Reynolds Donates $5M to Enhance Educational Opportunities
Money will help fund the construction of the new Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University
Northwood University President Kent MacDonald said the new center 'will be a game-changer for our students, faculty, and the industry.'
Northwood University
The Reynolds and Reynolds Co., a provider of software, services and forms in automotive retail, pledged $5 million to help fund construction of the new Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University. It said the facility will replace the current NADA Hotel and Conference Center on Northwood's campus in Midland, Mich.
"We are immensely grateful to Reynolds for this transformative gift," said 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 will feature academic classrooms, a conference center, upgraded hotel accommodations, and an inviting lobby. Its governance structure will include an advisory council comprised of automotive industry leaders.
"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 Reynolds President Chris Walsh. "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."
Northwood University and Reynolds are also partnering to create a 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 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, for which Reynolds was this year's title sponsor.
Construction on the center will start once architectural plans are finalized, which is expected to be in the coming months. The goal is to finish it within two years and make it fully operational by 2026.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Auto Industry Execs Talk Trade, Tariffs
Participants in a U.S.-Canada discussion tallied the costs and compiled a list of remedies, including preservation of the North American trade agreement that the U.S. recently declined to renew.
Read More →
Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings
As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.
Read More →
Texas Dealerships Rebranded After Sale
The Norm Reeves group of stores had owned the three rooftops in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area that now operate under a homegrown group’s signature.
Read More →
Positive Equity Reaches Record High
Mainstream vehicle owners who bought a car seven years ago are likely to have positive equity when trading in for a new vehicle, according to second-quarter Edmunds data.
Read More →
All on One Team
Since finance-and-insurance was added to the auto dealership, most stores’ F&I teams have been separated from sales like a car’s trunk is separated from the engine. It doesn’t have to – and shouldn’t – be that way.
Read More →
Auto Dealers Have Some Phone Homework
A midyear study found that stores can do a better job of converting both inbound and outbound calls into customer appointments for increased sales.
Read More →
Hyundai Ventures Aim for Deeper AI Dive
The automaker announced partnerships with several technology industry leaders to pursue an ambitious plan for integrating AI into its manufacturing and well beyond automotive.
Read More →
Early Intervention Saves Retention
Sales and service departments have the highest annual dealership turnover rates, according to a new industry report, costing money and time that could be better spent elsewhere.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →