By: Kaitlyn Myra
For the past ten years, Professor Donaldson has been not only a wonderful marketing professor at UNW but also an advisor, mentor, and inspiration to many students. His passion for marketing and student success will be missed as he begins his retirement after this semester. Ten years ago, he started as an adjunct professor for a single semester and loved it. At the time, several people were retiring in the marketing department, so when he was asked to become full-time, he replied, “Absolutely.”
Professor Donaldson does an amazing job bringing real-world application into the classroom, making it interesting and challenging, while showing that these topics are important. He loves Costco and Chick-fil-A and uses many of their business strategies as examples. The Chick-fil-A project is a favorite for both him and his students. The students work with the owners here in Arden Hills and Woodbury to develop an effective marketing plan.
Some of his favorite classes are Principles of Marketing and Corporate Strategies because he goes from meeting the new students in Principles of Marketing to seeing those same students a couple of years later in Corporate Strategies, where they take everything they have learned and put it all together in some great projects.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his career at UNW, he said that the interactions with students are the most rewarding. These interactions give him energy for his work, foster curiosity, and spark great discussions. One of his favorite things is keeping in touch with students who have graduated and hearing about how God’s plan is unfolding in their lives.
What will you miss about working at UNW?
“I will miss the student interaction the most after I leave. That’s something that is priceless to be a part of, to get to know some of the students and to have our friendship both in the classroom and outside of it. I’ll miss keeping up with them outside of the classroom, including being invited to multiple weddings. We also have a fantastic team here; it’s a great place to work. We encourage one another, and it is a pleasure to come in, so I will miss that on a daily basis.” – Professor Donaldson, Professor of Marketing.
What are your plans for retirement?
Before coming to Northwestern, Professor Donaldson spent a lot of time in the corporate world, focusing on strategic planning for businesses. This process outlines where the company is going, what needs to be put in place, and what its strengths and weaknesses are. Several years ago, he began creating a strategic plan for himself.
Professor Donaldson explains three components of his next chapter in his strategic plan:
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Spend dedicated time with his wife, children, and grandchildren: He is looking forward to being involved in their lives in big and small ways through teaching, giving rides, and fixing things. Anything he can do to serve alongside his bride.
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Utilize his time serving: He leads Bible studies and mentors young men at the church he attends.
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Check off bucket-list items: He’s looking forward to traveling, doing anything outdoors, and spending days out in his canoe on a lake.
What is a piece of advice for students?
“Take full advantage of your time here. I know there can be projects and lots of deadlines. The milestones are important, but don’t rush the time you have in this great learning environment with great people. So, be curious, take your time, and take full advantage of the time you have here.” – Professor Donaldson, Professor of Marketing.
Thank you, Professor Donaldson, for being such a wonderful professor, for being so invested in the students’ lives, and for bringing the joy of the Lord and real-world application into the classroom for the past ten years. The University of Northwestern will miss you!
