Subaru of New England has given Northwood University a $500,000 gift to fund a new professorship, The Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy.

“The creation of this new professorship broadens Northwood University’s role as the market leader delivering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for the North American automotive industry,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “Subaru of New England is also an industry-leading organization and a well-respected brand in the automotive sector. This investment is excellent for the entire industry, and we are grateful for their commitment to developing the next generation of automotive leaders.”

The Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy will teach, conduct research, and engage in industry outreach to positively impact the rapidly evolving, dynamic, multibillion-dollar automotive industry. The position will be filled by an industry leader who will help ensure that Northwood University continues to expand its cutting-edge automotive industry programming. 

“Northwood University has a rich history of excellence in the automotive industry,” stated Ernie Boch Jr., president and chief executive officer of Subaru of New England. “This industry — including production, wholesaling, retailing, and maintenance of motor vehicles — reaches into every state and territory in the U.S. and across the globe like virtually no other. We must have innovators leading this industry in the future, and we are proud to help bolster Northwood’s efforts of continuing to grow and deliver these renowned programs.”

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation estimates that each job for an automotive manufacturer in the U.S. creates nearly 11 other positions in industries across the economy — not including the jobs wholesalers, retailers, and others also create. It’s also estimated that jobs supported by the automotive industry account for $650 billion in paychecks for millions of workers across the country.