America’s Free Enterprise University Invites You to Celebrate 250 Years of the American Spirit
America’s Free Enterprise University Invites You to Celebrate 250 Years of the American Spirit
As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Northwood University is announcing Freedom Lights the Future, a series of public events planned throughout 2026 that will invite residents from Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond to celebrate 250 years of the American spirit. Freedom...
By Kate Hessling
The Top 10 Most-Read True North Articles of 2025
The Top 10 Most-Read True North Articles of 2025
As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to share the Top 10 most-read articles on True North in 2025 — a year that saw powerful essays and student voices spark important conversations on economics, policy, and the future of freedom. These compelling pieces range from incisive commentary on public policy and cultural ideas...
By Kate Hessling
Head of America’s Free Enterprise University Tells Fox News ‘There is Hope’ for Academia
Head of America’s Free Enterprise University Tells Fox News ‘There is Hope’ for Academia
Fox News highlighted Northwood University President Kent MacDonald and The Northwood Idea in this recent coverage. The interview was conducted by Fox News as Dr. MacDonald headlined a breakout session at America Fest entitled, “Restoring Higher Education With Ideals That Built a Free Nation.” Click here to view the Fox News piece.
By Kate Hessling
Travel the Countryside of Ireland and Toast to Free Enterprise!
Travel the Countryside of Ireland and Toast to Free Enterprise!
Northwood University invites friends of America’s Free Enterprise University to join President Kent MacDonald and First Lady Dr. Mary-Ellen MacPhee for an unforgettable excursion through the Emerald Isle, July 12–22, 2026. This small-group journey will immerse travelers in the breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Ireland. From the lively streets of Dublin to...
By Kate Hessling
An Upcoming Opportunity to Explore Lessons from the Fall of Rome
An Upcoming Opportunity to Explore Lessons from the Fall of Rome
Northwood University is hosting economist and historian Lawrence W. Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), for a Sept. 30 Freedom Seminar lecture about modern parallels to the fall of Rome in Griswold Lecture Hall. Reed, a longtime champion of liberty and former Northwood economics professor, will explore the causes of Ancient...
By Kate Hessling
On Constitution Day, Americans Invited to Relearn How Free Enterprise Took Root
On Constitution Day, Americans Invited to Relearn How Free Enterprise Took Root
Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 — a framework that limits government, secures rights, and creates the rule-of-law. It is an environment in which entrepreneurial activity can flourish. In that spirit, Northwood University is inviting students, alumni, educators, business leaders, and the broader community to deepen their understanding...
By Kate Hessling
Northwood Free Enterprise Center Director Discusses Fed Governor Firing
Northwood Free Enterprise Center Director Discusses Fed Governor Firing
Dr. Timothy G. Nash, Vice President, Emeritus, and Director of the Northwood University Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, recently shared helpful insight about the function of the Federal Reserve and the recent firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Dr. Nash’s expertise was captured in the following interview with Mike Austin on...
By Kate Hessling
Free Enterprise Deserves Champions; Become One
Free Enterprise Deserves Champions; Become One
This Independence Day, America’s Free Enterprise University marked an exciting milestone: Learners who complete The Philosophy of Free Enterprise, Northwood’s complimentary, self-paced online course, can now earn a Certificate of Completion. Launched in 2022, the course now offers 18 engaging lessons featuring easily digestible lectures about timeless free-market concepts, including the importance of limited government,...
By Kate Hessling
Northwood University Freedom Seminar to Explore Road to Serfdom, Path to Freedom
Northwood University Freedom Seminar to Explore Road to Serfdom, Path to Freedom
Northwood University will launch its 2025 Freedom Seminar on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, with a keynote address by Professor Daniel J. Smith, a Northwood alumnus and Director of the Political Economy Research Institute at Middle Tennessee State University. Smith will explore the continuing relevance of Nobel laureate F.A. Hayek’s critique of socialism and its application...
By Kate Hessling
Test Your Knowledge of Capitalism in Online Free Enterprise Course
Test Your Knowledge of Capitalism in Online Free Enterprise Course
Northwood University is announcing the culmination of its complimentary online course about free enterprise: The Philosophy of Free Enterprise Certificate of Completion. The Philosophy of Free Enterprise is a complimentary, self-paced course that introduces learners to the foundational principles of free enterprise, including limited government, individual responsibility, the rule of law, voluntary exchange, and the...
By Kate Hessling
Historic Campaign to Support Future Free-Enterprise Leaders
Historic Campaign to Support Future Free-Enterprise Leaders
Northwood University has officially launched the public phase of its When We Are Free campaign — a $100 million fundraising initiative to sustain and advance America’s Free Enterprise University! “The When We Are Free campaign is the most ambitious and consequential initiative in Northwood University’s history,” said President Kent MacDonald. “This $100 million effort is...
By Kate Hessling
How Private Property Promotes Human Flourishing
How Private Property Promotes Human Flourishing
How private property promotes human flourishing is the subject of a new lesson that Northwood University has posted in the complimentary online course, The Philosophy of Free Enterprise. “Next to our right to life, private property may be one of the most essential human rights,” explains Dr. Dale Matcheck, David E. Fry Endowed Professor in...
By Kate Hessling
A New Era for The Northwood Idea: Benzecry is Next David E. Fry Professor of Free Market Economics
A New Era for The Northwood Idea: Benzecry is Next David E. Fry Professor of Free Market Economics
Northwood University recently announced the appointment of Dr. Gabriel Benzecry, a rising star in the field of Austrian economics and history of economic thought, as the new David E. Fry Professor of Free Market Economics, effective Fall 2025. Dr. Benzecry currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Bretzlaff Scholar at Northwood University. Like Dr. Fry,...
By Kate Hessling
Free Market Road Show Brings Global Economic Experts to Northwood University
Free Market Road Show Brings Global Economic Experts to Northwood University
The Free Market Road Show delivered powerful insights from renowned economic thought leaders during its April 14 stop at Northwood University. Originating from the Austrian Economics Center, the Free Market Road Show typically visits the world’s largest cities. Its stop in Midland underscores Northwood University’s reputation as a leading destination for free-market discourse. The lineup...
By Kate Hessling