Western Michigan University

About Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a comprehensive public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Founded in 1903 as Western State Normal School by educator Dwight B. Waldo, it has grown into a major doctoral-granting institution classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity." Serving over 17,500 students across multiple specialized geographic campuses, WMU is internationally recognized for operating one of the top aviation flight academies in North America, premier paper and chemical engineering pilot facilities, nationally ranked sales and supply chain programs, and high-impact health science clinics. Under an integrated multi-campus model, WMU encompasses: the primary West Campus in Kalamazoo (housing the new student center, Waldo Library, Sangren Hall, and the College of Arts and Sciences); the 265-acre Parkview Campus (home to the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Business Technology and Research Park); the College of Aviation campus at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek (operating a large fleet of modern Cirrus SR20 aircraft, flight simulators, and airline partnership pathways); and the Oakland Drive Campus (housing the College of Health and Human Services and medical clinical suites). WMU is celebrated for its distinctive academic colleges: the College of Aviation (one of only a handful of comprehensive collegiate aviation programs in the country); the AACSB-accredited Haworth College of Business (recognized as a national leader in sales marketing, food marketing, and supply chain management); the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (featuring an active pilot paper plant and advanced manufacturing facilities); the College of Health and Human Services (consistently ranked #1 in Michigan for Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant studies); and the College of Fine Arts (delivering elite music, dance, and theatrical productions at the 3,500-seat Miller Auditorium). Campus spirit centers around NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference (MAC) athletics at Waldo Stadium and the powerhouse Bronco Ice Hockey program at Lawson Ice Arena.