Andy Northrop, M.A.
Andy holds a statewide appointment with Michigan State University Extension's Community, Food, and Environment Institute. In addition to his statewide role, he is part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 2022 Global Scholars inaugural cohort focused on expanding international programs, and a graduate of 2018 National Extension Leadership Development program.
Prior to joining MSU, Andy's career spanned more than ten years working abroad across multiple countries. His global experience coupled with his MSU role fosters the community transformations necessary to create and sustain places where people want to live, work, play, learn and return.
Program Areas Include:
- Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
- Leadership and Civic Engagement
- Facilitation Leadership
- Sustainability Leadership
- Community-driven Sustainable Tourism:
- First Impressions Tourism (FIT) Assessments
- Small Town Tourism Development
- Placemaking
Degrees:
- MA, Sustainable Development - SIT Graduate Institute
- BS, Psychology - Michigan State University
Certifications:
- Technology of Participation (ToP) - Institute of Cultural Affairs (2019)
- Sustainable Tourism – Global Sustainable Tourism Council (2018)
- Systems Training - National Charrette Institute, Michigan State University (2017)
- Sustainability Leadership – University of Oregon (2015)
- Fundamentals of Planning & Zoning - Michigan State University Extension (2015)
- Facilitation Leadership – Michigan State University Extension (2013)
Publications:
- The NET Effect - The Way They See: FIT (2023)
- Unique Conference Design Showcases Small Towns... (2022)
- Master Planning for Tourism in Michigan - Chapter 6 (2020)
- Foundations and Applications of Theory in the First Impressions Program (2018)
- First Impressions Tourism (FIT) Assessment - Community Reports (2017-Current)
Languages: Andy has knowledge of Thai, Spanish, and Korean.
Memberships: National Extension Tourism (Chair 2021-2023, Past-Chair 2025), National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, International Association of Community Development (IACD), and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Connect with Andy via LinkedIn
Related Work
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Rural Tourism Assessment
Published on July 1, 2024
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City of Allegan strives to be more welcoming after capturing first-time visitor perspectives
Published on March 5, 2024
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Michigan coastal community recognizes MSU Extension program as a catalyst for community and economic development
Published on November 14, 2023
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First Impressions Tourism Summary Report - City of Grand Blanc, October 2023
Published on October 3, 2023
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First Impressions Tourism Assessment: Lapeer, MI
Published on September 12, 2023
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Village of Cassopolis is FIT for action
Published on May 16, 2023
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Improvements coming to St. Clair County annual 4-H and Youth Fair
Published on May 16, 2023
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Initiative launches to strengthen small-town, rural tourism in Roscommon County, Michigan
Published on May 8, 2023