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Introducing a new aftermarket professional designation

April 13, 2023
A photo of the Northwood University stone gate with shrubbery around the sign. The University of the Aftermarket logo is in the bottom right corner of the photo.

Northwood University and the University of the Aftermarket are introducing a new professional designation for executives in the automotive industry.

“The SPAAP designation is a piece of the University of Aftermarket Executive Development series and stands for Specialty AAP, our highest-level distinction,” explained Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and Northwood University professor. “It is designed for industry executives who want to take the next step in their educational journey by participating in rigorous master’s-level coursework.”

Currently, the University of the Aftermarket, through Northwood University, delivers online courses for industry professionals to earn continuing education units (CEUs) to obtain special industry designations, including AAP, ACP and MAAP.

“Our industry designations are designed to promote continuous education within the automotive industry and to recognize professionals who are committed to personal and professional growth,” explained Litzinger.

Litzinger noted the SPAAP designation will set the new standard for excellence in education for the industry and will be highly sought after by leading executives.

“This designation is important to our industry because it fosters an environment of continuous learning, which will contribute to our competitive advantage,” he added. “Most elements of our organizational culture can be enhanced through education.”

Litzinger said the development of the SPAAP designation indicates the University of the Aftermarket’s dedication to not just the automotive aftermarket, but to continuous education and the empowerment of the human condition.

Industry professionals can email Litzinger at , or James O’Dell, assistant director of aftermarket education, at , to register for this newest designation.

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