“In the midst of these challenging times, I am learning to stay anchored in my core foundational beliefs, to give energy to what I can control, and to continually learn and improve regardless of the obstacles that get in the way.”
As the new director of athletics at Olivet, Mike Conway ‘83 is charged with casting a vision for a network of 22 intercollegiate varsity teams. The task of connecting with the coaching staff while staying accessible to student-athletes is a big job. “I have always been a relational coach, and I enjoy watching coaches grow in their faith and profession,” he says. “I feel that I am still, and always will be, a coach. Now, the coaching is coming from an administrator’s perspective. God has called me to be a transformational coach, and my purpose in athletics has been to lead students and coaches to grow and develop into Christian leaders while continuing to develop the principles of being a mentor leader.” Organized sports can create an inclusive environment that can enhance the college experience for all students. According to Mike’s personal leadership philosophy, being a team means living in community, respecting each other, training with each other and working toward common goals through the good times as well as the difficult ones. Mike believes that athletics have a unique ability to bring a campus together — bolstering comradery and school pride. “Personally, playing sports at Olivet was integral in helping me build the foundation for the rest of my life — both professionally and spiritually,” he says. “Competing for and with my teammates gave me the most satisfying memories. I very seriously value the opportunity to be part of a campus community and actively provide support to sports and student organizations on campus. “We must seek to honor God in all that is said and done, recognizing the great responsibility we have as Christian coaches to build into the lives of our students. We must develop and maintain our own priorities and model for students how to develop and maintain theirs. Athletics and competition provide opportunities to establish relationships and develop the strength of character necessary for spiritual, academic and athletic well-being.” Regarding his interest in returning to Olivet to continue his career in college athletics, Mike points back to his own journey in faith.
“My purpose in life has been and continues to be following the will and calling of Jesus Christ,” he explains. ” I feel strongly that God led me back to Olivet. I have a story to tell and many experiences to share with students, coaches, alumni, churches and families that can impact them and their future. It starts with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and I feel that it can continue where my foundation was established through ONU Athletics.” While his career accolades as a coach speak for themselves, Mike’s predecessors at Olivet left some big shoes to fill. He is only the fifth athletic director in the University’s 55 years of participating in intercollegiate athletic competition. “I have tremendous respect for coach Gary Newsome, having played baseball and football for him at ONU in the 1980s. Now, to continue his work is an honor,” he says. “The leaders who have preceded me in this position — Gary Newsome, Jeff Schimmelpfennig, Larry Watson and CW ‘Butch’ Ward — I proudly call my mentors and friends.” Mike elaborates, “My love for Olivet spans over four decades as a student, coach and alumnus. It is my desire to provide measurable impact and support to the University and its athletic programs while building into the legacy of ONU. Athletics is highly visible in the representation of any university. It is important that a team approach runs throughout all departments on campus and displays collaboration, support and inclusion. As a representative of Jesus Christ and the Nazarene Church, our commitment will continue to be to honor Him both on and off the playing field.” This summer, Mike Conway ’83 took the helm as Olivet’s new director of athletics, following the 12-year tenure of Gary Newsome ’74. Just prior to his most recent coaching assignment at Taylor University (Indiana), Mike served as the head football coach at North Park College in Chicago for six years. Over the course of four years as head coach at Olivet, he led the Tigers to a 31-14 record, an inaugural NCCAA Victory Bowl win in 1997 and an appearance in the NAIA National Championship game in 1998. He was also named the 1998 NCCAA Coach of the Year. Mike is married to Beth Ann (Moore) Conway ’86. They have two adult sons and daughters-in-law, Dakota and Rachel Conway and Tyler and Emma Conway.
OLIVET.EDU JONES FOTO
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