President's Weekly Messages

2008 Weekly Messages

The Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)
2008-12-12
The Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) is our accrediting method for our entire organization – but it represents a much greater ideal than accreditation. It represents a methodology for improvement for all of us to use in advancing our University. To that end, AQIP asks its member institutions to come together to learn from and assist each other in the organizational journey of continuing reflection and improvement.

Strategic Themes
2008-12-05
As you may know, we are actively engaged in Strategic Themes surrounding "Nurture a Learning Organization" and "Enhance the Learning Environment." We are seeking employee feedback via a brief employee survey to help us continue to nurture our learning organization, and we are supporting our learning environment with technology upgrades in the areas of document imaging, computer and campus security, scheduling, and web site navigation and look. This week's message summarizes the activity in each of these different areas.

Giving Thanks
2008-11-26
I hope this Thanksgiving Thursday finds you gathered around the dinner table surrounded by family and friends. At the Pretty household, we are looking forward to the long weekend when we’ll enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving feast and probably do some Christmas shopping.

International Programs
2008-11-21
As we’ve all witnessed over the past several weeks, a truly global economy means everyone is feeling the pain of the current economic crisis.

A New and Re-energizing Endeavor
2008-11-14
We are pleased to report Northwood University’s Texas campus will soon embark on a new and re-energizing endeavor when a 27-month part-time master of business administration (MBA) launches in September 2009.

A Message on the Economy
2008-11-07
Unprecedented challenges proliferate in our nation, in our industry and in the financial markets. It’s no secret the economic turmoil the world is experiencing is far from over.

Leadership Development
2008-10-31
"Excellent firms don't believe in excellence — only in constant improvement and constant change." That's from author Tom Peters ("In Search of Excellence") and applies to this week's message on leadership development.

Employee Campaign
2008-10-24
One Goal · One Northwood is at the foundation of all our efforts. Northwood University's unique operating structure functions at optimal levels when we are actively engaged for and with one another...

The Power of an Idea
2008-10-17
Never underestimate the power of an idea...

ONE - For the Students
2008-10-10
Since its launch a little over a year ago, the concept of ONE Northwood is evolving successfully as a learning and collaborative process. As the six operating units of Northwood University embraced ONE Northwood, the synergy gained from a shared identity has been significant. There is a feeling of strength in numbers and engagement as we face the future together.

Wall Street White Paper
2008-10-03
To note the events taking place on Wall Street and in Washington are complex is certainly an understatement. There is much political posturing and emotional debate fueling this crisis, yet with all that is at stake, critical thinking and reason must guide our actions.

Connecting to our World
2008-09-26
Even when most of Northwood University's classes are out of session, our faculty find meaningful ways to rejuvenate and contribute to their communities - and the world.

Constitution Day
2008-09-19
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Constitution Day was established as an official holiday in 2004.

The Last Lecture
2008-09-12
Can YouTube and traditional academia mix? Can 6,709,000 views on YouTube and reading a hard cover book bring people together? Where else can Captain James Kirk be the example to frame leadership skills?

New Benefits
2008-09-05
With our Strategic Plan in place, it is now time for strategic action and an announcement of two major new benefits.

Strategic Plan
2008-08-29
While summer seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, in reality significant accomplishments were taking place throughout the Northwood system. The Board of Trustees approved our 2008 Strategic Plan last May, and we have been fast tracking ever since. This week’s message will bring you up to date on what our colleagues in every operating unit are doing. It is also my opportunity to thank each of you for your commitment, for your hard work, and for your faith in what we are doing – all for the good of our students.

Foundations of Excellence
2008-08-22
When students are asked what they want from college, a well rounded quality education and the opportunity for a fulfilling career are at the top of the list. In order for those two goals to be realized, students must take an active role in their own education. The old adage, you get out of it what you put into it, is applicable in the classroom and on campus.

Florida Campus Provost
2008-08-15
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rose Bellanca as provost of our Florida Campus. Dr. Bellanca brings to Northwood University many years of leadership experience at two different higher-education institutions and will be a strong leader for our Florida Campus and for Northwood.

Welcome Back
2008-08-08
Welcome back to our weekly messages! August is upon us already and I hope you’ve been enjoying this extraordinary summer. Whether you are faculty or staff, summer has a way of going far too fast and things rarely seem to slow down.

Alumni Reorganized to make "One Northwood"
2008-06-20
Alumni are one of our special assets and the continuous improvement in the life of their alma mater should be of great to value to them and the university. This is an area where our themes for this year, continuous improvement and engagement, can be greatly enhanced.

Our Focus
2008-06-13
Our focus at Northwood University is extremely clear thanks to the strategic planning process. Articulating and addressing student needs is critical to our success and these needs tie directly to AQIP’s Category 1: Helping Students Learn. We have prioritized the needs into three categories–Required, Primary, and Secondary.

Northwood’s Positioning Statement: 2008 and Beyond
2008-06-06
I am pleased to report on June 2, 2008 our Board of Trustees unanimously approved our strategic plan titled Northwood’s Positioning Statement: 2008 and Beyond. Details and discussions will occur over the next 90 days, but this should serve as a wholehearted THANK YOU to all of you who participated in the development of our strategy.

Campus Safety
2008-05-29
The purpose of our message this week is to update you on our efforts to secure our campuses for our students, faculty and staff. We take security seriously at Northwood University. As One Northwood, the campus crisis teams combined their efforts over the last year under the umbrella of the System Wide Security Group and the Crisis Oversight Committee.

Faculty Excellence, Samuel Marotta Faculty Ethics, and Innovation Award winners
2008-05-23
One of my favorite things at commencement is announcing the Faculty Excellence, Samuel Marotta Faculty Ethics, and Innovation Award winners. The reaction of the recipients, their surprise and delight, is always gratifying, but equally rewarding to me is the reaction of our students and fellow faculty and staff. It is apparent they too appreciate the recognition of their favorite professors, or in the case of the Innovation award, the work of fellow Northwood employees.

Commencement
2008-05-16
It’s commencement time at Northwood. The work of our students, faculty, and staff comes together in the ceremonies taking place throughout our system over the next few weeks.

Building our Future
2008-05-09
Does time seem to be moving more quickly these days? We are in a whirlwind of celebrations across the entire Northwood system.

Employee Performance Evaluation
2008-05-02
Charles Koch states in The Science of Success,“... it is essential to have shared vision that is understood and embraced.” It is also essential for an organization to value its culture. Our guiding philosophy, The Northwood Idea, sets the tone for our actions and our beliefs. We are fortunate our founders gave us the tools to be whom we are.

Alumni
2008-04-25
The Northwood University experience does not end at graduation. Our alumni should enjoy a lifetime of networking, knowledge, and leadership by staying connected. We are pleased to report alumni activities at all three campuses are vibrant and growing. This is a critical component of our strategic plan for the university.

Freedom Seminar
2008-04-18
The Northwood University Freedom Seminar is an annual three and one-half day symposium on free market economics led by national and international academic and business leaders. The purpose of the Freedom Seminar is to investigate current business and economic topics of utmost interest to the academic and business communities.

Terms to Semesters, Chapter 2
2008-04-11
The decision has been made and the news has been communicated. Changing a university’s academic calendar is no small feat. Just as thorough as the discussions and studies were that preceded the decision, the implementation of changing to semesters requires equal diligence.

Community College Partnerships
2008-04-04
Like every quality organization, Northwood University (NU) works to maximize current and future opportunities. We are finding a key opportunity lies with an endeavor where we were on the forefront over 25 years ago–community college partnerships. We were partnering with community colleges long before other universities realized the benefits of these relationships.

ONE Northwood
2008-03-28
When a good seed is planted in a quality environment, amazing things can happen. Last summer when we started the ONE Northwood initiative, it was our intent to bring the campuses together in mind and in spirit. I think we have made great strides to that end.

Founders Day
2008-03-20
Northwood University celebrated its 35th Anniversary in April 1994 with a very special proclamation–March 23 would be forevermore celebrated as Founders Day with tribute and honor paid to Arthur and Johann Turner and Gary and Willa Stauffer for the pride and promise they created for the students of Northwood University.

Terms-to-Semesters Announcement
2008-03-14
During my first year as president, when I visited with all constituencies, I heard comments and engaged in dialogues about terms versus a semester calendar. These discussions were pervasive and compelling enough for me to support the Academic Management Committee’s decision to explore the issue in depth. They recently returned a recommendation that is in the best interest of our students and our University. Northwood University will move to a semester calendar beginning in the fall of 2010 from a quarter hour term calendar system.

Commending the Grounds Crews and Maintenance Departments
2008-03-07
An aspect of Northwood we could easily take for granted is the outstanding condition of our buildings and grounds. This week I would like to commend the grounds crews and maintenance departments for their excellent work. These men and women perform their duties quietly and unobtrusively and, because of their consistent diligence and strong work ethic, our campuses continue to be points of pride.

The Northwood Scorecard System
2008-02-29
This week’s message deals with a topic that may be more information than most of us really need but is intended to convey the importance of data-gathering and its uses across our campuses as we strive to be One Northwood. Data enables solid decision-making and a focus on continuous improvement. One of our recent breakthrough improvements is the development and use of a Scorecard System.

The Science of Success
2008-02-22
The Omniquest selection for winter term was Science of Success by Charles Koch. This book was new to me this fall but has become a favorite of mine due to the similarity between Koch Industries and NU philosophy.

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual convention
2008-02-15
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual convention is a significant event for Northwood University.  Held last week in San Francisco, it is an opportunity for students, faculty, and advancement staff to begin new partnerships, to keep Northwood vital, and to learn what’s important within the industry.  A faculty delegation composed of Steve Brazill, Tim Gilbert, Joe Lescota and Steve Tidwell, and accompanied by Julie Becker-Meyers guided students from all campuses throughout the many activities of the convention.

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap
2008-02-08
The Board of Trustees met on the Florida Campus January 25 during a very active week including the Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) Gala and Forum as well the Dow/Hantz graduate students on campus. This week's message is a brief recap of many of the topics we discussed. I hope you will take away from this the enthusiasm as well as the depth of inquiry with which the Officer Team and BOT are addressing the future of Northwood University.

Outstanding Business Leaders
2008-02-01
Last weekend we celebrated the Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) annual event. The theme this year was Business Growth and honorees were selected because each has substantially grown his or her respective endeavor to success.

The EXCEL program
2008-01-25
One of the activities about which we can be most proud is the EXCEL program.  We at Northwood work hard to make sure our graduates leave our campus understanding leadership means a commitment to both their businesses and their communities.  The EXCEL program, developed in 1998, helps serve that purpose.

The University of the Aftermarket
2008-01-11
The University of the Aftermarket (U of A) is an integral part of Northwood.  With the opening of the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies on the Michigan campus, we will see increased visibility for this program, not only within Northwood, but also to the public and the industry.  To that end we are very pleased to announce the following appointment.

Northwood Strategic Planning Process
2008-01-11
Happy New Year to you all and welcome back to the winter term at Northwood University! Higher education is somewhat unique in that we get to celebrate two “new years” in each twelve-month period.

2007 Weekly Messages

Happy Holidays
2007-12-21
As we take a break from our campus activities beginning this weekend, I want to wish you a most happy holiday season.

Where is IT going?
2007-12-14
In our technology-filled world, we text, e-mail, and download. Entertain for a moment the enormity of our global conversations, electronic discussions, and World Wide Web browsing. Now, scale down to our Northwood community; roughly 1,100 computers connected with hundreds of miles of network cables and a team of 30 staff and 60 students making the technology work essentially 24/7.

ONE Northwood Branding Platform
2007-12-07
We should all be aware that raising the visibility of Northwood University within the public eye is a key initiative for all of us. We have been working hard over the last several months on the marketing research necessary for us to move forward with decisions and messages based on real-world data. What follows outlines what we’ve been doing and to whom we have been talking. We’re not done yet, but we’re on our way. This is an exciting activity and when brought to fruition will help pave the way to a dynamic future for our University.

Northwood Strategy Planning Process
2007-11-29
Building on the work of our Academic Quality Improvement Process (AQIP) Action Project which helped reshape our Mission and BHAG (big, hairy audacious goal) (hope those Bookmarks are being put to good use!), I am excited to announce the system-wide rollout of the new Northwood Strategy Planning Process (NSPP).

An Ounce of Prevention
2007-11-16
A well run university requires diligence at many levels. Right now we are hearing a lot in the media about the rise of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA in schools, hospitals, athletic facilities and other places of public assembly. It is a situation we take very seriously.

Board of Trustees
2007-11-09
The success of Northwood University can be attributed to many factors. Certainly the vision of our founders, Drs. Turner and Stauffer, the investment of our many friends, the administrative teams of the past 48 years, our outstanding faculty and staff – all have worked together tirelessly to help us grow into a worldwide presence.

Distinguished Women’s week
2007-11-02
It’s Distinguished Women’s week at Northwood University. In Dallas on Saturday, November 3, we are celebrating significant female movers and shakers from all over the country, from all sorts of endeavors.

Emergency Alert Notification System - clearTXT launch
2007-11-01
Thank you for taking time to read this important information regarding the clearTXT launch. Weather events this week in Florida are the perfect example of why the service is so valuable to you.

Employee Benefits
2007-10-26
These weekly messages have chronicled the significant endeavors we have undertaken as we change the way we do business at Northwood. Everything we are doing has one overarching goal – to provide a quality education for our students.

Specialty Programs
2007-10-19
The enhancement of the impact and reputation of our specialty programs will be vital in the growth of our brand and accomplishment of our BHAG.

Emergency Alert Notification System
2007-10-15
Please take a moment to read this important announcement regarding a new communication option for our community.

First Anniversary
2007-10-12
October marks my first anniversary with Northwood University. This week’s message outlines my experience with Northwood University during this past year.

NUQUIP
2007-10-05
The essential business of a university takes place in the classroom. This week’s message outlines exciting developments supporting the work of our faculty in the classroom.

Northwood University 50th Anniversary
2007-09-28
The 50th Anniversary of Northwood University is less than two years away and we’ve recently made some changes to our University Advancement department that will begin to develop plans for the celebrations.  Our message this week details some of the changes and we hope you’ll be pleased to read about them.

Graduate Programs
2007-09-21
I am very pleased to report enrollment in the DeVos Graduate School of Management is up 17% this fall with a record 378 students.