Free Enterprise Education

Founder, Northwood University

January 31, 1931 - September 2, 2002

In loving memory of an outstanding leader and educator

CHALLENGE THROUGH EXAMPLE

Before most of us had ever heard of the word entrepreneur or had even known what entrepreneur meant, Dr. Arthur E. Turner was planting the seeds of free enterprise education in the minds of America’s future leaders over 40 years ago.

Sputnik went up in 1958 and in 1959 America was attempting to catch up with the Russians and put a man on the moon. Many universities were racing to better their science programs and in so doing, business programs suffered. Dr. Turner felt that if we do go to the moon, then someone would have to manage the trip.

In the early years not many people believed that Arthur, age 27, could build from the ground up a new institution of higher learning. For the few who did believe, it could be summed up in two words: strong faith. It was with Gary Stauffers help as Co-founder of the University, and the help of their wives doing whatever was needed without complaint, that the school began.

Dr. Turner and his family did everything to help put Northwood together. In spite of the money loaned by Johann Turners father, ($61,000), it was not enough to have Northwood make it to the second year. So, Johann and Arthur mortgaged their home for $15,000 to make it in the black at the end of the first year.

Northwood had 106 full time students when it opened its doors and at the first commencement program on May 29, 1960 there were 13 graduates.

Arthur’s dream started about the time his good friend Rich DeVos of Amway Corporation had a vision of building one of Americas leading businesses.

The DeVos family has been early pioneers with Northwood. Rich volunteered and taught courses for Northwood when they were young and poor. Because of his contribution to the school and the Amway Corporation, Northwood has presented him an Outstanding Business Leader Award and an honorary degree.

Soon after Northwood moved its campus to Midland, Michigan, the Turners began an enduring friendship with Dr. Alden B. Dow an his wife Vada. Alden, an outstanding student of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and Vada became two of the largest benefactors of Northwood. Students now learn how the arts and business make good partners while attending classes in one of the many buildings designed by Alden Dow on the Midland campus.

Dr. Turner recalls an amazing story on planting the seeds. “Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was gracious enough to write some letters, which helped us in our early fund raising efforts. One letter obtained a donation of $100 from a wonderful woman in Lubbock, Texas, Mrs. Arno (Kay Kay) Dalby and her husband, who was then president of one of America’s largest trucking companies." They became good friends over the years, built the Dalby Dining Commons on the Florida campus and set up an endowment fund, which gave Northwood income produced from their oil wells. Those oil wells are still helping Northwood today and will continue to help into the new millennium.

These three examples, the Dalbys, DeVos and the Dows express how many families from different parts of the United States have helped to build Northwood. Through their influence, it has developed into a fully accredited university with campuses in Midland, Michigan; Dallas, Texas; and West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as 30 Outreach Centers around the world.

Northwood now has 13,000 students on all campuses and has over 100,000 alumni around the world including the Outreach Center graduates. Several award programs developed by Northwood, mentioned in the following paragraphs, have assisted in the rapid growth of the outreach program. The outreach program of the school also includes the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegen, Maine-a gift of Senator Margaret Chase Smith.

Dr. Turner has numerous degrees, awards and honors. In 1965, the early days of his career, the United States Jaycees named him as one of the Top Ten Young Men in America. In 1981, he was presented the prestigious Horatio Alger Award and in 1991, he received the Distinguished Citation by the United States Congress. He is also listed in over 25 national and international biographical directories including, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. He is also a lifetime member of the Newcomen Society of the United States.

One of Dr. Turner's creations is the Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Award. Since 1981, ten business professionals from around the United States have been honored for their contribution to free enterprise and entrepreneurship. Dr. Turner has enthusiastically carried out the OBL Awards program, which is now in its twentieth year.

Another of his creations is the The Distinguished Women’s Award in 1970. For nearly 30 years it has honored America’s top women achievers and has helped bring national exposure to the University.

He developed the Arthur E. Turner Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1995 to give special recognition for free enterprise achievement to business professionals who have become successful by the age of forty. His accomplishments also include the creation of the Achievement in the Arts Award.

Northwood is a unique story; a private university formed to teach free enterprise and the benefits of a free market, and for forty years has succeeded in doing so without government assistance.

The curriculum encompasses many aspects of Business Management to include two and four year degrees in Accounting, Computer Information Management, Automotive Marketing and Aftermarketing, Economics, Fashion Design, and Hotel and Restaurant Management. A Masters or Executive Masters of Business Administration Degree is also offered at Northwood University through the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management.

Northwood understands that in the world of business the only constant is change. Therefore, the curriculum is designed and evaluated by industry leaders to meet their ever evolving, but exacting standards.

The dedication in his recent and outstanding book, The Autobiography of Dr. Arthur E. Turner, is written to the future generations of young people who will become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. For additional information about the book or Northwood University, you may contact Northwood University.

American legend, Dr. Arthur E. Turner continues to fulfill the dream of free enterprise education to thousands of America’s future leaders.

Resource Information:

Northwood University