The Student News Site of Northern Michigan University

The North Wind

The North Wind

The North Wind

Meet the Staff
Katarina Rothhorn
Katarina Rothhorn
Features Writer

The first message I ever sent from my Northern Michigan University sanctioned email was to the editor-in-chief of the North Wind asking if there was any way I could join the staff. Classes hadn't even...

The North Wind Editorial Sessions
About us

The North Wind is an independent student publication serving the Northern Michigan University community. It is partially funded by the Student Activity Fee. The North Wind digital paper is published daily during the fall and winter semesters except on university holidays and during exam weeks. The North Wind Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the student body, faculty, administration and area media.

PROFILE — Katie Buhrmann is a 2022 alum of NMU and the executive administrative assistant in NMUs Office of Institutional Effectiveness. She recently self-published her first book of poetry. Photo courtesy of Katie Buhrmann
Alumni Katie Buhrmann explores South Korea through language
Katarina RothhornMarch 28, 2024

Math, computer prof retires after 16 years

“What I found at age 55 was that I have an absolute passion for teaching.”

Professor of mathematics and computer science Ken Kulp is retiring after 16 years of working at NMU.

re-RetiringProfKulp worked various jobs before coming to teach at Northern in 2001. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a masters degree in business, he said many of his qualifications to teach computer science and mathematics came from experience.

“I can teach computer science because I learned it on the job,” Kulp said. “So a message I always have to students is just get a degree. Life will give you the opportunity later on.”

Story continues below advertisement

Kulp expressed his appreciation of the mathematics and computer science department.

“The highlight of my time here was when a student comes into the office and says thanks or when I’m able to turn a problem student around,” he said.

Kulp, who is originally from Texas, said that he came to the Upper Peninsula after selling a computer to Dental Associates of Marquette.

This is where he met his wife who was the office manager of the firm. In 1999 the couple came up to Marquette on vacation and never left. After the move, Kulp built a house and has lived there with his family since then.

“Money won’t buy happiness but working at a job will because God has been so good to me,” he said.

More to Discover