Driving the news: Subaru of New England has pledged an additional $500,000 to Northwood University, doubling their total investment to $1 million for the Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy position.
For context: The expanded commitment builds on a 2023 partnership that established the professorship under Dr. Dave Oventhal and helped launch the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS), according to a press release.
The center combines traditional automotive retail education with professional continuing education and industry-focused master's degrees.
Subaru of New England CEO Ernie Boch Jr. recently received an honorary degree from Northwood after addressing graduating students.
Why it matters: The partnership addresses critical workforce development needs as the automotive industry rapidly evolves. Boch describes it as investing "in the future of our industry," while Northwood emphasizes preparing leaders for the "rapidly evolving automotive and mobility" landscape.
What we're watching: Under Oventhal's leadership, CAMS has launched DRIVEN, a bi-monthly industry publication, expanded into powersports education, and developed a new curriculum targeting talent pipeline needs.
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