President's Weekly Messages

Memorializing Those Who Have Gone Before Us
2013-05-24
Monday, May 27, marks the 2013 observation of Memorial Day in America. It is a day of a celebration and one that is often observed and recognized in phrases such as "Never forget" and "Always remember." And while the latter may be clichés they are so for good reason.

The Baker Church Legacy at Northwood University
2013-05-17
Northwood University lost a dear friend and lifetime supporter in Hannah Baker Church, who passed away on Sunday, May 12. Together with her husband John A. Church who predeceased her, Hannah played a pivotal role in the shaping and success of Northwood University, and will always remain a pillar of the Northwood family.

Commencing Lifelong Learning & Leadership
2013-05-10
Graduation ceremonies this week on Northwood's Florida, Michigan, and Texas campuses remind us that a Commencement is not only not the end of an education but, in fact, just the beginning.

Freedom Works
2013-05-03
If the collective history of civilization and humankind teaches us anything, it is this: Freedom works.

Sustainability Management
2013-04-26
Today, April 26, is the national observance of Arbor Day while this past Monday, April 22, marked Earth Day. Both days have interesting origins with the first recognition of Arbor Day taking place in Nebraska on April 10, 1872 and the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 in cities across the United States.

A Proven Leader in Crisis Management
2013-04-19
Crisis readiness and response is a way of life at Northwood University and there is no better example of that than the efforts by Northwood students, faculty, and staff this week.

A Paragon of Freedom and Kindness
2013-04-12
"Three things in human life are important," observed the 19th century American-born novelist Henry James. "The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." For those who were fortunate to know and study under Dr. Dale Haywood, it comes as no surprise that James's prescription for living a happy and fulfilling life was one of Dr. Haywood's favorite quotations.

Keep It Simple
2013-04-05
Everything we do--from open houses and orientations and the application and admissions process to the classroom and applied learning experiences through commencement--reinforces our core value proposition. It tells students, parents, and guardians that we are the university-of-choice. The same goes for our internal customers. By focusing on what matters most, we ensure our work is completed and in a manner that is respectful of our co-workers and their respective duties.

A Renewed You. A Renewed Commitment.
2013-03-28
As we enter more fully into the season of spring, let's renew our commitments to ourselves to work and focus on what matters most. There may be bumps along the way but as Nelson Mandela reminds us, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

54 Years Later, The Northwood Idea Still Drives Us
2013-03-22
Tomorrow, Saturday March 23rd, marks the 54th Anniversary of Northwood University's founding. As system wide Founders' Day celebrations and Values Emphasis Week activities remind us, the core principles that led Drs. Arthur Turner and Gary Stauffer to launch Northwood Institute in 1959 still drive us today.

How Will You Measure Your Life?
2013-03-15
Since 1990, the Omniquest program has been an important part of Northwood University's unique value proposition. Over the last 23 years, we have read, discussed, and debated a range of compelling books from nationally and internationally recognized leaders. Our current selection, How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen, with co-authors James Allworth and Karen Dillon, keeps this time-honored tradition alive and well.

Every Employee a Sales Rep
2013-03-08
Northwood University's long-term place and influence in the education sector lies in our ability to "sell" others the education we offer; but not just by those whose primary responsibility is "selling" Northwood. In fact, our success is directly dependent on every one of us at Northwood being a "sales rep."

The Depth of the NU Value Proposition
2013-03-01
The significance of a Northwood University education is at an all-time high. As highlighted in last week's message, Northwood has more specialty degree programs--programs which cannot be easily duplicated--than ever before in our history, with even more in the works. And while this development is both timely and exciting, it's only part of our unique value proposition in today's market.

The Northwood Idea: A Unique Value Proposition
2013-02-22
As outlined in our last System Update, we at Northwood University are very conscious and aware of the market's demand for more and we are responding with a renewed emphasis on our unique value proposition.

Northwood in the News
2013-02-15
If you follow the news on a regular basis, you know Northwood University continues to gather a large and growing level of media coverage nationally, regionally, and locally--and it's the result of much more than "luck" or coincidence.

Freedom Seminar 2013
2013-02-08
For the 35th year, Northwood University will host its Annual Freedom Seminar on April 11-14, 2013. Hosted in the Greektown area of Detroit, Michigan at the Atheneum Suite Hotel, the Freedom Seminar will provide Northwood students, alumni, and the general public a unique opportunity to explore and better understand the philosophies behind America's economic and social order while studying with some of today's most respected leaders in economics, finance and public policy.

Study Abroad Programs Benefit Students, Faculty, and Brand Awareness
2013-02-01
Among the many value-added offerings at Northwood University our Study Abroad Program possesses an increasingly important role. Exposing our students to businesses, industries, and cultures around the world, while promoting Northwood University globally, is at the core of our mission "to develop the future leaders of a global, free enterprise society."

The 33rd Class of Outstanding Business Leaders
2013-01-25
Since 1981 Northwood University has recognized and celebrated the achievements of men and women who exemplify the best in business and servant leadership, those we honor as Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL). This weekend we will pay tribute to our 33rd OBL Class at our ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida.

NAIAS Optimism is Model for Action
2013-01-18
In addition to the economic and consumer benefits, a resurgent auto industry points to the opportunities we all have for growing and improving our line of business, including here at Northwood University.

Digital Media for the 21st Century
2013-01-11
A key component of all five of our Strategic Themes at Northwood University includes digital media, so we are pleased to announce the formation of a new Digital Executive Committee which will lead our efforts on this front going forward.

The New Year Brings New Opportunities
2013-01-04
2013 is here and with it comes new opportunities for leadership, growth, and improvement--individually, University-wide, and within our respective communities.

Focused on the Future, Informed by the Past
2012-12-28
2013 will officially arrive next week Tuesday and with it comes the opportunity for us as members of Northwood University to look back and plan ahead.

A Different Perspective on a Timeless Message
2012-12-21
As is tradition, holiday messaging this year includes reminders that this season is not about getting and spending, party planning, and the like--and rightly so. While there is much good we can point to in the world today, consumerism and materialism are tendencies we have not fully tamed. Yet, if we are too meticulous we may lose sight of "the reason for the season," nevertheless. For in every beautifully wrapped gift and every holiday feast is an expression of the very thanksgiving, wonder, and awe the holidays are meant to inspire.

Focused on the Future, Informed by the Past
2012-12-19
As is tradition, holiday messaging this year includes reminders that this season is not about getting and spending, party planning, and the like--and rightly so. While there is much good we can point to in the world today, consumerism and materialism are tendencies we have not fully tamed. Yet, if we are too meticulous we may lose sight of "the reason for the season," nevertheless. For in every beautifully wrapped gift and every holiday feast is an expression of the very thanksgiving, wonder, and awe the holidays are meant to inspire.

Northwood-Led Study Changes Michigan and National Economies. Dixie Maxwell (1935-2012).
2012-12-14
In his book titled by the same phrase, Richard Weaver, an American scholar who taught English at the University of Chicago, reminds us, "Ideas have consequences." The passage of freedom to work or right to work (RTW) legislation this week in Michigan is a prime example of one of the many ways Northwood University is putting that same principle to work throughout the world today. On a more somber note, we are saddened to inform you of the passing of Dixie Dee Maxwell, a lady who had become a very respected colleague at Northwood University.

The Arts Still Make Good Business Partners
2012-12-07
A recent article on the popularity of "company" museums in The Economist affirms one of our most long held beliefs at Northwood University: the arts and business make good partners.

Northwood University Capital Campaign Goes Public on “Giving Tuesday”
2012-11-30
The Capital Campaign--our largest ever--will transform Northwood University from a respected business school into a globally acclaimed leader in free-market thought and leadership and in the development of executives and entrepreneurs ready to lead and guide organizations.

Thanksgiving 2012
2012-11-21
On this Thanksgiving Day 2012, we pause once again to remind ourselves of the many blessings we have.

Northwood University Completes AQIP Strategy Forum
2012-11-16
On this Thanksgiving Day 2012, we pause once again to remind ourselves of the many blessings we have.

Keeping the Proper Perspective
2012-11-09
On Tuesday, we as a nation chose those who will lead us politically for the next two, four, and six years respectively. Whether we like the results will not matter nearly as much as the fact that our idea--The Northwood Idea--and the work we do to promote it, still remain front and center to the well-being of our nation and the world.

ETOM and A4EOE Conferences Highlight NU’s Focus on Strategic Growth
2012-11-02
The Educational Technology Organization of Michigan (ETOM) and the Alliance for Excellence in Online Education (A4EOE) conferences taking place today are just two of the many ways Northwood University faculty and staff are busy implementing our Strategic Plan.

Remembering Dr. Christian Bechtel
2012-10-26
Christian John Bechtel was known for many things, but especially for the impact he had on those fortunate to know and work with him.

Executing Northwood University's Strategic Plan
2012-10-19
Like all management documents, a strategic plan can and should be an essential part of an organization's business. The key to success, however, lies in the actions and execution points of the professionals whose job it is to put the plan to work. While the design of the plan is important, its implementation is vital.

Prerequisites to Enterprise Success: Personal, Professional & Civic Achievement
2012-10-12
Most successful organizations are able to define what they do and how they differ from other organizations. At Northwood University, we define ourselves as a University that works to develop the entire person. While we specialize in delivering a winning business education, we do so under the guidance of a proven philosophy that understands success in enterprise is preceded by achievement in related areas of life and work.

Northwood Employees Give Back. Blackboard Mobile App Exemplifies Our Commitment to Learning...and Customer Service.
2012-10-05
Two examples--among many--of the wondrous things happening at Northwood University can be found in "everyday" things such as our Annual Employee Campaign and the adoption of innovative technologies like the new Blackboard course app available to our faculty and students.

We are in a Marathon, Not a Sprint
2012-09-28
Guiding and growing Northwood University is similar to running a marathon. Changing consumer demands and education dynamics continue to present new and different tests along our path--tests that will present incredible opportunities to change, grow, and improve as we remain committed to our shared vision and the deliberate execution of our strategic plan.

A Proven Leader in Applied Business Education
2012-09-21
Where and when appropriate opportunities present themselves, Northwood faculty, staff, and students publish, with great success, in major outlets. Two recent examples of this can be found in the third volume of In Defense of Capitalism and the Michigan Chamber Foundation's 2012 "Michigan Economic Competitiveness Study."

We Remember, We Honor, and We Learn
2012-09-14
Many events in the history of America and the world forever changed who we are, but few stand out as much as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the adoption of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787

Many Paths, One Clearing
2012-09-07
With Opening Convocation ceremonies completed on all three of our residential campuses - the last being held earlier this week in Michigan - and classes underway system-wide, our ONE Northwood University is at "full speed." Part of the beauty of it all is that this oneness contains a high degree of individuality and diversity. While we serve a unified mission, we do so in different ways, not only by the measure of our individual job descriptions but in terms of our individual talents and visions.

One Small Step, One Very Big Impact.
2012-08-31
As we move forward with the 2012-13 academic year, we at Northwood would do well to consider the role model and the impact of Neil Armstrong and those like him. He is a prime example of what we can accomplish even when, like Armstrong himself, we might be tempted to think we are "just doing our job."

A Proven Difference: Professional & Personal Engagement at Northwood University
2012-08-24
Professional and personal engagement is much more than an element or a feature. It is a value-added difference that sets us apart from other business schools, and is one of the reasons students and their parents choose Northwood University.

Who We Are & What We Do: Keeping "Welcome Weekend" in Perspective
2012-08-17
It's a busy time for all of us at Northwood University as we enter our 53rd year, and it would be easy to lose perspective on why we do what we do. This might be a good opportunity for everyone at Northwood University to step back for a moment and reconsider our reasons for being here.

Continuity and Change
2012-08-10
The recent changes to the Officer Team at Northwood University are examples of our ongoing commitment to serve our students. Following the appointment of Dr. Brian Sandusky as Vice President of Enrollment Management, we felt it might be effective to give a fresh overview of our officer team and their duties.

Success Means Growth, Growth Means Change
2012-08-03
Two important events happening this week--the appointment of Brian Sandusky as V.P. of Enrollment Management and the DeVos MBA Simulation Week--represent our commitment to success and the changes success requires.

A Steady & Focused Pace Wins the Day
2012-07-20
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of Neil Armstrong's inaugural walk on the moon. Looking back to that incredible moment in 1969 from the vantage point of today, when we carry more power in our smartphones than the super computers of the ‘60s era, we might be tempted to overlook the significance of that event and of those leading to it. But to do so is to miss a fundamental and important point that is all the more relevant to us at Northwood University today.

Developing Women Leaders of the Global, Free Enterprise Society
2012-07-13
Looking back on our history, we are reminded of the countless women leaders who played a vital role in Northwood's founding and who remain instrumental in our growth to this very day. As their examples illustrate, the combined power of the right ideas with the right people can positively change the world forever. By partnering to deliver programs like PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS, Northwood University is ensuring women around the world will continue to play a crucial role as leaders in our global, free enterprise society.

Working for Freedom & Liberty Daily
2012-07-06
Reflecting on our nation's founding and the freedoms we still enjoy 236 years later reminds us not only of how vital and important it is for us to continue to work for freedom and liberty every day, but of how special each of us as Northwood University employees is because we do just that.

Everyone Can Make a Difference
2012-06-29
During our System Update earlier this month there were many excellent questions posed but it was the last question of the day that particularly caught my attention: "How can we who are not in Admissions help?"

Program Growth Update: New Endowed Scholarship for Operations & Supply Chain Management program.
2012-06-22
During our System Update earlier this month we shared key elements of our growth plan with you. I am happy to report that I have an update on this front that brings very good news and reinforces our program growth strategy.

A Unique Perspective on a Job Well Done
2012-06-15
As President & CEO at Northwood my role and view from "inside" the University comes as no surprise. Yet, it is often my privilege to see and hear about the real and lasting difference Northwood is making in the world from the perspective of one who is also "on the outside looking in." An experience I had earlier this week serves as a great illustration of what I mean.

A Timeless Lesson from the World of Sports
2012-06-08
Sometimes life has a funny and peculiar way of reminding us of the most important things. For a brief moment this past week, amidst all of the noise that fills the airwaves and pages of the news, all the ongoing debates between talking-heads, a high school athlete from West Liberty-Salem High School in Ohio reminded us that we need to stop, look up now and again, and truly consider the things that matter most.

New Horizons
2012-06-01
As Northwood continually refines its operation to better serve the year-round, flexible learning needs of today's students, it is vital that everyone understand the roles our leaders play both within Northwood and in service to our surrounding communities, especially those regions served by our residential campuses.

Educating Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Not "Followers"
2012-05-25
As our 41,000-plus active alumni around the world attest businesses succeed when the guidance and vision of leaders and entrepreneurs emerge. This is what sets Northwood University apart: in the classroom and in industry; on the field and court; on all of our campuses around the world. We educate students who know how and when to go first, how and when to undertake new ventures; leaders and entrepreneurs who are changing the world one person, one business, and one industry at a time.

Graduating the Future Leaders of a Global Free Enterprise Society
2012-05-18
Over the course of the past two weeks, we held Commencement ceremonies on all three residential campuses of Northwood University. Commencement is what we plan for at Northwood University. In fact, our Mission Statement - "to develop the future leaders of a global free-enterprise society" - suggests exactly that. What we teach our graduates in the time they spend on our campuses or in any of our programs is meant to prepare them for their future and to be the leaders of our new global society.

A Commencement Message for the Rest of Us
2012-05-11
In the spirit of the Commencement exercises taking place this week in Florida, Michigan, and Texas, I thought a little commencement-like wisdom and advice might be in order for those of us not walking across the stage. As we continue to work toward being an even stronger and more nimble organization prepared to meet the needs of today's students we would do well to remember five timeless principles.

Northwood Alumni: The Key to Our Long-Term Success
2012-05-04
With the demands of our busy lives always in front of us, it's sometimes easy to overlook the importance of the past with regard to our present and future work. But our past helps to define our future, especially in the form of our alumni. Our continuing achievement is founded on their professional and personal success, particularly in their roles as models of excellence for future generations of Northwood students and alumni.

Good Debt. Bad Debt.
2012-04-27
While the process of securing a loan is a fairly easy one, the decision to take one should not be. Following the dictates of The Northwood Idea, we must practice careful planning when determining how much debt, if any, to take on in order to pay for something as important and expensive as a university education.

NU's Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise Expands Offerings, Impact
2012-04-20
Private enterprise, entrepreneurship, and creativity are pillars of Northwood University and The Northwood Idea. If anything proclaims, "this is who we are" it is these core values. As such they are discussed and practiced system wide in myriad ways, but one division that stands out in this regard is the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ABDCCE).

The NU Degree - A Balanced Approach
2012-04-13
An article that appeared in the April 5th edition of the Wall Street Journal, "Wealth or Waste? Rethinking the Value of a Business Major," is one that is well worth our review. Like many of the institutions mentioned, we have consistently broadened and deepened our business degree programs with courses and exercises that develop the thinking, communication, and analysis skills that today's employers seek from their workforce.

Environmental Stewardship
2012-04-05
While many in the popular media classify environmental stewardship and free-market economics as polar opposites, we believe differently. Like Russell Kirk, one of the chief architects of the intellectual conservative movement in America, we understand the practice of "piety" includes "respect for the natural balance in the world."

Northwood University is Doing Good Things
2012-03-30
An editorial in the March 29th edition of the Midland Daily News sings our praises pointing out many of the good things that are happening at Northwood University. While it is always nice to receive outside recognition there is only so much that a visiting editorial writer can capture in one visit. As you and I know from the Spring System Update, there are many good things happening throughout Northwood and we need to keep these successes in mind as we focus our energy and attention on those things that need improving.

Founders' Day
2012-03-23
194 years after Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty, or give me death," speech, Arthur Turner and Gary Stauffer dared to strike out on their own by establishing the Institute that blossomed into Northwood University. And the vision that guided their work stems from the very same philosophy that informed and inspired Patrick Henry and America's founding fathers; a philosophy that understands that the "opportunity society" can only grow in a culture that cherishes, protects, and practices the virtues of freedom, ordered-liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility.

Northwood University and RosettaStone® Partner to Educate the Future Leaders of a Global, Free-Enterprise Society
2012-03-16
As part of our continuing mission, Northwood University is partnering with RosettaStone the leading provider of computer-based foreign-language education in the world today. Like our partnership with the Wall Street Journal, our collaboration with RosettaStone demonstrates our ongoing commitment to be the business school of choice in the world today.

More for less: Northwood's 2012 Summer Session and the Future of Higher Education
2012-03-09
In today's competitive landscape colleges and universities, the demand for more learning options at increasingly competitive rates is a message that continues to rank high. As an institution that prides itself on understanding the nature of consumer markets, we've heard the message loud and clear and we've responded.

Re-Thinking the Traditional Higher Education Model
2012-03-02
If you stop to think about it, higher education hasn't changed dramatically in the past 500 years. The model has worked well for generations in many ways but has limits in this rapidly moving technology-infused world. This may very well mean the "traditional" model of higher education will no longer work, and some of us will have to creatively develop new models to meet the needs of our future students and their employers in the 21st century.

The Increasing Global Relevance of the Northwood Idea
2012-02-24
Recent news reports about the quality of education worldwide, including an article in the Financial Times earlier this week, remind us that Northwood University's mission--"to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society"--is not only in tune with the times but is more relevant than ever.

Remembering Jeffrey Zaslow
2012-02-17
Jeffrey Zaslow made his living as a writer but it was his unique ability to communicate life's "permanent things", and to help others do the same, that endeared him to those who knew him and the millions of readers who made his books best sellers.

The importance of "soft skills" in today's business world
2012-02-10
While Northwood University enjoys a long and well-deserved reputation for the "hard" skills it imparts to its students it is equally deserving of the highest praise when it comes to teaching "soft" skills, most especially the arts of public speaking, networking, and leadership.

2012 Study Abroad Programs
2012-02-03
A key element of the Northwood University brand is the unique combination of classroom and experiential learning we offer to students, including the opportunity to study in any number of countries around the world. This week we review Northwood's 2012 Study Abroad Program offerings.

HIM Commencement & Crisis Oversight Committee Update
2012-01-27
In this week's message we celebrate the graduating class from our HRRM program at the Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland and review the latest update from our system wide Crisis Oversight Committee.

Outstanding Business Leaders & Freedom Seminar 2012
2012-01-20
Two of Northwood's proud traditions are its Gallery of Outstanding Business Leaders and the Annual Freedom Seminar. This week celebrate our 2012 Class of OBL's and preview this year's Freedom Seminar.

Northwood Online Program Ranks High with US News & World Report. Northwood Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.
2012-01-13
Two examples of how our mission is succeeding is our online program and our commitment to creating new and better opportunities for all people. This week look at the US News & World Report's Online Education Rankings of our online program and our system wide celebrations of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

New Beginnings
2012-01-06
The New Year provides us an opportunity to approach our work with renewed determination and hope. With that in mind, we do well to review the goals we established at the start of the academic year at Convocation, see how we are doing, and rededicate ourselves to their achievement.

Happy New Year
2011-12-29
On January 1 we will welcome the arrival of the New Year. Like Hanukkah and Christmas before it, the New Year is a time of celebration, reflection, and planning.

Happy Holidays
2011-12-22
The meaning of the term Hanukkah-"to dedicate"-captures the essence of both the Hanukkah and Christmas holidays and is one that ought to give us pause to reflect. As members of the Northwood community, we have many reasons to be thankful during this holiday season, not least of which are the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy and the way of life that they have made possible for countless people around the world.

Winter Commencement. Disciplined Dreaming Update. Margaret Chase Smith Library.
2011-12-16
Tomorrow, 378 students will join the ranks of over 45,000 Northwood alumni, 39,000 of whom are active throughout the world today. This week review Winter Commencement and recent developments that support our mission to educate the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society: NU's Disciplined Dreaming exercises and a change involving the Margaret Chase Smith Library.

In Giving We Receive
2011-12-09
The holiday season entails many traditions one of which is service to our surrounding communities. Consistent with our philosophy and mission, Northwood University students, faculty, and staff have been busy-and remain so-serving a variety of important causes and constituencies during the weeks heading into Hanukkah and Christmas.

NU Call Center & IACBE Updates
2011-12-02
Like any enterprise or industry, a university is comprised of many divisions all of which are charged with ensuring the growth and vitality of the entire institution and the market it serves. This week we continue to review some of the many ways that the faculty, staff, and students of Northwood University are advancing the operation behind its mission.

IACBE Update & A Thanksgiving Wish
2011-11-23
This week review the latest IACBE accreditation developments and reflect upon the many blessings we have, including those principles, persons, and institutions responsible for the liberties and securities we enjoy.

Building Customer Loyalty
2011-11-18
Building customer loyalty - be it with our external or internal customers - is vital to our continued well-being and growth. This week we review some of the key take-aways from Bill Quiseng's presentation earlier this week as well as two important initiatives that are part of our ongoing effort to be the university that makes "common sense" a "common practice."

Disciplined Dreaming & Veterans Day
2011-11-11
This week we review two examples of how our Disciplined Dreaming exercises are serving Northwood's continued growth and improvement. And in honor of Veterans Day, we consider the operation and staff behind our successful partnership with the U.S. military as well as one of the ways that we honor the men and women who serve our country.

Women Leaders Continue to Make a Difference
2011-11-04
This weekend, Northwood University will honor eight women leaders as part of the 42nd Distinguished Women Awards. This year's class brings the total number of honorees to date to 441 and, like their predecessors, our 2011 honorees are notable both for the level of their achievement and its relationship to the philosophy of The Northwood Idea. This year's class is an extraordinary gathering of leaders who typify the exceptionalism that gave rise to the United States and other leading nations around the world.

Professor Emeritus Otis Wilson & NU AAM Education Awards
2011-10-28
Professor Leadership is more than a familiar theme at Northwood University; it is the dynamic behind our founding and the force that guides our continued growth. This week we acknowledge and celebrate nine leaders whose efforts are the "value added" differences that continue to benefit Northwood and the communities and industries we serve: Professor Emeritus Otis Wilson and the 2011 Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees.

Student Organization Life, Fall Semester 2011
2011-10-21
In this week's message we reflect upon and celebrate one of Northwood University's best and brightest, Michael Stille. In addition, we review some of the many student organization efforts and events taking place system wide.

Disciplined Dreaming
2011-10-14
One of the ways that Northwood University works to ensure that our business curricula are as current and relevant as possible is through the use of curriculum advisory boards for our various degree programs. This week we look at examples of Northwood's corporate and industry curriculum alliances and provide an update on the Disciplined Dreaming exercises taking place system wide.

Online Education
2011-10-07
As part of our ongoing effort to deliver and support the very best in online education, Northwood University is a co-sponsor again this year of the "Symposium for Excellence in Online Education," a project of the Alliance for Excellence in Online Education (AEOE). I am happy to report this is led by Northwood faculty member Dr. Patrick Callahan who also serves as president of AEOE.

In Memoriam: Venita Walker VanCaspel Harris, Homecoming, Auto Show, Hoops Mania
2011-09-30
In this week's message we reflect upon and celebrate the life of Venita Walker VanCaspel Harris whose vision and leadership have an enduring impact on Northwood University. Too, we take a look at some of the exciting events happening on our residential campuses systemwide: Homecoming in Michigan and Texas; the NU International Auto Show in Michigan and Florida; and "Hoops Mania" in Florida.

Continuing & Executive Education
2011-09-23
Partnering with industry and creating opportunities for lifelong education is a hallmark of Northwood University. One of the prime examples of this virtue in action is our University of the Aftermarket (U of A).

In Memoriam: Bob Deronvil; China Commencement 2011
2011-09-16
This week we honor and celebrate the life one of our fallen Northwood Family members, Florida Freshman Bob Deronvil and recognize and congratulate the Northwood BBA graduates of Jiangnan University and Jilin University in The People's Republic of China.

9-11 & Celebrating Constitution Day
2011-09-09
The coming week includes two important anniversaries in U.S. history: Sunday, September 11 marks the ten year anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States; Saturday, September 17 celebrates the 224th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. While separated by many things, including time and the nature of the acts themselves, both events rank high in the history of our nation and the world.

Happy Labor Day
2011-09-02
On Monday, Northwood University will join with Americans everywhere to celebrate the dignity and value of human labor by observing our nation's annual Labor Day holiday.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year
2011-08-26
Welcome Weekend on our residential campuses in Florida, Michigan and Texas 2011 marks the start of the 52nd school year at Northwood University. And while things are different in many respects from that first start in 1959 our mission remains the same: to develop the future leaders of a global, free enterprise society.

Northwood University Service Awards
2011-08-19
"Organizations are only as good as the people who make them up." - At times it sounds like an old saw, but in fact it is true. And while one can cite myriad experts from ancient philosophers and statesman to the leading business experts and market practitioners of today, there is no more immediate validation of this truism than what we witness daily as members of the Northwood family.

Celebrating the Lives and Contributions of Three Northwood Stalwarts
2011-08-12
To borrow from William James, life is full of flights and perchings. This past week the Northwood family witnessed the flight of two of its stalwarts - Eleanor Josaitis and Charles Wyly - who departed this world and the perching of another - Bob Rossiter - who has been and will continue to be a pillar in new and exciting capacities as he steps down from the helm at Lear Corporation.

Bay Harbor 2011 and the Future of Northwood University
2011-08-05
This weekend marks an important annual event for Northwood University: the Bay Harbor conference. Northwood trustees, administration, staff, faculty, students, alumni, supporters and friends - system-wide - are gathering in northern Michigan to review and celebrate the achievements of the past academic year and, more importantly, to outline and manage the University's continued success and health.

Sustain Liberty Share Our Story
2011-07-29
The current deficit debate in Washington D.C., and similar debates in political decision-making centers around the world, serve to remind us of how absolutely vital The Northwood Idea is to ensuring freedom and opportunity for all. While many debate the merits of topics such as spending cuts, lower taxes and the wealth creating powers of entrepreneurship, both sound reason and humanity's collective experience have already weighed in on the matter: free markets and free, creative persons work best.

DeVos Business Simulation Week
2011-07-22
One of Northwood's value-added differences will be on full display next week. Starting this coming Sunday, July 24th, through next week Friday, July 29th, Northwood MBA students and faculty will gather on the Michigan Campus for the DeVos Graduate School's Business Annual Simulation Week.

IPC Commencement in Sri Lanka
2011-07-15
This week we review two ways that we are practicing the Northwood Code of Ethics by exercising "our skills to create high achievement and applaud the high achievement of others."

Happiness Breeds Happiness
2011-07-08
This past Sunday the Northwood family lost a much loved and revered member in professor Otis Wilson following a courageous battle with leukemia AMS. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Otis will be dearly missed by those who knew and worked with him.

American Independence
2011-07-01
Monday July 4th commemorates our nation's birth. For most Americans it is naturally a day of rest from work and one filled with festivities associated with the warm summer months: outdoor activities, family gatherings and fireworks to name just a few.

Dr Stehouwer Interim Florida Provost
2011-06-24
It gives me great pleasure to announce to you this week the appointment of Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, Northwood University's executive vice president and chief academic officer, as Interim Provost for our Florida Campus. Dr. Stehouwer will assume this additional role, in concert with her current duties, effective July 1st and will serve in this capacity until we complete a national search for a permanent provost.

Summer Activities at Northwood University
2011-06-17
In many ways Northwood University can be thought of in terms of a symphony, "...a composition of different elements," as the Oxford Dictionaries Online defines it.

NU International Program Center Commencements
2011-06-13
Northwood University's mission is to develop the future leaders of the global, free-enterprise society and events such as Commencement at HIM this past Saturday and our other International Program Centers this summer and coming fall serve to remind us just how global Northwood truly is.

Summer Orientation and Recruitment Excellence
2011-06-03
The pursuit of excellence is more than talk at Northwood University. It is a daily ritual at work on a myriad of fronts. This week we look at two areas in which Northwood faculty, staff, students and alumni are doing all they can to do and be the very best.

Happy Memorial Day
2011-05-27
At Northwood University, the effort to preserve and protect the rights of individual liberty, private enterprise and individual initiative is perpetual. It is one that requires a tremendous sacrifice of time, energy, mind and spirit on the part of innumerable individuals, including and most notably our present day faculty, staff and students. Yet, as demanding and exacting as these efforts can sometimes be not one has ever required that we shed our blood.