Board Presents Student Achievement Awards

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees recognized its annual Student Achievement Award recipients just before NMU's May 2 commencement. Delany Frank of East Lansing and Halle Johnson of Green Bay, Wis. are the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Seniors. Recipients of the remaining outstanding awards in their respective categories are: Adam Nesbit, originally from rural northern California, Graduate Student; Summer Morrison of Plainwell, Student of Any Class; Dan Atkins of Marquette, Nontraditional Student; and Laura Clarkston of Bruce Township, Global Campus Student.

Frank will graduate with a major in environmental science, a minor in mathematics, and a certificate in geographical information systems (GIS). Her professional and campus involvement includes EcoReps, the Student Leader Fellowship Program, Michigan Wetland Association, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Leadership Scholars and the completion of more than 1,000 Superior Edge hours.

As a sustainability audit intern with SHINE (NMU's Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment), Frank created the Performance Audit of Workplace Sustainability program, which tracks and improves sustainability practices across campus offices. Last summer, she served as an invasive plant management team intern in Alaska, requiring extensive backcountry travel and scientific field identification skills. She also developed an eight-week ecology and botany curriculum for the Youth Conservation Corps, demonstrating both leadership and commitment to science education.

Frank plans to attend graduate school at Michigan Tech to study civil engineering with a focus on geoscience, and serve as a graduate research assistant.

Johnson is a first-generation college student who pursued a double major in biology (botany concentration) and French. She participated in NMU's ASSIST program and French Club, serving as a French tutor. Her other involvement has included Rotaract Club, ASNMU, Birch Hall Government, Biology lab prepper, Salamander lab volunteer, and completion of more than 500 Superior Edge hours. Some of the ASNMU student government projects that she contributed to include the Grad Closet, Period Project, Wildcat Wallet and the Farmer's Market.

Johnson was able to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a genetics laboratory by volunteering at the MI DNR lab hosted by NMU. She also presented research that she completed as a member of the Conservation Data Lab at the NMU Student Scholarship Conference. After graduation, she plans to work in the biology field before pursuing a graduate degree.

Nesbit is a first-generation college student with a 4.0 GPA who is graduating with a master of fine arts in creative writing. He spent two semesters teaching college composition before being selected to serve as the assistant director of NMU's Writing Center. His first priority was to improve the center's accessibility in tutor training, low-sensory needs and proactive spatial design. He spent a summer redesigning the 10-hour tutor orientation training so that it incorporated specific strategies for working with students with specific learning needs. He also initiated a satellite desk in the Woods residence hall facility to improve student access to in-person writing consultation.

Prior to earning his undergraduate degree in English education, Nesbit spent 10 years working as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He spent several years as a full-time classroom teacher, earning an Outstanding Secondary Student Teacher of the Year award.

As home owners and active community members, Nesbit and his wife are both proud to provide their children a front-row seat to their perseverance in balancing family, civic responsibilities and postsecondary educational attainment. After graduation, he plans to continue working in education, and is in the midst of applying for positions.

Morrison is first-generation college student and a senior integrated science/secondary education major. She participated in NMU's ASSIST program. As president of Future Educators of NMU, Morrison grew the organization exponentially, from no general membership to more than 40 active members. With another group representative, she was able to get Future Educators of NMU chartered as a chapter of Aspiring Educators of Michigan, securing access to a wealth of resources, ample funding and a vast network of professionals.

Morrison co-founded Sci I.D.E.A and NMU Students Demand Action, two student organizations that focus on representation and advocacy for students at the campus level. She maintained leadership positions in NoMAD, Club ASL, Art Therapy, NMU College Democrats, AISES (Ace - is), Culture Shock Film Society, NMU Sumo Club and PuckHeads. Morrison was a member of the Special Events Committee, participated in the NMU-MSP Cold Case Homicide Program and has completed more than 300 Superior Edge hours.

In the future, Morrison said she hopes to teach high school chemistry and biology at a rural school in Michigan, with the hope to eventually work in administration or with advocacy.

Atkins is a first-generation college student who will graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work. He is described as the definition of resilience. Atkins served for 23 years in the U.S. Army, completing two combat tours in Iraq. He returned from one tour on medical leave to find his daughters in foster care because the court believed he had died in combat. He persevered through a son's medical issues and his own untreated PTSD to return to NMU in 2024, after a 26-year hiatus, committed to helping others.

Atkins has developed clinical insight and expertise that guide his passion. He has worked to support residents at the Janzen House, served as a facilitator for SMART recovery, where he empowered others through science-based cognitive tools, and mentored youth from homes affected by addiction. Two young men that Dan mentored went on to become an Air Force pilot and an Army Blackhawk mechanic.

After graduation, Atkins plans to continue his education in the advanced standing master's program with a clinical concentration. He aspires to work within the VA healthcare system as a clinical social worker.

Clarkston is a first-generation college student and mother of three who completed Global Campus online programs between work shifts as a care coordinator assistant for adults with intellectual and development disabilities. She earned a 4.0 GPA and is graduating with a master's degree in social work.

Clarkston's involvement has taken place primarily through professional, internship and community settings rather than traditional on-campus activities. Her contributions have centered on direct service, advocacy, peer support and strengthening the learning environment for her peers. During her internships, she supported individuals and families during acute medical and behavioral health crises, and supported individuals and families during end-of-life transitions through hospice care.

After graduation, Clarkston plans to continue her work as a care coordinator, and said she is excited to join a group private practice, providing therapy for children, teens, adults and families.