Western Michigan University is a dynamic, student-centered research university with an enrollment of nearly 25,000. WMU is focused on delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction, advancing its growing graduate division and fostering significant research activities.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching places WMU among the 76 public 
institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of American colleges and universities includes WMU as one of the nation’s top-100 public universities.
Undergraduate students at WMU may choose from 140 program offerings while graduate students may select from 67 master’s, one specialist and 29 doctoral programs. A number of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have attained national recognition. Also enriching the quality of campus life are nearly 300 registered student organizations and a full array of NCAA Division IA intercollegiate athletic teams.
The University’s commitment to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and insight has resulted in initiatives that reward faculty and student research, scholarship and creative activity. In a typical year, WMU faculty and staff conduct $30 million to $40 million in externally funded research on topics ranging from nuclear physics and specialized education to flight safety and clean energy. Instructi
onal programs are designed to increase students’ capacity for learning and service to society, as well as meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.
WMU is Michigan’s fourth largest higher education institution, attracting a diverse and culturally rich student body from across the United States and some 90 other countries. Its nearly 900 full-time faculty members have been trained at some of the world’s finest institutions and they bring to the University a global perspective that enhances the learning environment.
WMU’s campuses encompass more than 1,200 acres and 151 buildings, and feature some of the finest facilities in the Midwest. The main campus, located close to downtown Kalamazoo, is able to house nearly 5,500 students. It includes a large, well-equipped student recreation center and state-of-the-art facilities for business, chemistry, science research, health and human services, and the visual and performing arts.
The University’s highly rated engineering college and thriving Business Technology and Research Park are based three miles away at the Parkview Campus, while its nationally recognized aviation college is based at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Mich. Both the aviation campus and BTR Park are components of Michigan economic development SmartZones.
Extended University Programs offers WMU’s quality academic programs close to home through its online and lifelong education units, as well as six sites around the state. Regional sites focus primarily on graduate and professional education, and are located in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor-St. Joseph, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon and Traverse City.
Founded in 1903, WMU rapidly grew from a regional teachers college to an internationally regarded institution of higher education. What was once Western Michigan College became Western Michigan University in 1957, when the state designated it as the fourth public university in Michigan.
Top National University
Western Michigan University is a dynamic, student-centered research university with an enrollment of nearly 25,000.
- The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU among the nation’s fewer than 200 research universities.
- In its annual ranking of the nation’s 4,000 colleges and universities, U.S. News & World Report consistently lists WMU as one of the nation’s top 100 public universities and the Midwest’s top 30.
- Of the nation’s 1,700 public colleges and universities, WMU is one of only 100 to be granted its own chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.
- The Princeton Review includes WMU on its annual online list of Best Midwestern Colleges.
- Intel places WMU second on its list of the nation’s most wireless college campuses.
Major Facilities
WMU’s campuses encompass more than 1,200 acres and 151 buildings, and feature some of the finest facilities in the Midwest. The main campus, located close to downtown Kalamazoo, is able to house nearly 5,500 students. It includes a large, well-equipped student recreation center and state-of-the-art facilities for business, chemistry, science research, health and human services, and the visual and performing arts.
The University’s highly rated engineering college and thriving Business Technology and Research Park are based three miles away at the Parkview Campus, while its nationally known aviation college is based at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Mich. Both the aviation campus and BTR Park are components of Michigan economic development SmartZones.
Mission and Goals
Mission
Western Michigan University is a student-centered research university, building intellectual inquiry, investigation, and discovery into all undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University provides leadership in teaching, research, learning, and public service. Nationally recognized and internationally engaged, the University:
- Forges a responsive and ethical academic community
- Develops foundations for achievement in pluralistic societies
- Incorporates participation from diverse individuals in decision-making
- Contributes to technological and economic development
- Engenders an awareness and appreciation of the arts
Goals
Western Michigan University’s mission is characterized by its pursuit of the following institutional goals:
- To foster a safe, civil, and healthy University community
- To provide access to academic programs at reasonable cost and in multiple settings
- To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and international programs
- To increase diversity within the student body, faculty, and staff through institutional practices and programs
- To recognize excellence in the teaching, research, learning, creative work, scholarship, and service contributions of students, faculty, and staff
- To conduct ongoing assessment activities and engage in continuous improvement initiatives within the University
- To establish lifelong relationships between alumni and the University
- To advance responsible environmental stewardship
- To support community and regional partnerships that elevate civic, cultural, social, and economic life
Western Michigan University
Read Fieldhouse
1903 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
The Western Michigan Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to feature not only some of the top facilities in the Mid-American Conference, but the region as well.
The capstone of the facilities roster at WMU is the recently completed Donald Seelye Athletic Center. The 25-million dollar project was finished in 2003 and features a 70-yard indoor turf bay that is utilized by the Broncos football, baseball, softball, women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer and track teams on a year-round basis.
Donald Seelye Athletic Center
The Donald “J” Seelye Athletic Center, which began construction in the winter of 2001, officially opened its doors to Western Michigan University athletic programs on January 13, 2003.
The WMU women’s soccer team was the first to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facility with an early-morning workout.
The $25 million facility was officially opened in the fall of 2003 with a dedication ceremony that featured both university and community leaders. All Bronco programs in need of the turf bay now have access and have the ability to escape from the frigid winter temperatures in Michigan.
Bronco athletic squads will train on an 80×60-yard field covered with AstroPlay synthetic turf. AstroPlay is produced by Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc. – the same company which installed NeXturf at Waldo Stadium.
The Seelye Center also houses several luxury suites for home Bronco football games, which also double as offices for selected members of the Bronco coaching staff. The facility includes an equipment room, training room and severl locker rooms.
The Varsity “W” Club Room provides a plentiful space for special events, including press conferences and weekly coach luncheons.
Waldo Stadium
Waldo Stadium/Football Office
Bill Brown Alumni Football Center
Western Michigan University
1903 West Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5422
The Western Michigan University football team begins its 72nd year at Waldo Stadium in 2010, one of the finest venues in the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos’ all-time record at Waldo Stadium is 221-138-4 and boast 10 undefeated seasons at the venue (1941, 1942, 1947, 1966, 1982, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2008).
Waldo Stadium sported a noticeably new look in 2003. The east end of the stadium was enclosed by the $25-million Donald J Seelye Athletic Center, which at its zenith reaches eight stories tall. On the west side, a state-of-the-art video board was installed, made possible through a gift from Coca-Cola.
The origins of Waldo Stadium date back to 1939. Built at the cost of $250,000, the venue was constructed as part of a new athletic plant at WMU which also included the construction of Hyames baseball field. Later that season, the football facility — which included an eight-lane track — was dedicated to WMU President Emeritus Dwight B. Waldo, the school’s first president and a strong advocate of Bronco Athletics.
Waldo Stadium has become one of the top drawing stadiums in the MAC in recent years. In 2000, WMU sold out its season opener against Indiana State, setting a MAC home attendance mark in the process with 36,361 fans.
During the 1999 season, the Brown & Gold sold out Waldo three times and averaged a school-record 26,874 fans. WMU has drawn over 100,000 fans the past six seasons, resulting in six sellouts since 1997.
Directions/Parking
From I-94
At exit #74, turn north onto US-131, go 2.7 miles; use the following directions for exiting from US-131.
From US-131
At exit #36, turn east onto Stadium Drive, go 2.2 miles; turn left on Howard Street. Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots. Shuttle buses board at the front of the arena.
From M-43 North of Kalamazoo
Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo on to Riverview Drive; go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles; it then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. Pass Waldo Stadium (on your left) and turn right onto Howard Street (second light past the stadium). Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots. Shuttle buses board at the front of the arena.
Parking Information
As parking near Waldo Stadium is extremely limited, fans are encouraged to use the above directions to park at Lawson Ice Arena ($5 parking charge) and ride the free shuttle service to the Stadium. Buses run continuously to and from the Stadium, beginning two hours prior to kickoff. Drop-off points at Waldo Stadium are at gate 9 (near the main ticket office, will call booths and Corporate Villiage) and on Oakland Drive at the entrance of the Seelye Center. Return service to Lawson Ice Arena is from the Oakland Drive / Seelye Center area only.
Read Fieldhouse
The Western Michigan men’s and women’s basketball squads, volleyball team and gymnastics squad all compete in the renovated University Arena (5,421) in Read Fieldhouse, which was part of a $50 million renovation and expansion project of student recreation, physical education and intercollegiate athletic facilities (1994).
The most recent construction offered a multitude of new features for Bronco student-athletes, staff and fans. The court was rotated to allow the installation of more chairback seating and the overhead press area was moved to courtside, providing media members easier access .
Three floors of offices were added adjacent to the area to house a majority of the WMU athletic administration, support and coaching staffs.
Also included in the new wing were top-level locker rooms for numerous sports. The third floor of the complex provides exclusive space for the women’s gymnastics squad to train.
The academic services center, equipment and training rooms are also located in the building, centralizing a majority of the department’s activities.
In a continued effort to make University Arena a place for everyone to enjoy, the summer of 1999 saw a project completed that included the resurfacing of the court. The entire floor was repainted, including a pair of new Bronco logos on both sides of the court.
Read first opened for men’s basketball in December, 1957. It was officially named in honor of legendary coach Herbert “Buck” Read during a 1963 game against defending NCAA Champion Loyola.
The winningest coach in program history, Read coached the Broncos to an overall record of 345-169 during his 27-year tenure. Amazingly, 23 of those squads compiled winning records, including an undefeated (17-0) campaign in 1929-30.
Lawson Arena
Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena has been the home of the Western Michigan University hockey team since the 1974-75 season. Its namesake was the founding father of Bronco hockey, forming the school’s club team in 1958.
The facility contains a 200’ x 85’ ice surface and has a seating capacity for 3,667 fans. The concourse opens high above ice-level, allowing for excellent viewing from all areas.
Lawson underwent a $250,000 facelift in 1997, as premium chairback seating and vinyl bleachers were installed. The most noticeable change was the new seating section above the Zamboni entrance.
In 1998, Lawson received a new $1 million dollar metal roof, matching the cost of renovations made in the summer of 1993 when a new cooling system, floor, boards and glass were installed.
Locker rooms also underwent a facelift that summer with the addition of 30 new lockers made of solid oak, each of which was financed through donations from former WMU hockey players and their families.
Adjacent to the dressing area is a conditioning area and the medical training room. WMU players have access to Lawson’s conditioning area throughout the year as well as other weight room facilities provided on campus.
Lawson has staged other events besides hockey games, including professional boxing matches, ice shows and concerts. From 1992-94, Lawson housed WMU men’s and women’s basketball games while University Arena was being renovated. Lawson served as home to the WMU synchronized skating varsity team for five seasons.
The largest crowd to ever watch a game at Lawson Arena occurred on Oct. 31, 1987 when 5,168 spectators filled the arena beyond capacity to see the Broncos clash with CCHA rival Michigan State.
Directions/Parking:
From I-94
At exit #74, turn north onto US-131, go 2.7 miles; use the following directions for exiting from US-131.
From US-131
At exit #36, turn east onto Stadium Drive, go 2.2 miles; turn left on Howard Street. Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots.
From M-43, North of Kalamazoo
Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo on to Riverview Drive; go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles; it then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. Pass Waldo Stadium, on your left, and turn right onto Howard Street, second light past the stadium. Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots.
Parking Information
In general, plenty of parking is available on all sides of Lawson Ice Arena. After turning left at the 4-way stop, you will cross a bridge that takes you back over Howard Street. The arena will be directly in front of you. Parking lots are available to your immediate left, straight ahead and to the right.
Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field
ROBERT J. BOBB STADIUM
A $1 million dollar challenge gift from Chicago equity investor, Robert J. Bobb, got the ball rolling in the restoration of the
Bronco baseball facilities. Subsequently, the structure has taken the name Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field.
Construction on the baseball stadium project began in the summer of 2008 and is nearing the end of Phase II. The major renovations will place WMU’s baseball facilities once again at the top of the Mid-American Conference and the Midwest.
Prior to the 2010 season, all chairback and bench seating areas, home and visitor dugouts, foul-line fencing and grandstand
restoration had been completed. A walkway and new entrance with handicap accessibility behind home plate was installed and new decorative exterior fencing was added.
The project in on pace for completion in the summer of 2010 with the construction of a new press box, bathrooms, concessions, ticket office and stadium signage. Construction to these areas began at the start of June. Former Bronco baseball players, WMU Alumni and friends have made $1.9 million in gifts and pledges in support of the project as of March 2010.
HYAMES FIELD
The playing field is named after former head baseball coach and Athletic Director Judson Hyames and was dedicated in the
spring of 1939. Hyames coached at WMU from 1922-36, posting a 166-62-2 record during his 15-year tenure. He served as the
school’s Athletic Director from 1937 until his death in 1949.
Carved out of a hill alongside Stadium Drive, Hyames Field was able to offer a unique playing environment. Features include hill
banks down both foul lines, in particular the right field side, which is an open grassy knoll popular with spectators. Construction
on the venue began in 1934 as a $250,000 Federal Works Project that also included the construction of Waldo Stadium.
The site was the home of the first two College World Series in 1947 and 1948. The 1947 CWS featured two famous players. The game saw eventual American League “Most Valuable Player” Jackie Jensen playing outfield for California. Patrolling first base for Yale that afternoon was future U.S. President George H.W. Bush.
Among the features at Hyames are an electronic scoreboard, long dugouts, a padded backstop; an eight-foot, vertical-slat privacy fence; an outfield warning track and three batting cages. There is an inclined hill in left field.
Directions: From 131, take Stadium Drive East to Oliver Street. Turn right on Oliver and enter parking lot on immediate left. Parking and stadium entrance is located behind the softball diamond.
Ebert Field
The Western Michigan University softball program plays all of its home games at Ebert Field, conveniently located on campus in near proximity to all of the WMU athletic facilities.
The complex features everything needed to enjoy a collegiate softball game: stadium-style seating for up to 400 fans behind the first base line and in the outfield, a press box and concessions stand.
The latest renovations occurred in the summer of 2000 and 2001, improving access to the field and creating more room to park for both baseball and softball. A new fence surrounding the complex was built and wind screens were installed on the outfield fence to help combat the windy conditions associated with the park.
Also included in the improvements was a change that will more than likely increase offensive production at the park.
With only five home runs hit by any program in 12 seasons (prior to 2001), Ebert Field had deservedly gained the reputation of a “pitcher’s field.” The entire fenceline has been moved in. Straight-away center is now 220’ and both corners measure out at 200’. Left field did have the shortest fence at 219’, while center was 225’ and right was 226’.
Prior to the most recent work on the complex, both the home and visitor dugouts were remodeled and a new scoreboard was installed. The complex also contains a pair of batting cages as well as a bullpen and storage area.
The field is named after former WMU coach and professor Fran Ebert. A recent selection to the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame, Ebert began the softball program at Western Michigan in 1976 and went on to compile an overall record of 270-116-1 in 10 seasons.
Ebert led the Broncos to a pair of AIAW College World Series appearances and one trip to the NCAA College World Series (1982). In 2000, Ebert was one of three individuals inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the national convention. In 1985, Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to name the school’s diamond in her honor and it was dedicated on June 29 of that year.
Directions: From 131, take Stadium Drive East to Oliver Street. Turn right on Oliver and enter parking lot on immediate left.
Sorensen Courts/West Hills Athletic Club
The Western Michigan men’s and women’s tennis teams play their outdoor matches at Sorensen Courts, named for former men’s tennis coach Ray “Hap” Sorensen. The entire facility has been redone over the last two summers with brand new courts installed.
The upper Sorensen Courts feature eight brand new blue-surfaced courts that were completed in July of 2006 and the lower Sorensen Courts feature 12 new blue-surfaced courts that were completed in July of 2007. The entire upper facility is is lighted for play deep into the night and features water and electric capabilities for each court. The entire area is surrounded by wind screens and is equipped with bleacher seating for spectators. The 2000 MAC Women’s and 2001 and 2005 MAC Men’s Tennis Championships were held at Sorensen.
Sorensen also acts as one of the homes for the USTA Boys 18’s and 16’s Super Nationals each year.
For more pictures of Sorensen Courts, click the photo icon for a complete photo album.
Directions: from 131, Take exit 36A, which will be Stadium Drive. Drive east on Stadium Drive through four lights. The fifth light is Oliver Street – take a left on Oliver. Drive one block to a three-way stop at Western Avenue. Take a right on Western Avenue. After driving a short distance, there will be a light at the corner of Western Avenue and West Michigan Avenue – take a left. At the first light (N. Dormitory Road), take a right. Sorensen Courts will be on the right, just past the parking ramp.
Western Michigan’s tennis teams play their indoor matches at West Hills Athletic Club. WMU purchased West Hills in December of 1998. They also use that facility for practices in the winter and early spring and for matches that can’t be played outdoors due to inclement weather. The tennis area features 10 hard courts, spacious viewing areas, concessions and vending machines and excellent locker room facilities.
For more info and a virtual tour on West Hills Athletic Club, visit WestHillsAthletic.com
Directions: from 131: Take exit 36B, which will be Stadium Drive. Once on Stadium Drive, take a right on 11th Street, which will be the first light you come to. Drive one block. West Hills will be on your right, on the corner of 11th and West Michigan.
Kanley Track
The Kanley Track & Field Complex serves as the outdoor home for the Bronco women’s track & field team.
Kanley features a 400-meter Olympic model Martin-surface track, the alumni track building and permanent lights. The field features a completely contained events competition area and excellent viewing for spectators.
The complex underwent a massive renovation project in 1993 and since then, hosted the MAC Championships in 1995.
WMU Soccer Complex
The WMU Soccer Complex serves as home to both the Western Michigan men’s and women’s soccer programs.
The complex has hosted Bronco soccer matches for nearly a decade, undergoing several improvements during that time frame. In the fall of 2004, both the home and visiting benches were enclosed with shelters, as was the press box area.
The bleachers provide seating for 500 Bronco fans and a concession area and storage room are also located on the grounds.
Both the men’s and women’s squads took advantage of the home field in 2003, claiming the Mid-American Conference Tournament titles on successive weekends.
Directions: From 131, exit Stadium Drive East. Turn right at first light onto Drake. Turn left at first light onto Parkview. Fields are located on right side of the road.
Source: Western Michigan University