The University of Olivet

Steeped in a rich legacy of pioneering spirit and community dedication, The University of Olivet stands as a testament to its founding principles: a commitment to coeducation, racial inclusivity, and a robust liberal arts education. Embodying its motto, "Pro Christo et Humanitate" (For Christ and Humanity), Olivet nurtures students to become compassionate leaders, ready to make a tangible impact on the world. This historic institution, recently transitioning to university status, continues to build on its deep roots while embracing a forward-looking vision for its students.

The story of Olivet began in 1844 when John Jay Shipherd, a visionary educator, sought to establish a "New Oberlin" in Michigan. Legend has it that Shipherd's horse, seemingly guided by divine intervention, led him to a hill adorned with an oak grove – the very spot where Olivet's campus thrives today. Naming it after the biblical Mount of Olives, Shipherd and his band of 39 missionaries laid the foundation for a school originally intended to serve all races and genders, a truly revolutionary concept for its time.

Despite initial hurdles, including a denied charter that saw it operate as the Olivet Institute for its first 15 years, the institution persevered. It officially received its college charter in 1859, solidifying its place in Michigan's educational landscape. Over the 20th century, Olivet College honed its identity as a comprehensive liberal arts school, even experimenting with an Oxford-style curriculum for a decade. Its enduring significance was formally recognized in 1960 with its designation as a Michigan Historic Site.

Today, under the leadership of President Steven Corey, The University of Olivet is experiencing a vibrant era of growth and modernization. The "Olivet College 2020 and Beyond Strategic Plan" outlines ambitious goals, including extensive campus renovations, the creation of a new student center, a significant increase in endowment, and an expansion of its student population to 1,500. This forward momentum culminated in 2023 when the board of trustees unanimously approved the institution's evolution to The University of Olivet, signaling a new chapter of expanded opportunities and academic excellence.