MIDLAND, Michigan & DAYTON, Ohio – June 7, 2024 – The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, the leading provider of software, services, and forms in automotive retail, has pledged a monumental $5 million gift to help fund the construction of the new Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University. The Center will replace the current NADA Hotel and Conference Center on Northwood's campus in Midland, Michigan.
"We are immensely grateful to Reynolds for this transformative gift," stated Northwood University president Kent MacDonald. "Their support will significantly elevate Northwood's top-tier automotive education programs. The new Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies will be a game-changer for our students, faculty, and the industry."
The Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies will be one of the largest construction projects in Northwood's history. It will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including academic classrooms, a conference center, upgraded hotel accommodations, and an inviting lobby. The center's governance structure will include an advisory council comprised of automotive industry leaders, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of automotive education.
"As the automotive industry continues to thrive, we need creative, highly educated, and talented leaders eager to innovate and bring their ideas to fruition," said Chris Walsh, president of Reynolds. "Reynolds is proud to have a part in providing Northwood students a place to learn, grow, and become leaders at OEMs, dealerships, and companies dedicated to improving outcomes for both."
In addition to the new state-of-the-art facility, Northwood University and Reynolds are partnering to create a premier talent recruitment program to bring the best and brightest Northwood graduates across all majors to retail automotive.
"Northwood is grateful to have a strong partner in Reynolds, and we are thankful for the company's leadership in driving the automotive industry forward," stated Dr. Matthew Bennett, vice president of Strategic Alliances and the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies. "This contribution allows us to build a modern facility that will enhance the educational experience for our students and serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the automotive and automotive aftermarket sectors."
The $5 million gift was publicly announced during the June 6 President's Freedom Celebration at Northwood University, where Reynolds was this year's title sponsor.
Construction on the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies will begin once architectural plans are finalized, which is expected to be in the coming months. The goal is to construct the facility within the next two years, with the center fully operational by 2026. This timeline ensures the new center will be ready to welcome students and industry professionals in a timely manner.
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About Northwood University
Northwood University develops free enterprise leaders who drive global social and economic progress. Rooted in The Northwood Idea, the University promotes the importance of free enterprise, ethics, individual freedom, and responsibility. Private, nonprofit, and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at a full-service, residential campus in Midland, Michigan. Northwood Online is offered online and in multiple states for students with transfer credits and work experience who want to complete their undergraduate degree. The DeVos Graduate School of Management offers MBA and Master of Science degrees in Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resources, and Organizational Leadership with day, evening, and online delivery options. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is delivered online, focusing on leadership and business analytics using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. International education is offered through study abroad and at International Program Centers in Switzerland, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka. For more information, visit www.northwood.edu.
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comms@northwood.edu
989.837.4923
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Midland, Michigan, 48640
About Reynolds
Reynolds and Reynolds is a leading automobile dealership software, services, and forms provider that helps dealerships deliver better business results and transform the customer experience. The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major U.S. operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, Tampa, Florida, and Celina, Ohio, as well as in Canada, the U.K., and Europe. (www.reyrey.com)
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media@reyrey.com
937.607.8045
One Reynolds Way
Dayton, Ohio 45430