University of the Aftermarket History
In a move that created the nation’s leading industry-specific university, the University of the Aftermarket became an operating unit of Northwood University on January 1, 2000.
Northwood University is the only institution of higher learning in the nation with a degree program in Automotive Aftermarket Management. By combining the talent and alliances of both entities, Northwood's University of the Aftermarket will continue to serve the membership of its sponsoring associations, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), and the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). With the value-added contributions of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket faculty and advisory board, the existing, quality programming of the University of the Aftermarket has been enhanced to meet the ever-growing and changing needs of the industry.
Through a landmark educational alliance in 1998 with the Automotive Parts & Accessories Association (APAA), the Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA) and the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the AWDA University was expanded into the University of the Aftermarket.
The goal of the University is to develop and provide Aftermarket business management education to the employees of association member companies and their customers. The mission is to:
Strengthen the aftermarket to face the demands of the future by developing and providing continuous education. Establish, support and promote professional designations/certifications throughout the aftermarket.
From 250 students participating in education programs in 1985 to more than 8,000 students to date, members' response to and participation in the University has been overwhelmingly positive. The University is continuously expanding its scope of offerings to satisfy the needs of the membership. Courses are designed for the warehouse distributor, manufacturer, jobber/retailer and service dealer. As the University has grown, it has become increasingly able to serve more segments of the aftermarket.
