HIGHER LEARNING, GREATER IMPACT: THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF

The University Of Olivet

By Maria G. Davis, Ph.D.

In a historic move for the institution, the board of trustees approved the formation of the Graduate School of The University of Olivet at its February 2024 meeting.

Since its founding 180 years ago, The University has primarily served residential undergraduate students. The first graduate program was added in the late 1990s, followed in 2010 by the successful online MBA in Insurance program. In recent years, the MBA has expanded to offer multiple concentrations and two new master’s programs have been launched: the MA in Leadership and the MA in Counseling. The University has awarded over 300 master’s degrees to date.

But what does it mean for The University of Olivet to have a graduate school? Alumni and friends may be wondering about the benefits of having this new school under the greater organizational umbrella of The University.

According to Provost Paul Burkhardt, Ph.D., the establishment of the graduate school is a clear sign that Olivet is achieving its strategic goal of becoming a more comprehensive institution.

“The Graduate School of The University of Olivet is an additional beacon broadcasting the mission of the institution to new audiences who haven’t historically benefitted from The University’s distinctive offerings, relationship-based approach to learning, and its commitment to service and preparing students to be more and to do good in the world. We want to extend that light to new markets and new audiences, and the graduate school helps do that,” said Burkhardt.

The graduate school is not a physical location on campus but instead an organizational entity that specifically supports the graduate programs. It is essentially a framework intended to sustain a culture of graduate studies at the institution. Graduate and undergraduate programs are housed together within academic departments, and there is a single, unified UOlivet faculty.

Establishing the graduate school was necessary to better serve the needs of the growing number of graduate programs and graduate students at The University. Given its historical focus on undergraduates, Olivet must ensure that its academic policies, communication, library services, and online learning structure and environment effectively address the needs of the new graduate programs and students.

The wide-ranging work underway to ensure these needs are met is being coordinated by the Council for Graduate and Professional Studies, chaired by Meredith Dodson, Ph.D., associate professor of writing and chair of the Arts and Humanities Department.

According to Dodson, a large part of the council’s current work involves developing and sustaining a strong graduate culture at UOlivet. The council wants to ensure graduate students feel they are an integral part of the institution. “We are creating ways for graduate students to connect with one another, participate in research and share their scholarly work. We also want them to feel part of oncampus celebrations such as commencement, if they wish.” Dodson said.

Most graduate students are adult learners who are already working; they all take their classes online. Sarah Peterson, Ph.D., assistant dean for distance education, plays a crucial role in ensuring graduate students have what they need to be successful online learners. “What a graduate student needs or wants may be fundamentally different than what an undergraduate student needs or wants. Having a graduate school helps ensure graduate students are being appropriately served by The University,” Peterson said.

Excitement is growing on campus over the opportunities provided by the new graduate school and expanded graduate programs. Karen Chaney, Ph.D., associate provost and academic dean, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunities for students and faculty alike to engage in advanced study at The University. Chaney is also looking forward to the reputational impact of having a graduate school.

“We have an excellent faculty at The University of Olivet and to provide them with the opportunity to instruct in graduate-level programs in their disciplines is very exciting. The graduate school and its programs will advance our name and reputation in the higher education community,” Chaney said.

Many individuals associated with the new graduate school have expressed their hope that its addition makes alumni feel excited about the growth and expansion of their alma mater. The master’s programs offered through the graduate school are also an opportunity for alumni to re-engage with The University to further their own education as well. Dodson offered, “The University is moving into the future, and this allows our alumni to do that, too.”

Dennis Frank, founding director of the Master of Arts in Counseling program, shared his thoughts as a 1994 UOlivet alumnus and long-time graduate professor: “The creation of the new graduate school at The University of Olivet is a great example of how Olivet is marching into the future while continuing to honor its past. It shows that Olivet is a serious institution of higher education whose influence expands well beyond its mighty oak trees.”

Interested In Pursuing

YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE?

Scan the QR code or visit UOlivet.edu/academics to learn about the MBA, Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Arts in Leadership! You can also contact Mike Lazusky, director of graduate, transfer and online admissions at 269-749-6612 or MLazusky@UOlivet.edu.

Alumni and friends wishing to support the Graduate School of The University of Olivet may contact Vicki Stouffer, VP for Advancement at 269-749-7535 or VStouffer@UOlivet.edu.