Northwood University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Gad Saad as a visiting professor for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Saad is a best-selling author, outspoken public intellectual, and trailblazer in applying evolutionary psychology to consumer behavior. His affiliation will extend beyond the classroom as a Global Ambassador for The Northwood Idea, the University’s guiding philosophy.
With undeniable influence, Dr. Saad is a fearless advocate for free speech, critical thinking, and intellectual rigor. He embodies the principles Northwood University stands for, which are more crucial now than ever in the battle against conformity and censorship that plague higher education today. His appointment to our faculty is a bold affirmation of our unwavering commitment to promoting a culture rooted in intellectual freedom, personal responsibility, and the defense of free enterprise and liberty.
“Dr. Saad is a pioneer in evolutionary psychology, renowned for his work on consumer behavior and the profound impact of evolutionary principles on human actions,” said Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, Provost and Academic Vice President. “His dedication to defending academic freedom and his fearless critique of prevailing orthodoxies make him an ideal representative of The Northwood Idea and a vital contributor to our mission, vision, and values.”
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Dr. Saad’s life has been shaped by the brutal realities of war and ideological oppression. Having survived the Lebanese Civil War, he has seen firsthand the dangers of tribalism and the suppression of free thought. In his 2020 best-seller, “The Parasitic Mind,” he posits that “freedom of speech, the scientific method, intellectual diversity, and a meritocratic ethos rooted in individual dignity rather than adherence to the ideology of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) are non-negotiable elements of a truly enlightened society.”
“On a personal level, I am a free thinker who is allergic to go-along, get-along group think,” he writes in “The Parasitic Mind.” “The ideals that drive my life are freedom and truth, and any attack on these ideals represents an existential threat to all I hold dear. I am also the product of my unique life trajectory shaped by two wars. While few people will ever experience the horrors of war, I have faced two great wars in my life: the Lebanese Civil War and the war against reason, science, and logic that has been unleashed in the West, especially on North American university campuses.”
“I am excited to join Northwood, America’s Free Enterprise University, a true unicorn in higher education — one that stands apart from ideologies that incite upheaval on many college campuses today,” states Dr. Saad.
Dr. Saad’s influence extends far beyond academia. He has appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, the world’s most popular podcast. He has been featured by prominent media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his friendship with fellow free speech advocate Elon Musk and in Forbes. With nearly one million followers on X and endorsements from influential figures like Jordan Peterson, Dr. Saad’s appointment will draw significant attention, further solidifying Northwood University’s standing as a bastion of free thought and enterprise.
“His provocative ideas and fearless engagement with controversial topics will challenge our students to think deeply, question assumptions, and engage in meaningful discussions essential for intellectual growth and the defense of free enterprise and liberty,” added Undergraduate Academic Dean Dr. Stacey Tetloff.
Dr. Saad’s arrival at Northwood University, coming from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, is a call to action for those who value intellectual rigor and the freedom to challenge prevailing ideologies. As he assumes his roles as Visiting Professor and Global Ambassador, we warmly invite you to join us in welcoming him.
For more information on Dr. Saad’s appointment and how you can support Northwood University’s mission, please contact Murray Kyte, Vice President of Advancement, at .
