Community invited to attend Oct. 27 lecture by Northwood graduate and national economic policy leader Jonathan Williams.
As America marks 250 years of independence, what role should states play in protecting individual liberty, strengthening free markets and limiting government power? Northwood University alumnus Jonathan Williams, president and chief economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), will explore that question Tuesday, Oct. 27, during the next public installment of the 2026 Northwood University Freedom Seminar.
Williams will present “America 250: Strengthening Free Markets, Securing Liberty, and Advancing Limited Government through Federalism” at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in Griswold Lecture Hall on Northwood’s Midland campus. The lecture is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. A livestream link is available through the Freedom Seminar webpage.
The discussion will examine how federalism, economic freedom and limited government have shaped the American experiment over the past 250 years — and how these principles can guide the nation’s future. Drawing on his work with policymakers across the country, Williams will explore the role of states in advancing free-market policies, preserving individual liberty and maintaining the constitutional balance of power between state and federal governments.
“Federalism is one of the defining features of the American constitutional system, yet its importance to individual liberty and economic opportunity is often overlooked,” said Dr. Dale Moler, who chairs Northwood’s Humanities program and is leading this year’s Freedom Seminar. “Jonathan brings a valuable perspective as someone who studied the principles of free enterprise at Northwood and now works with policymakers across the country to put those principles into practice. His presentation will challenge us to consider how the decisions made in state capitals shape the future of American freedom.”
A 2005 Northwood graduate, Williams works with state policymakers, congressional leaders and private-sector representatives to develop fiscal policy solutions. He founded the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform in 2011 and co-authors Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index with economist Dr. Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore.
Before joining ALEC, Williams served as a staff economist at the Tax Foundation. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Financial Times, among other publications. He has addressed audiences in all 50 states, testified before Congress and numerous state legislatures, and contributed to In Defense of Capitalism, published by Northwood University Press.
Williams’ Oct. 27 lecture is part of “Freedom’s Journey: America at 250,” this year’s Freedom Seminar theme. The Freedom Seminar, an annual lecture series and honors course, examines how Americans have understood, practiced and protected freedom throughout the nation’s 250-year history. The seminar also showcases Northwood’s institutional philosophy, The Northwood Idea, which emphasizes personal freedom, individual responsibility, ethical leadership, the rule of law and free enterprise.
The Oct. 6 Freedom Seminar lecture featuring Kaitlyn Buss, deputy editorial page editor and columnist for The Detroit News, was canceled because of a campus-wide power outage. Northwood intends to reschedule her presentation, “Who really controls the narrative? Media, elections and the battle for public opinion.” A new date has not yet been announced.
To learn more, visit the Northwood University Freedom Seminar webpage at northwood.edu/freedom-seminar.
