Appointees Include New York Times Best-Selling Author and Former Wall Street Journal Editor
Northwood University announces the appointment of three distinguished educators to newly endowed professorships that will strengthen its academic leadership in three areas that are key to a thriving free-enterprise society: leadership, finance, and analytics.
Dr. Brett M. Decker will serve as the Endowed Chair of Leadership; Professor Brian Rang has been named the Allan W. Ott Endowed Chair of Finance & Community Banking; and Professor Brian Clark has been appointed Endowed Chair of Analytics.
Endowed professorships are among the most prestigious academic appointments at a university. Funded through significant philanthropic gifts, they provide permanent resources to attract and retain exceptional faculty, advance research and teaching, and enrich academic programs for generations.
“These endowed positions represent a lasting investment in our students, our faculty, and our mission,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “By bringing together forward-looking expertise in leadership, finance, and analytics, Northwood is further preparing graduates to excel in sectors that are critical to the prosperity and freedom of our society. They also reflect the generosity and vision of donors who believe in the power of a Northwood education to advance liberty, individual responsibility, earned success, and free enterprise.”
Endowed Chair of Leadership is Best-Selling Author and Former Wall Street Journal Editor
Dr. Decker joins Northwood from Defiance College, where he served as a tenured professor of business, director of the MBA program, and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University.
A New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Decker has written for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. A former senior executive in both government and private industry, he brings a rare blend of scholarship, media expertise, and global leadership experience.
As Endowed Chair of Leadership, Dr. Decker will guide the academic quality and relevance of Northwood’s leadership curriculum, teach and mentor students, conduct research, and share thought leadership.
“In an age when principled leadership is more important than ever, Northwood’s commitment to cultivating ethical, results-oriented leaders stands out,” Dr. Decker said. “I look forward to working with students to develop the skills, vision, and character necessary to lead organizations that make a positive difference in the world.”
Allan W. Ott Endowed Chair of Finance & Community Banking is Passionate About Mentoring Students
A Northwood alumnus and Associate Professor of Finance, Professor Rang chairs Northwood’s Finance program. He combines professional experience in finance and banking with a passion for mentoring students in and outside of the classroom, including as an advisor for the Finance Association at Northwood University and Future Financial Advisors Association, and to Northwood students competing in the RMA Commercial Lending Challenge and the ACG Cup of Western Michigan.
“Northwood changed my life when I was a student here, and now I have the privilege of helping shape the next generation of finance professionals,” Rang said. “It is an honor to carry on the legacy of the late Allan W. Ott, a businessman, philanthropist, and community leader who was known as ‘Mr. Midland.’”
“The Ott Endowed Chair will allow us to expand opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience, and understand the vital role that community banking and finance play in fostering economic growth,” Rang added.
Endowed Chair of Analytics Brings Decades of Industry Experience to New Role
Brian Clark, who has taught statistics and analytics as a Northwood adjunct professor since 2015, recently retired from a distinguished 31-year career at The Dow Chemical Co., where he specialized in advanced statistical multivariate modeling, design of experiments, data visualization, and applied analytics in research and development.
“Analytics is transforming every industry, and Northwood graduates will be well-positioned to lead in this space,” Clark said. “I’m excited to work with students to turn data into actionable insights, solve complex problems, and innovate in ways that create value for businesses and society.”
Endowed Professorships Support Industry and Education
Endowed professorships strengthen both the university and its impact in key industries, noted Northwood Academic Vice President and Provost Kristin Stehouwer.
“These positions allow us to recruit and retain outstanding faculty who bring real-world experience, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching to our students,” Stehouwer continued. “Leadership, finance, and analytics are critical drivers of success in today’s global economy, and Northwood is pleased to have these three extraordinary professors lead in these areas.”
“Our endowed professors will not only shape curriculum and mentor students; they will expand experiential learning and connect Northwood with more thought leaders and organizations across the globe,” added Dean of Academics Dr. Stacey Tetloff. “This is the kind of investment that changes lives.”
Endowed Professorships Are Important Component of When We Are Free Campaign
In addition to creating new scholarships and improving campus facilities, endowed professorships are a central focus of Northwood’s ongoing When We Are Free fundraising campaign, explained Northwood Vice President of Advancement Murray Kyte.
“Endowed professorships are permanent legacies that elevate both our academic programs and the industries we serve,” Kyte added. “They provide the resources needed for our faculty to lead, innovate, and mentor at the highest level — ensuring that Northwood graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to a free-enterprise society for generations to come.”
For more information about the When We Are Free campaign and how to support endowed professorships, visit northwood.edu/whenwearefree.
