Texas Campus Receives Excellence Award
The recognition also signifies the progress Northwood has made in establishing, deploying, and improving its quality during the past several years.
Northwood University's Texas Campus received an award for quality and exceptional performance from the Quality Texas Foundation which helps universities, hospitals, and other business entities improve performance.
In presenting Northwood with its Progress Level Award, the Foundation noted Northwood "has a sound, balanced approach to organizational management and performance improvement." The recognition also signifies the progress Northwood has made in establishing, deploying, and improving its quality during the past several years.
"There are four levels at which an organization may participate. Award, Progress, Commitment, and Engagement; this is the first time Northwood applied to the program. Northwood's Texas Campus took part in the Progress level and is well-positioned for an Award level application," said former Northwood Professor Barb Vogler. Vogler has been heavily involved in the Texas Quality Awards for three years. "Northwood's participation in—and recognition by—the Quality Texas assessment process provides campus leaders with information to ensure the continued growth and success of Northwood's campus," she said.
"This is most important because it recognizes Northwood's commitment to quality improvement," Vogler said. She continues, "It shows that we are among some of the top organizations in the state trying to maximize our potential and improve to the point of becoming world class."
Northwood was recognized for its "quality" in eight areas, according to Quality Texas' feedback report. Senior leadership meets annually to develop a strategic operating plan that drives leadership decisions throughout the academic year; Northwood conducts "incubator days" three times a year for informational and problem-solving sessions; Northwood is focused on putting the customer first, and its mission and code of ethics reinforce the development of future leaders through a business-focused education. Faculty are leaders in their fields; Northwood University utilizes its EXCEL program to encourage student participation in community service. The program also provides networking opportunities for students.
Additionally, the report states prospective students are provided personal admission counselors from initial contact through orientation. This builds relationships to attract, satisfy, and retain students. Mission, vision, and values are deployed through the provost and the provost council. The provost meets with the board of governors, which acts in an advisory capacity to ensure Northwood's leadership practices are integrated and aligned at the national level.
Dr. Kevin Fegan, provost of Northwood's Texas Campus, said this is another significant step toward worldwide recognition as a leading business university. "There's only one level above what we received," Dr. Fegan said; "To get to this level right out of the gate is a big deal."
Dr. William Denney, chief executive officer of The Quality Texas Foundation, said this recognition by the Quality Texas Foundation is a clear indication of Northwood University's commitment to its students and community through its own operational improvement.
Northwood's Quality Texas Committee consisted of Professor Steve Brazill, Heidi Davis, Kaethryn Duncan, Adam Guerrero, Danielle Keith, Dr. Tara Peters, Barb Vogler, Anna White, and Roy Wilson.
(At time of printing, Barb Vogler has taken a position with the U.S. Census Bureau.)
Lauren D'Avolio
