When Free to Choose

When Free to Choose is the signature publication of Northwood University. It is dedicated to promoting the global, diverse and multi-cultural nature of enterprise. Bringing lessons of the American free enterprise society directly to your inbox or mailbox, When Free to Choose features informative essays about timely issues and events, and thought-provoking point-counterpoint essays written by industry experts, faculty, scholars and researchers.

Memo from the Midwest: What the Biden administration should prioritize for a robust transition to electric vehicles

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the June 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. Where We Stand Electric Vehicles One way The Northwood Idea remains vibrant is by examining it in contrast to a variety of divergent philosophies. Where We Stand presents the viewpoint of a respected author on a given...

By Susan Mudd

Timeless Values: The British Industrial Revolution, 1750-1830

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the June 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. “The Northwood Idea” is vibrant and adaptive in a world of change, and its fundamental principles are timeless. Under any circumstance, personal freedom and individual responsibility are essential for a free society. So it is illustrative to...

By Dr. Timothy Nash

A Student Voice: I’m Taking The Northwood Idea with Me into the World

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the May 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. During the four years I have studied at Northwood University, the core principles of free enterprise, personal responsibility, free markets, limited government, rule of law, and personal freedom have been presented to me in countless ways. When...

By Will Govan

Election integrity is an important product of the rule of law

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the April 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. Rule of law is a fundamental component of The Northwood Idea. Society cannot exist without it. It is the wall between freedom and anarchy. Elections are a part of American life where the rule of law is...

By Jennifer Panning

The Full Truth About Race and Policing

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the May 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. Riley’s essay “The Full Truth About Race and Policing” was published on June 9, 2020, less than a month after the death of George Floyd, and it provides insight into his stance on an issue that has...

By Jason Riley

THE GREEN NEW DEAL

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the March 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. Where We Stand THE GREEN NEW DEAL One way The Northwood Idea remains vibrant is by examining it in contrast to a variety of divergent philosophies. Where We Stand presents the viewpoint of a respected author on...

By Steve Cohen

The Northwood Idea helps me find the right path

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the March 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. Growing up, I never wanted to go into “the family business.” From a young age, my passion was always to help others. I believe that instinct came to me from my father and my grandfather, who also...

By Nathan Schick

Free Enterprise Saves the Day

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the February 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. In the battle against COVID-19, the cavalry has arrived. For many months, the world held onto a sense of hope that vaccines would turn the tide in the life-and-death struggle with coronavirus. Finally, as if on cue,...

By Dr. Kevin McCormack

Freedom Must Be a Priority

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the January 2021 edition of When Free To Choose. New legislatures will be seated this month at both the federal and state levels, and they will immediately face historic challenges. Let us hope that the pressure to act quickly does not drive them to act imprudently....

By Dr. Kent MacDonald

Timeless Values: Self-Interest at Work

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the December 2020 edition of When Free To Choose. NOTE: The Northwood Idea is vibrant and adaptive in a world of change, and its fundamental principles are timeless. Under any circumstances, personal freedom and individual responsibility are essential for a free society. So it is illustrative...

By Dr. Dale Haywood

The Northwood Idea – Our Flagpole for Freedom

NOTE: A version of this essay was published in the November 2020 edition of When Free To Choose. Northwood University was built on the foundation of several simple yet powerful ideas. At Northwood, we believe free enterprise, personal responsibility, free markets, limited government, rule of law and, of course, freedom are fundamental tenets to democracy...

By Dr. Kent MacDonald