Olivet
OLIVET THE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Engagement under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
(USPS 407-880) (ISSN 2325-7334) Copyright ©2025
Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345
800-648-1463
PRESIDENT
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90/M.A./Ph.D.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Matt Foor ’95 CPA/M.S.A.
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Rob Lalumendre ’12/’14 MBA
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Mark Reddy ’95/’08 M.O.L./’24 Ed.D.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Jason Stephens M.A./Ph.D.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr. Stephen Lowe ’88/M.A./Ph.D.
Periodicals postage paid at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Post Office and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor, Olivet The Magazine
Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345
Reproduction of material without written permission is prohibited. News, events and announcements are printed at the discretion of the editorial board. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent Olivet Nazarene University policy. Unless otherwise noted, Olivet The Magazine quotes Bible passages from the New International Version.
Olivet campus has been named a Level I Arboretum – that just means going to class is like a walk in the park.
The
Every campus has a story. But the best stories aren’t told in brochures or on websites — they’re lived out in the moments between classes, whispered in late-night study sessions and celebrated over lattes in the Quad.
This is Olivet Nazarene University from the angle of those who know it best: our students.
These are glimpses of student life, capturing the people who call this place home. From the first nervous steps into the residence hall to the triumphant walk across the graduation stage, these images reveal what words sometimes can’t — the texture of daily life, the warmth of unexpected friendships and the thousand small discoveries that transform a campus into a community.
Turn the page. See what we see. Feel what we feel.
Because sometimes the most important question isn’t just “Where will I go to college?” but “Where will I become who I’m meant to be?”
This is our Olivet. Our moments. Our view.
The rock wall in the Perry Student Life & Recreation Center is among the largest indoor climbing walls in Illinois. Hashtag goals.
Clock
stands tall on mid-campus. You’ll hear its carillon marking the quarter, half and hour ... it’s great if you’re running late for class.
Milby
Tower
You find your rhythm. Your voice. Your place.
From theatre stages to volunteer sites, from music halls to campus jobs — this is where you don’t just find your people. And maybe, just maybe, those friends for life everyone always talks about.
It’s a series of moments you can’t quite describe.
You might stop by Chalfant Hall to hear a national icon speak, then cheer on your roomie at the spring musical.
Your professors collaborate with you, fostering lifelong mentorships. And our labs aren’t just for grad students – you’ll be in the middle of it all
Look closely and you’ll find an Olivet alumnus making their mark.
You’ll get to present your ideas – not just in class. Maybe at the Createur Competition, which attracts students from all across the U.S.
NASA scientist or nature conservator. CEO or artist. Pastor or engineer.
How? Start with 200+ areas of study across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Add professors who actually know your name and care about your future. Mix in real-world experience that gets started in the freshman year, not after graduation.
The recognition? That’s just proof of what we already know. Best Value, Social
Mobility recognition and Colleges of Distinction accolades. But here’s what rankings can’t capture: the moment your professor connects you with their former student who’s now hiring. The internship that becomes your career. The confidence that comes from being prepared — really prepared — for whatever’s next.
Your dream career is possible here.
From Accounting to Zoology, your liberal arts education will stretch your mind’s boundaries.
lets students experience and e
Strickler Planetarium
xplore God’s handiwork up-close.
The Marching Tigers will get you every time – from the first home game to spontaneous campus parades.
Meeting in Centennial Chapel twice each week isn’t just a way to come together as a campus, it’s an opportunity to re-focus on God’s grand design for living.
Whether you end up living in the legendary Chapman Hall or the Oaks Apartments, community life is real life.
rom Olivet to Chicago
an n ual global and local mi s sion trips
UNDERGRADUATE AREAS OF STUDY AND GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Art
Art – Studio Art
Art Education Communication Studies
Corporate Communication
English
English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language Education
English Education
Geography
History
Leadership Studies
Legal Studies
Literature
Multimedia Communication
Multimedia Communication –Film Studies
Multimedia Communication –Journalism
Multimedia Communication –
Live Event Media Management
Multimedia Communication –Radio/Audio Media
Multimedia Communication –TV/Video Production
Musical Theatre
Photography
Political Science
Political Science – Public Policy
Pre-Art Therapy
Pre-Law
Psychology
Public Relations & Strategic Communication
Social Science Education
Sociology
Spanish
Spanish Education
Theatre Production & Performance
Writing
SCHOOL
OF MUSIC
Commercial Music
Music
Music – Composition
Music Education
Music – Performance
Music – Recording Arts
Worship Arts
WALKER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS
Actuarial Science
Biology
Chemistry
Chemistry – Biochemistry
Chemistry – Earth/Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry – Forensics
Computer Science –Networking & Data
Communications
Computer Science –
Software Development
Computer Science –
Software Entrepreneurship
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Earth & Space Science
Engineering – Architectural
Engineering – Chemical & Biochemical
Engineering – Civil
Engineering – Computer
Engineering – Electrical
Engineering – Mechanical
Environmental Science
Geological Science
Geological Science –
Geochemistry
Geological Science –Geotechnical
Geological Science – Life Science
Mathematics
Mathematics Education
Physical Sciences
Pre-Dental
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician’s Assistant
Pre-Veterinary
Science Education – Biology
Science Education – Chemistry
Science Education – Earth/Space
Science
Zoology
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice – Criminology
Criminal Justice –Law Enforcement
Dietetics
Family & Consumer Sciences –Hospitality
Health Education
Interior Design
Kinesiology
Kinesiology – Exercise Physiology
Kinesiology – Pre-Athletic Training
Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational
Therapy
Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy
Military Affairs
Military Science
Physical Education
Recreation & Sport Studies
Social Work
Sport Management
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Child Development
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Special Education
Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership
Master of Arts in Education:
Reading Specialist
Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership
MCGRAW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Accounting
Business – Human Resource Management
Business – Management
Business – Operations
Management
Business – Philanthropy/Not-forProfit
Business – Public Administration
Business Administration
Economics
Economics & Finance –
Applied Economics
Economics & Finance –
Certified Financial Planning
Economics & Finance –
Corporate Finance
Entrepreneurship
Finance
International Business Management
Management Information
Systems
Marketing
Marketing – Commercial Graphics
Marketing – Corporate Relations
Marketing – International
Marketing – Management
Master of Business Administration
Master of Organizational
Leadership
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Master of Science in Nursing: Education
Master of Science in Nursing: Transformational Leadership RN to BSN
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Biblical Languages
Biblical Studies
Children’s Ministry
Christian Education
Christian Ministry
Christian Studies
Greek
Hebrew
Intercultural Studies
Ministerial Missions
Pastoral Ministry
Philosophy
Philosophy & Religion
Pre-Seminary
Theology
Youth Ministry
Master of Arts: Christian Ministry
Master of Arts: Family Ministry
Master of Arts: Ministerial Studies
Master of Arts:
Missional Multiplication
Master of Arts: Pastoral
Leadership
Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry
Master of Arts: Religion
Master of Arts: Urban Ministry
Master of Divinity
Master of Ministry
Master of Ministry: Spanish
STUDENTS
More than 3,200 (2,500 undergraduates) from nearly every U.S. state, 25 countries and more than 35 religious denominations.
ALUMNI
Olivet Nazarene University has graduated many notable alumni who have given back to the University, the Olivet region, the Church and the world in so many ways. There are more than 40,000 living alumni making a worldwide impact.
ACADEMICS
More than 200 areas of undergraduate study and graduate degrees, including the Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership, offered on campus and online through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. Study-abroad opportunities have included Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Honduras, Romania, Japan, Uganda, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
ACCREDITATION
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Specialized accreditation includes the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Social Work Education, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. In addition, the Teacher Education program is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as an education preparation provider.
ATHLETICS
Home of the ONU Tigers, Olivet studentathletes compete on 23 intercollegiate teams. Olivet provides competitive athletic awards and scholarships for qualifying candidates. Varsity teams for men include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Varsity teams for women include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition to varsity sports, more than half the student body participate in Olivet’s thriving intramural and club sports programs.
COLLEGIATE IDENTITY
University colors: Purple and gold Tagline and Motto: “Education With a Christian Purpose” and “We Believe. You Belong Here.”
Mascot: Toby the Tiger
Religious affiliation: Church of the Nazarene
School song: “Alma mater, Olivet” by Byron Carmony ’39
University seal: Symbol of truth and justice; contains the dove of peace, the cross, the lamp of learning and the Holy Bible
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
More than 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including a campus yearbook and literary magazine; Enactus business club; Student Philanthropy Council; ROTC; radio broadcasting (Shine.FM); numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (including University Marching Band and the University Orchestra); drama and musical theatre performances; intramural athletics; and community volunteer and spiritual life organizations.
MISSION
“We seek the strongest scholarship and the deepest piety, knowing that they are thoroughly compatible ... and a Christian environment where not only knowledge but character is sought.” From the University Catalog, 1915.
CAMPUS
Olivet Nazarene University has a beautiful, park-like campus featuring 35 major buildings on 275 acres. Located in the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 45 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, the campus is situated on what was once tallgrass prairie. While not much of the original habitat remains, caretakers of the University have spent the past few decades intentionally planting trees native to the area as well as diversifying the flora. In spring 2022, Olivet joined the ranks of 508 internationally accredited arboreta with a Level I Certification through the Morton Arboretum’s interactive community, ArbNet.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
This Christian community is committed to making worship of God the central focus of our lives. Our faith in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the educational experience, and we seek to honor God in all we learn, say and do. Through chapel services, each segment of the University community has the opportunity to join with others in worship and receive instruction in the Word and encouragement to serve. Notable and world-renowned speakers regularly address the Olivet community during chapel.
ACCOLADES
Regularly among the Best Colleges in U.S. News Rankings, Olivet has also been a Top Ten Best Value for multiple years, as well as earning special recognition for Social Mobility. In 2024, Olivet was named a Four Star College by Money Magazine, and Forbes ranked the McGraw School of Business MBA No. 9 in the U.S. among Best MBA Accelerated Online Programs. A recognized College of Distinction for more than a dozen years, Olivet received special badges for the Schools of Business, STEM, Education and Nursing. Special recognition has also been awarded by Wallet Hub as a Top Ten Illinois College.
