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Now offering full SAP programs and certification

August 11, 2022

Will benefit entire Great Lakes Bay Region

Northwood University will become the third university in the state to offer full System Applications and Products (SAP) programs and certification. 

SAP is a market-leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that integrates an organization from front to back — from hiring, manufacturing and accounting to personnel transactions and asset management, all in the same system. Over 77% of the world’s transaction revenue touches an SAP system and $16 trillion of consumer purchases worldwide go through SAP systems. No matter a company’s size, SAP can be utilized for running the business, reporting analytics, system maintenance, and more.  

The Great Lakes Bay Region is home to companies in many sectors — including manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, aerospace and healthcare — that can benefit from SAP.  

Northwood has hired a director to oversee this program and better leverage the university’s partnership with the SAP University Alliance (UA). 

“Northwood University is one of 15 UA universities in the state of Michigan, and is one of only three to offer full SAP programs and certification,” explained Academic Dean Patti Timm. Dana McCann, of Midland, is leading the charge as Northwood’s director of SAP Programs and Initiatives. 

“Northwood University is in a prime location to be an SAP Certification site,” McCann explained. “We look forward to supporting the major corporations based in Midland and the Great Lakes Bay region with their certification needs. Automotive and aftermarket companies also use SAP, and now Northwood will be able to provide additional support to those strategic industries.” 

McCann said exposing all students to SAP will increase their employability, as well as the number of employers seeking Northwood University graduates. Alumni also could benefit from access to SAP Certification.  

With over 87% of the world’s Fortune 1000 companies and multiple organizations in the Saginaw-Bay-Midland area using this software, there is tremendous opportunity to expand on the SAP offerings at Northwood University to support and be more competitive in a growing market. 

“With so many organizations right in our backyard using SAP software, it only makes sense to educate not only our students, but others throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region,” McCann said. “It’s my absolute pleasure to direct a program I feel so passionate about while also strengthening our corporate and community relationships as I plan to incorporate events and activities for all ages. I look forward to the opportunities that await me both professionally and personally at Northwood University.” 

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