Western Michigan University
Former names | Western State Normal School (1903–1926), Western State Teachers College (1927–1940), Western Michigan College of Education, Western Michigan College (1955–1957) |
|---|---|
| Motto | So that all may learn. |
| Type | Public research university |
| Established | May 27, 1903 |
Academic affiliations | Space-grant |
| Endowment | $760.2 million (2024) |
| Budget | $410.6 million (2023/24) |
| President | Edward B. Montgomery |
Academic staff | 751 (full-time) |
| Students | 17,605 (2024) |
| Undergraduates | 13,860 (2024) |
| Postgraduates | 3,745 (2024) |
| Location | , , United States 42°17′00″N 85°36′50″W / 42.28333°N 85.61389°W |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Brown and Gold |
| Nickname | Broncos |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division I – MAC, NCHC |
| Mascot | Buster Bronco |
| Website | wmich |
Western Michigan University (Western Michigan, Western or WMU) is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. It was initially established as Western State Normal School in 1903 by Governor Aaron T. Bliss for the training of teachers. It was renamed Western Michigan University in 1957.
Western is one of the eight research universities in the state of Michigan and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The university has seven degree-granting colleges, offering 147 undergraduate degree programs, 73 master's degree programs, 30 doctoral programs, and 1 specialist degree program. It is governed by an eight-member board of regents whose members are appointed by the governor of Michigan and confirmed by the Michigan Senate for eight-year terms.
The university's athletic teams compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are known as the Western Michigan Broncos. They compete in the Mid-American Conference for most sports.