Northwood University in Midland, MI, has named Dr. Thomas Litzinger, an accomplished high-performing executive with more than 30 years of aftermarket industry experience, its new industry chair of aftermarket education.
"Dr. Thomas Litzinger has already made an impressive impact as executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and in the classroom. With Thomas now leading our academic aftermarket program, Northwood looks forward to further gains in serving the emerging talent needs of this important sector of our economy," said Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost of Northwood University.
As Northwood's executive director of aftermarket education and industry chair, Litzinger will provide strategic leadership for the full range of aftermarket education, from professional development and training to bachelor's and master's degrees.
"Thomas is a thought leader who tirelessly strives to improve the aftermarket industry by helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential," Stehouwer added.
"The global aftermarket trends and associated challenges are rapidly evolving," Litzinger said. "Challenges with electrification, right to repair, cybersecurity and sustainability, to name a few, are at the forefront of aftermarket organizations. In this combined role leading the University of the Aftermarket and the aftermarket academic program, I look forward to helping these organizations proactively respond to new trends. On campus, the focus will be developing free-enterprise leaders in the aftermarket industry who drive global economic and social progress through immersive learning to advance economic freedom for everyone, everywhere."
Litzinger has an extreme passion for Northwood and the aftermarket industry. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration at Northwood and his master's degree in organizational leadership from the DeVos Graduate School of Management. He also completed Leadership 2.0, an executive training program through the University of Aftermarket. Outside of Northwood, he completed his doctorate at Liberty University and is a limited licensed psychologist in Michigan.
Northwood University has a close relationship with the automotive aftermarket industry. In addition to overseeing undergraduate aftermarket education at Northwood, Litzinger will continue to lead the University of the Aftermarket, providing industry-specific professional development to those working there.
Litzinger was named executive director of the University of the Aftermarket in October 2022.
Housed at Northwood University, the University of the Aftermarket offers online university-level classes on various business topics. These are the same classes offered to Northwood University undergraduate students and are taught by Northwood faculty. It is a convenient way for professionals to improve their skills while earning continuing education credits toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP), Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) or Automotive Content Professional (ACP) professional designation.
For more information about the University of the Aftermarket, visit admissions.northwood.edu/corporate/uofa. To learn more about Northwood's Automotive Aftermarket Management Program, visit www.northwood.edu/academics/automotive-aftermarket-management.
Source: University of the Aftermarket
Abby Andrews