Each year during Commencement, The University of Olivet recognizes five graduating seniors with its highest academic honor for undergraduate students: the Presidential Distinguished Medalist Award.
Presented to the graduating seniors with the highest cumulative grade point averages earned in baccalaureate coursework at Olivet, the award celebrates more than academic excellence. It reflects years of dedication, perseverance and a commitment to learning both inside and outside the classroom.
As part of the recognition, each Presidential Distinguished Medalist also honors a faculty member who played a meaningful role in their college journey, a tradition that speaks to the relationships and mentorship that define the Olivet experience.
Meet the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Medalists
Morgan Good Honors Professor Phil Reed
Criminal justice graduate Morgan Good said the relationships she built during her time at The University of Olivet are what she will remember most. A double concentration in law enforcement and corrections helped prepare her for her current role as a deputy juvenile register for a judge at the Ingham County Circuit Court, a position she began after graduating early in December.
Good selected Associate Professor Phil Reed as her honored faculty member, describing him as someone who consistently challenged students to grow both academically and personally.
“Professor Reed embodies the definition of a true role model,” Good said. “He challenges us to take on difficult projects and speak on difficult topics while helping build our resilience, confidence and independence.”
Reed said Good’s passion for learning and commitment to excellence stood out throughout her college career.
“Her dedication and self-discipline set an example for other students,” Reed said. “She is not only a brilliant student but also a person destined for future success.”
Sydney Lynch Honors Professor Nancy VanHoozier, Ph.D.
Sport psychology graduate Sydney Lynch plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Oakland University. During her time at Olivet, she found community and connection through organizations including PEK, Sigma Beta and Adelphic Alpha Pi.
Lynch chose Professor Nancy VanHoozier, Ph.D., as her honored faculty member, crediting her encouragement and belief in students’ potential.
“Professor VanHoozier has inspired me to push past my self-perceived limits,” Lynch said. “She told me I would present research at a regional sport psychology conference one day, and I didn’t believe her.”
That prediction eventually became reality when Lynch presented at the regional conference during her senior year.
VanHoozier said Lynch consistently exceeded expectations both inside and outside the classroom.
“It has been a privilege to watch her grow and shine,” VanHoozier said. “I have no doubt she will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever her path leads.”
Darren McLeod Honors Professor Kelly Corey, Ph.D.
Accounting and finance graduate Darren McLeod will begin his career at CPA firm Maner Costerisan while preparing to pursue his CPA license. Reflecting on his Olivet experience, McLeod said the people he met over the last four years — coaches, classmates and faculty members alike — made the greatest impact.
McLeod selected Professor Kelly Corey, Ph.D., as his honored faculty member, recognizing her mentorship and leadership during a period of transition within the business department.
“Dr. Corey played a key role in building a strong foundation through academic advising, which allowed me to flourish and reach my full academic potential,” McLeod said.
Corey praised McLeod’s leadership and commitment to serving others across campus.
“Darren’s legacy of succeeding, leading and serving with excellence is woven throughout The University of Olivet community,” Corey said. “His quiet confidence inspires those around him to ‘Be More’ and ‘Do Good’ simply because they are the right things to do.”
Joel Potter Honors Professor Leah Knapp, DVM
Biology graduate Joel Potter plans to spend the next year gaining volunteer experience before deciding whether to pursue graduate school or a career in field ecology. What he will miss most about Olivet, he said, is the “homeiness” of campus life, from personal classroom relationships to the animals housed in the biology department, especially JoJo the tortoise.
Potter selected Professor Leah Knapp, DVM, as his honored faculty member, describing her as both an engaging professor and a genuine friend.
“She has kept me intrigued long into my college career,” Potter said. “We’ve bonded over a shared love of plants, nature and curiosity about the world around us.”
Knapp recalled first meeting Potter in an environmental science course and quickly recognizing his passion for learning.
“To my delight, Joel proceeded to take almost every class I teach,” Knapp said. “He has a genuine fascination for nature and the environment, and our conversations became one of the joys of teaching.”
She added with humor, “I briefly considered failing him in a class just so he would have to stay at Olivet a bit longer.”
Jamie Stiver Honors Professor Laura Barlond-Maas ’88
Business administration graduate Jamie Stiver plans to begin her career in employee benefits at SEG SET following her May wedding to fellow Olivet student Myles Parker. During her time on campus, she helped lead Christian Comets Connect and organized seven Service Day projects.
Stiver chose Professor Laura Barlond-Maas ’88 as her honored faculty member, thanking her for four years of encouragement, guidance and support.
“I loved her classes, and she helped me with starting Service Day projects,” Stiver said. “I’ve really appreciated all her advice and guidance.”
Barlond-Maas said Stiver’s love of learning and commitment to serving others stood out from the beginning.
“Jamie values learning, whether studying literature, business policies, God’s word or piano,” Barlond-Maas said. “She is a joy to work with both in and out of the classroom, and I will miss her presence on campus.”