Podcast examines ethical issues regarding COVID-19 and race

Western students engage with state legislators at environmental policy town hall

Seita Scholars receive a little extra during the holidays

WMU professors help young adults prepare for college through daily lectures

New 4+1 programs put college students on fast track to master’s degrees at WMU

No stone left unturned in generous donation to WMU geology museum

The Bearded Lady Project film screening and discussion

Governor Whitmer appoints WMU alumni to Michigan boards and commissions

WMU climate change working group names 2021 mini-grant awardees

Part-Time Instructor Excellence Recipients

Part-Time Instructor Excellence

 

WMU professor's research paves the way to improving pedestrian safety nationwide

WMU professor awarded for book that peels back the curtain on Fetzer's secret life

Anthropology alumna digging life after graduation

Geography alumnus successfully navigates detours on road to career

Internships, faculty support help alumnus land job at ABC News

Undergrad experiences fuel alumna's passion for climate policy

Economics alumna tackling hunger, health issues at Brookings Institution

Biomedical sciences graduate continues family legacy at WMU

Physics professor amasses support for WMU students

Freshwater studies graduate already making a splash in his field

From grading to wading, student finds success shifting academic focus to follow passion

Arts and Sciences dean named a distinguished woman in higher education

Anthropology professor emerita honored with lifetime achievement award

Virtual book clubs examine ethical questions on current social topics

Politics played a role in pandemic shelter-in-place orders, WMU researchers find

Associate professor leads effort to save local restaurants, support front-line workers in pandemic

A vision to help individuals with autism thrive

Bolstered by court internship, political science grad prepares for law school

New Directions in Global Engagement Prize

Solidarity fund set up to help WMU employees and students

WMU climate change working group awards mini-grants to faculty, students

Beloved WMU emeritus geology professor passes away

Reconnecting with nature

College of Arts and Sciences adds new STEM, humanities programs

Statement in response to racial unrest in our communities

College of Arts and Sciences adds new STEM, humanities programs

College of Arts and Sciences launches COVID-19 research webinar series

(dis)Credit: Erasure and scrutiny of women in STEM

Climate change could make the Great Lakes region unrecognizable

Three students selected to receive highly competitive scholarship

Professor, alumna representing WMU abroad through Fulbright awards

Speakers tackle opioid crisis, civil discourse, mass violence, more

Dunbar Hall to be transformed in $40 million renovation project

World's medievalists coming to Kalamazoo for annual congress

Work experiences shape student's future in public policy

WMU only Michigan university among 33 finalists in NSF Idea Machine competition

Agreement speeds up time it takes GVSU students to earn master's degree

Two WMU leaders recognized as 'notable women in STEM'

WMU awards recognize diversity and inclusion efforts

Mayo Clinic biologist is at the cutting edge of cancer research

WMU part of $2.3 million program to boost diversity in economics

Art and science project highlights importance of not blowing off STEAM

Geography program earns national excellence award

Nights at the museum: history student helps design Smithsonian sleepover program

WMU among recipients of nearly $1M NSF grant to boost women in STEM fields

Ethics Center speakers tackle politics, robot rights and more

Students, researchers dig deeper into history of Fort St. Joseph

Native seed project helps WMU get back to its roots

Three to receive WMU's Distinguished Service Award

Two professors to be honored with Distinguished Teaching Awards

Comparative religion researcher to receive distinguished scholar award

WMU alumna returns to develop University's community partnerships

Former students honor legacy of world-renowned WMU religion and society professor

Top teacher award recognizes WMU alumna's passion for literacy

Hey, Siri—WMU leads the way in studying human-robot communication

Geography professor recognized for watershed hydrology work

Alumna's personal experience will drive national strategy to combat human trafficking

WMU part of $2.3 million program that boosts diversity in economics

Three students win scholarships through Arts and Sciences Study Abroad Photo Contest

Department of Geography wins award for master's program

Giving Back Gold

4+1 Graduate Programs in Arts and Sciences

WMU College of Arts and Sciences selects new Acting Associate Dean

WMU Department of Spanish instructor publishes new poetry collection, holds upcoming reading events

Arts and Sciences students receive top honor from Michigan Public Relations Society of America

Beloved WMU religion and society professor retires after a more than five-decade career

WMU program promotes support in securing gainful employment

Willis F. Dunbar and the history of Dunbar Hall

Sunny's healing power

Finding fortune

A bird's eye view of Michigan's interdunal wetlands

Standout Student Earns Second Brewing Scholarship

Eyes In The Sky

The Sky is the Only Limit

Guiding Organizations' Decisions Through Spatial Data and Analysis

Bringing Japanese Religion and Culture to Career

WMU English professor recipient of 2019 Charles Carpenter Fries Award

Kalamazoo Autism Center 2019 updates

Traveling far and wide

WMU alumna inducted into Hall of Fame

Distinguished professor named 2019 AAAS Fellow

Bringing social issues to light

Celebrated writer to speak at WMU

WMU Department of Statistics becomes NISS affiliate

Spring ethics series begins with MLK panel presentation

Ethics center to host series of book clubs this semester

Summer camps offered at Fort St. Joseph archaeological site

Ethics event focuses on fictional portrayals of legal issues

Western Herald editor wins prestigious national journalism fellowship

WMU group helps rural Alaskans do their taxes

Regional counseling psychology conference being held at WMU

WMU celebrates 20 years as home to a Phi Beta Kappa chapter

Criminologist tapped for his expertise on video games and violence

Climate change and its relationship to natural disasters to be discussed

Top geography students test skills in state bee at WMU

Arts and sciences communications recognized at annual awards event

Student awarded prestigious study abroad scholarship

WMU geology efforts lead to national recognition, two publications

Walter Joseph Brunhumer obituary

World's medievalists set to flock to Kalamazoo for annual congress

John O. Norman obituary

Technical writing group grants fellow status to Professor Thralls

Perryman-Clark named associate dean of Lee Honors College 

Constance S. (Waltz) Weaver obituary

WMU to launch intercultural and anthropological studies institute

WMU student puts a twist on traditional travel

WMU grad helps combat 'brain drain' with his social startup

Dr. Sherwood Cordier obituary

Ethics Center offers four book club events for the fall semester

Werner Sichel obituary

Medieval Institute Publications partners with De Gruyter

World-renowned economist to receive distinguished scholar award

Ethics Center selects 3 engrossing books for spring discussions

Students Take Hold of Lifeline for Success Through Intensive Program

Students bring the past to life during WMU History Day Competition

Field notes: An undergraduate on the path to discovery discusses her research

Brewing garden offers grain-to-glass learning opportunities

Economics, an analyst and the FBI

Students take action in Lansing as part of Lobby Day

Strategic Planning - Dean's Announcement

Elementary students become math masters during WMU Math Challenge

Arcadia awards WMU-KVCC sustainable brewing scholarship

WMU establishes new Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies

Field Notes: Dr. Chien-Juh Gu discusses gender, social psychology and international migration

Medieval Institute Publications and De Gruyter Partnership

Sad News Regarding Michael Braun

Alumnus, storyteller brings American legend to the screen

A physics approach to stroke rehabilitation

A deep dive into freshwater science and sustainability

Testing the interdunal waters

Michigan's salty lakes

Managing water wisely

Battling toxic blooms

Reach for the most and find the best

New book explores the Kalamazoo River's history

School of Communication ranked a top master’s degree-granting program based on faculty research

U.S. response to Paris attacks explored by lecture series

Ryan Vaughn creates sports network for middle and high school sports

English Professor and Poet Has Long Been Moved by Russia

Engaging the Muslims

CAS Broncos score academic and athletic honors in the MAC

Applications Open for Lemelson-MIT Student Prize, a Nationwide Search for the Most Inventive College Students

Anthropologist earns book award

Following Dreams by Finding Beauty in Truth

WMU Cooley Law School is up and running thanks to political science professor

Pathways of Change: Natives, Newcomers, and the Waterways of Northeastern North America

Kevin Wordelman MPA ’13 joins Kalamazoo Nature Center

Dr. Angie Moe set to launch research on Syrian refugees

Bob Hercules ’79 sees Maya Angelou film selected for 2016 Sundance Film Festival

"Climate Challenged Society” (ENVS 1000) excites students across disciplines

The County Drain Commissioner Is One of our Most Important Elected Officials

STEM outreach fosters science excitement, gives career direction

Professor's research on Mexican author comes full-circle

Model UN conference helps high schoolers hone research, negotiation skills

French professor studies, works with French theatre director

CAS student workers honored during Student Employee Appreciation Week

Medieval Institute wins $180,000 NEH grant for summer institute

Dr. Charles Henderson appointed to National Academy of Sciences Committee

Autism spectrum services specialist wins regional "Of the Month" award

Making sense out of Donald Trump

Professor studies Catalan and its influence on language and society

Reimagining food, reimagining community

Mallinsons receive top MSTA award

Sustainable brewing program up and running

Physics hosts Science Olympiad

Team seeks to develop ExpeRT-Earth program model

Dr. Michael Pritchard, philosophy, honored for 30 years at Ethics Center

The politics behind the Paris agreement on climate change

Poet Alison Swan reimagines the freshwater heart of North America in a literary way

Paris climate change agreement: “the world’s greatest diplomatic success”

First Annual High School Model UN Conference Held at WMU

Doug Clifford ’16 political science, interns for 60th District Service Office

CAS staff members “make a difference” for WMU

ARC students hold panel discussion on Syrian refugees in crisis

Sociology students visit Otsego High School to recruit future students

Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day

Grant allows study of road salt’s influence in lakes

Dr. Peter Krawutschke Appointed to the Editorial Board of Babel

Dr. Hedy Habra, Spanish, a finalist in the International Book Awards

Chemistry prof’s research featured on European journal cover

William L. Monroe funds endowed economics scholarship

ExpeRT-Earth grant planning workshop will result in proposal

WMU journalism project presents perspectives on guns

Psychology faculty earn awards

Department of Psychology to celebrate 50 years

Watershed hydrology: advances, challenges and opportunities

Making Walking Safer for Pedestrians

‘It’s not just a set of skills, but an identity’: Professor researches bilingualism at elementary

Changing one life at a time