Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University International Student Insurance

Eastern Michigan University (EMU), located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was established in 1849. It was founded as Michigan State Normal School, the first teacher-training school in the state, and opened in 1853. It became a four-year school in 1899. In 1956, with the expansion of course offerings and an increase in enrollment after WWII, it was renamed Eastern Michigan College. It adopted its current name in 1959 with the addition of a graduate school. International student exchange programs were established in the early 1970s.

Today, EMU enrolls more than 21,000 students and counting each year. The school’s colors are green and white, and its athletic nickname is the eagle.

EMU operates seven satellite locations, among them campuses in Brighton, Detroit, and Jackson, all in Michigan.

On Campus

Noteworthy research initiatives on campus include the Center for Entrepreneurship; the Institute for Geospatial Research and Education, focused on research related to spatial modeling, geo-computation, and geographic information systems’ analytical tools; and the Coatings Research Institute, which develops research and practical applications regarding polymers, coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, and related nano-based materials.

Some campus traditions include Fajita Fest, the Community Plunge (a community service event), Martin Luther King, Jr. Week, Ethos Week (focusing on business ethics and ethics education), and the Relay for Life in support of the American Cancer Society.

Notable Alumni

Notable Eastern Michigan University alumni include authors Kim Antieau, Loren D. Estleman, and Ann Purmell; actors Dann Florek and Afton Williamson; cartoonist Dave Coverly; Ron Campbell, CEO of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Andrew Foster, the first black deaf person to earn a master’s degree.

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