OLIVET, Mich. — Recently, faculty members gathered for a Faculty Panel in celebration of 175 years of Olivet College. The theme of the panel was “Perspectives on Teaching and Learning at Olivet College.” Panelists included Art Stevens, Ph.D., professor emeritus of political science; Don Walker, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history; Jare Klein, head wrestling coach emeritus and professor emeritus; John Homer, Ph.D., professor of economics; and KayDee Perry, assistant professor of health and human performance. Provost Maria Davis, Ph.D., moderated the event.
“Faculty are the brains of the operation,” Dr. Davis said. “They are the heart of Olivet College and bring knowledge and passion for all subject matter. We are grateful to all past and present professors for all they have done for students and for OC.”
Meet the Panelists
Arthur Stevens, Ph.D., served at Olivet College from 1956 to 1982. His first classes focused on the history of western civilization. Dr. Stevens taught a seminar for the entire freshman class and also helped advise an honor society for history students.
“Even now, I keep getting letters from former students. It’s one of the most moving things that has ever happened to me.”
Don Walker, Ph.D., served at Olivet College from 1965 to 2015. Dr. Walker was a chair of the History and Political Science Department. Later, he served as chair of the Social Science Department.
“I took a compass to a map and drew a radius around where my family lived. I said I’d apply to any school within that radius. I’m glad Olivet was within that radius. I almost missed it by a quarter of an inch.”
Jare Klein served as a professor in the Physical Education Department and also served as the head of the department. Klein was Olivet’s head wrestling coach from 1968-2001.
“Olivet has meant a lot to me because students keep coming back to you. To this day, Olivet has been a family and not a day goes by that I don’t get a call or letter from a former student.”
John Homer, Ph.D., has worked at Olivet College since 1979. He has been recognized numerous times for excellence in teaching and advising.
“It’s amazing to accompany students on their four-year journey. We have wonderful students.”
Kathryn “KayDee” Perry has worked at Olivet College since 2012. She teaches courses in the Health and Human Performance Department as well as mathematics and statistics courses.
“Everyone at Olivet is truly a family. It’s been a blessing. It’s the people who keep me here. They are inspiring and they bring me back.”
Olivet College’s 175th anniversary celebration ends at Commencement on May 18. Alumni are encouraged to get involved.
To learn more about Olivet College, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@olivetcollege.edu.
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