A Beacon of Hope in American Higher Education: Northwood University’s Commitment to Founding Principles
In an era where higher education institutions often face criticism for administrative bloat and perceived left-wing bias, Northwood University in Midland, Michigan stands as a refreshing counterpoint. Led by President Dr. Kent MacDonald, this private university with over 2,000 undergraduate students proudly embraces what they call the “Northwood Idea” – a commitment to free enterprise, limited government, rule of law, private property, and personal responsibility. Speaking at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, MacDonald shared his vision for an educational institution deeply rooted in America’s founding principles, describing Northwood as “America’s free enterprise university.” This dedication to traditional American values creates an educational environment where business-focused students thrive, with one in three alumni eventually owning their own businesses.
What makes Northwood particularly distinctive is its deliberate avoidance of institutional debt and administrative bloat while maintaining an unwavering focus on its mission. “We’re absolutely unapologetic in our belief that free enterprise and capitalism is what will make the country prosper, and it’s fundamentally based on the founders’ principles,” MacDonald explained. This doesn’t mean shielding students from challenging ideas or uncomfortable topics. On the contrary, MacDonald believes strongly in freedom of speech and intellectual challenge: “If you are uncomfortable at Northwood at some point, we’ve done our job.” This approach stands in stark contrast to many universities where civility and open discourse have become increasingly rare. At Northwood, students engage with difficult subjects while maintaining respectful relationships with those who hold different viewpoints.
During his panel discussion at AmericaFest, MacDonald addressed what he terms “ideological drift” – the leftward movement of American universities that has been occurring for generations. He pointed out that evidence of this trend has existed for perhaps a hundred years, with a disproportionate number of faculty and administrators holding left-leaning views that inevitably influence classroom discussions and institutional policies. “These great schools that people come from around the world [to attend] continue to have a disproportionate number of faculty, in particular with left-leaning ideologies, and that makes its way into the classroom,” MacDonald observed. He considers this institutional bias an “absolute disservice” to the true mission of higher education, which should encompass diverse perspectives and encourage critical thinking rather than ideological conformity.
MacDonald also highlighted a concerning trend in higher education: declining male participation. He believes this issue begins in K-12 education and requires a societal response that includes finding “an opportunity and be positive in terms of masculinity.” At Northwood, they strive to “allow [men] to be gentlemen on our campus, engage them in different ways, find programs that they feel that they’re going to be successful.” MacDonald views this not merely as an educational concern but as a broader societal issue with significant implications: “The lack of productivity and human value that we’re losing in these young men is a serious concern and that will lead to all kinds of other challenges socially.” This perspective acknowledges both the individual and collective costs of failing to engage young men effectively in higher education.
Students at Northwood enthusiastically endorse their university’s approach. Julian Lee, a Hmong-American student in an accelerated MBA program, expressed his belief in capitalism and meritocracy: “Your merits are what get you things in life, and also based off of your merits, you will see the fruits of your labor.” He notes that this philosophy is evident in the competitive and focused nature of Northwood’s student body. Though the university has no official religious affiliation, Lee mentioned that many students are grounded in Christian faith, and the institution provides “the freedom to debate, the freedom of religion, the freedom to express whatever ideas that you may have.” Junior Caiden Doan, studying business management and entrepreneurship, emphasized the civil nature of discourse on campus, noting that students can vigorously debate in class yet maintain their friendships afterward: “You can sit in a classroom and debate with people who might not agree with you, and you can hear their side, but… you’ll go out to lunch with them right after.”
Despite acknowledging the challenges facing higher education, MacDonald remains optimistic about its future. He still considers American universities the envy of the world and believes that a return to fundamental values can revitalize the academy. “If we can go back to the values of respect and integrity and civility and seek truth in all of our learning, life will get a lot better,” he said. MacDonald recognizes that transforming higher education will be “hard” and “a long journey,” but his experiences at Northwood University give him reason for hope. “I deeply believe in American higher education, and I don’t have to go any further than walking to campus at Northwood University to say there is hope. And it’s not just us. There’s others, and there’s pockets in other institutions. We just need to celebrate those.” In a time of polarization and institutional challenges, Northwood University stands as evidence that educational institutions can successfully maintain their commitment to America’s founding principles while preparing students for successful futures in business and beyond.
