Midland, Michigan — Northwood University has strengthened its academic leadership with the appointment of three distinguished faculty members to endowed professorships, a move that underscores its long-term investment in leadership education, finance, and data analytics. The announcement, made on August 25, 2025, reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing student success, enhancing faculty research, and deepening connections with industry partners.
The endowed chair appointments mark a significant milestone in Northwood’s academic strategy. Endowed professorships, typically supported by philanthropic gifts, provide both prestige and resources that allow faculty members to pursue innovative teaching methods and impactful research. For Northwood, which has built its reputation on preparing students for leadership roles in business and society, these appointments align closely with its mission of fostering entrepreneurial thinking and principled leadership.
Dr. Brett M. Decker, a recognized voice in leadership and global affairs, has been named the Endowed Chair of Leadership. Dr. Decker is widely known as a bestselling author, former Wall Street Journal editorial page writer, and contributor to several national publications. His experience in journalism, global policy, and communications brings a unique dimension to Northwood’s leadership curriculum. In his new role, Dr. Decker is expected to help students develop not only the technical skills needed for leadership but also the broader perspective required to navigate the complexities of modern organizational life.
In the field of finance, Brian Rang, a Northwood alumnus and longtime faculty member, has been appointed the Allan W. Ott Endowed Chair of Finance & Community Banking. Rang, who currently serves as Associate Professor of Finance, brings both academic expertise and practical industry knowledge to the classroom. His appointment emphasizes the importance of connecting theory with real-world application, particularly in the evolving world of community banking. Rang’s leadership will further strengthen the university’s engagement with financial institutions and help students prepare for careers that require strong analytical skills, ethical grounding, and adaptability in a rapidly changing financial sector.
Brian Clark has been named the Endowed Chair of Analytics, drawing on more than three decades of professional experience at The Dow Chemical Company. With a background in applied analytics, statistics, and industrial data systems, Clark is uniquely positioned to guide Northwood’s students into one of the most in-demand areas of modern business. His role will not only expand students’ technical expertise but also ensure they understand how data can drive strategic decision-making across industries. At a time when analytics is transforming business operations, Clark’s leadership in this area represents a vital addition to Northwood’s academic strengths.
These appointments have been made possible through philanthropic support, a reflection of the university’s successful “When We Are Free” fundraising campaign. Endowed chairs provide financial stability for faculty positions, enabling long-term academic innovation and fostering excellence across disciplines. Donors and alumni contributions have played a pivotal role in making this initiative possible, reinforcing the strong partnership between Northwood and its community of supporters.
University leaders have emphasized that the creation of these endowed positions will enhance both student learning and industry engagement. By linking academia with real-world practice, Northwood aims to ensure that its graduates are not only equipped with technical expertise but also prepared to serve as principled leaders in their fields. This initiative is expected to increase research output, attract new partnerships, and elevate the university’s national profile in business education.
The significance of these appointments extends beyond the classroom. In today’s competitive higher education landscape, endowed chairs serve as a marker of institutional strength and faculty excellence. They provide the resources necessary to support groundbreaking research, recruit high-caliber students, and cultivate an academic environment where innovation can thrive. For Northwood, the appointments signal a deliberate investment in areas that align with both student demand and workforce needs—leadership, finance, and analytics.
As higher education continues to adapt to changing economic conditions and industry expectations, universities that can bridge academic knowledge with practical application will be well-positioned for the future. With Dr. Decker, Brian Rang, and Brian Clark now in these endowed roles, Northwood University is charting a path that not only elevates its academic reputation but also ensures its graduates remain competitive in the global marketplace.