The Free Market Road Show delivered powerful insights from renowned economic thought leaders during its April 14 stop at Northwood University.
Originating from the Austrian Economics Center, the Free Market Road Show typically visits the world’s largest cities. Its stop in Midland underscores Northwood University’s reputation as a leading destination for free-market discourse.
The lineup included keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Kolm, director of the Austrian Economics Center and president of the Hayek Institute, who explored the European Union’s policy landscape in the context of U.S. political developments. Additional speakers included Michael Van Beek and Jarrett Skorup of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy; Don Gottwald, a Northwood alumnus and entrepreneur, investor, and corporate board member; and Northwood economics professor Dr. Alexander Tokarev.
“The Free Market Road Show connects students and the community to influential thinkers about pressing economic issues,” said Dr. Tokarev, who was instrumental in bringing the Road Show to Midland. “The insights shared by these experts provide a more profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within today’s global economy.”
The full lineup of presentations included:
- Trump’s Impact on EU Policies: The Inside Scoop – Watch
- How the States Can Assist in Implementing Washington’s Free Market Reforms – Watch
- What Reforms Entrepreneurs Want from Today’s Congress and the White House – Watch
- The Trump Factor: Adopting Hayek’s Ideas, Applying Milei’s Policies – Watch
This prestigious stop served as a prelude to Northwood’s 2025–26 Freedom Seminar series, which will revolve around the theme “The Road to Freedom,” inspired by Friedrich Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom. The Freedom Seminar — one of Northwood’s longest-standing academic traditions — will feature a slate of fall speakers focused on economic liberty and limited government.
The April 14 Road Show event was made possible by the McNair Center for Free Enterprise at Northwood University and its director, Dr. Timothy G. Nash, who also serves as vice president emeritus of the university.
For more information about Northwood’s Freedom Seminar series and upcoming programming, visit www.northwood.edu/freedom-seminar.
