Jim Koons, a 1973 alumnus of Northwood University in Midland, has pledged up to $30 million to the school to transform residential facilities, advance automotive education, expand scholarship opportunities, and support enrollment growth and future fundraising milestones.
The gift, which represents the largest philanthropic commitment in Northwood University’s history, includes $20 million in direct philanthropic investment and $10 million in challenge funding tied to undergraduate enrollment growth and fundraising milestones.
“Jim’s landmark gift reflects his conviction in free enterprise and his firsthand understanding of its power to create opportunity and transform lives,” says Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood University.
“As a Northwood graduate, he put those principles into practice, building his business success through initiative, hard work, and the determination to turn opportunity into achievement. His generosity will advance Northwood’s mission and inspire future generations of graduates to lead purposeful lives, create lasting value, and use their success to help others flourish.”
Koons is the former CEO of Jim Koons Automotive Cos. in Virginia, which was one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States when it was sold.
His gift to Northwood University includes:
- $10 million to transform Miner and Dubois Halls into an integrated first-year residential living and learning community that immerses students in the values and practices of free enterprise from the moment they arrive on campus
- $5 million to support Northwood’s transformation of the existing N.A.D.A. Hotel and Conference Center and connected R. Gary Stauffer Academic Building into Wildstein Hall, an entirely new academic hall that will be named in honor of Dr. Alan Wildstein and include a new premier conference facility supported by Reynolds and Reynolds
- $5 million for student scholarships through a fundraising challenge supported by Dr. Rita Case, a national philanthropist, longtime Northwood supporter, entrepreneur, and president and CEO of The Rick Case Automotive Group
- $10 million in challenge funds tied to undergraduate enrollment growth and fundraising milestones
Koons credits his Northwood education with shaping his career and worldview.
“Entrepreneurship and capitalism still provide the greatest opportunity to improve people’s lives,” Koons says. “This gift reflects my gratitude for my Northwood education and belief that Northwood is uniquely positioned to develop free enterprise leaders who understand the positive impact this economic system has on our country and the entire world.”
Founded in 1964, Jim Koons Automotive Cos. grew into one of the nation’s largest privately owned automotive dealership groups. At the time of its 2023 sale to Asbury Automotive Group, the company included 20 dealerships representing 29 franchises across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. It employed more than 2,500 people. The $1.2 billion transaction was one of the largest automotive retail acquisitions in recent years.
The landmark gift was announced last Friday during a keynote Koons gave during the 2026 CAMS Industry Summit, prior to the opening ceremony for the 63rd Northwood University International Auto Show.
The commitment represents a major milestone in Northwood University’s When We Are Free comprehensive campaign, a $100 million initiative to advance faculty excellence, student scholarships, campus facilities, and academic innovation.
For more information, visit auto.northwood.edu/.
