Judge Rosemarie Aquilina presided over Dr. Larry Nassar’s state criminal sentencing. She said she’s received a ‘groundswell’ of feedback from Nassar survivors, large donors and ex-football players encouraging her to consider leading the university.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on K-12, college education
As students and schools try to recover from the pandemic, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Tudor Dixon have vastly different plans for how to improve Michigan schools and colleges.
Posted inTalent & Education
See Biden’s student loan forgiveness application form
The form, previewed on Twitter, is simple and short, and is expected to be officially released later this month. It promises to save Michigan borrowers up to $10,000 or even $20,000 in student debt.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU President Samuel Stanley resigns, citing board meddling
After weeks of tension with the Board of Trustees, MSU President Samuel Stanley Jr. said he had lost confidence in the board, accusing some trustees of “micromanagement.” He is the third MSU president in five years to resign for issues related to Title IX compliance.
Posted inTalent & Education
Micro-grants and life credits: How Michigan is reducing barriers to college
People with college degrees tend to make more money than those without them. Which is why the governor and legislature passed measures to cut tuition. Some schools are going further: eliminating book fees, financial red tape and other obstacles to graduation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer, Dixon debate: What to expect on five key Michigan issues
Voters want to hear about K-12 learning, the economy, abortion, college attainment and crime. Here’s what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her GOP challenger Tudor Dixon have said.
Posted inTalent & Education
CMU, Western and Ferris State boost first-time fall student enrollment
Michigan’s regional universities report higher first-year numbers following years of decline, made worse by COVID. CMU and EMU say they are also recruiting harder overseas.
Posted inTalent & Education
Federal judge nixes suit seeking Michigan public funds for private schools
U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker denied a challenge to the state’s constitutional ban on taxpayer funds being used for private education. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation said it would appeal the Friday ruling.
Posted inTalent & Education
Northern Michigan University’s new president vows to engage rural students
A Michigan native, Brock Tessman comes to the job from Montana. His priorities when he begins Feb. 1 include increasing enrollment, ensuring more students get degrees and improving opportunities for rural students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Eastern Michigan University faculty union approves new contract
EMU faculty union members are one step closer to having a new contract with their university. The deal came after a faculty strike that disrupted three days of classes and includes pay and benefit hikes.