Dr. Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood University, told attendees at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest that his school's 'Northwood Idea' emphasizes free enterprise, limited government and personal responsibility. He warned of a long-term 'ideological drift' toward left-leaning faculty and argued that institutional bias undermines higher education's mission. MacDonald also highlighted declining male participation in college and urged programs to better engage young men while students praised Northwood's debate-friendly, career-focused campus culture.
Northwood President: 'There Is Hope' For Higher Education Amid Concerns Over Leftward Drift
Dr. Kent MacDonald, the president of Northwood University in Michigan, speaks to attendees during a breakout session on Dec. 20, 2025, as part of Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix.
PHOENIX — Dr. Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, expressed cautious optimism about the future of American higher education while addressing concerns about ideological bias and declining male participation in college at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest.
Northwood University students photographed near a sign at one of the school's main entrances.
Northwood's Approach: The 'Northwood Idea'
MacDonald described Northwood's long-standing philosophy as the 'Northwood Idea,' rooted in free enterprise, limited government, the rule of law, private property and personal responsibility. Northwood enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduates and reports that roughly one in three alumni go on to start their own businesses. The university also emphasizes fiscal restraint: MacDonald noted that Northwood operates without debt and intentionally minimizes administrative layers.
The Abe on the Prairie statue on Northwood University's Mall Walk.
Free Speech, Civility and Debates
At a Dec. 20 breakout session titled 'Restoring Higher Education With Ideals That Built a Free Nation,' MacDonald said Northwood prioritizes civil engagement and open debate. 'We engage students on difficult subjects, we strongly support free speech, and I tell students: if at some point you feel uncomfortable here, we've likely succeeded in challenging you,' he said.
An attendee prays during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.
'Ideological Drift' And Institutional Bias
MacDonald warned of what he called 'ideological drift' — a trend he traces over many decades in which a disproportionate number of faculty and academic leaders lean left politically. He argued that when faculty ideology dominates the classroom, it can become an institutional bias that does a disservice to students expecting a broad pursuit of truth and knowledge.
Declining Male Participation
MacDonald also raised concerns about falling participation in higher education among men, which he believes begins in K–12 schooling. 'We need to create opportunities and present a positive view of masculinity,' he said, urging programs that engage young men, develop their strengths and restore a sense of purpose and productivity.
Student Perspectives
Students who attended the session praised Northwood's culture of debate and camaraderie. Julian Lee, an accelerated MBA student of Hmong heritage, told Fox News Digital that he embraces capitalism and values the meritocratic focus he sees on campus. 'Your merits get you things in life, and you see the fruits of your labor,' Lee said. Caiden Doan, a junior studying business management and entrepreneurship, said classmates can debate ideas vigorously in class and still remain friends afterward.
Outlook
Despite the challenges he outlined, MacDonald said he remains hopeful about American higher education. 'If we return to values of respect, integrity, civility and a sincere search for truth in learning, life will improve,' he said. 'It will be difficult and it will take time, but I remain hopeful. Walk around Northwood's campus and you'll see there is hope — and others are working in pockets across the country.'
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