Professor Spotlights

We are UOlivet is an ongoing project that features students and employees sharing their Olivet experiences in their own words. As Olivetians, we celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals. We welcome you being YOU!   Jaelyn Weber Peabody, rising junior and biology major with a pre-med concentration. "I actually grew up in just a town over, in Bellevue, and…

Sarah Peterson Pursues Passion for Student-Centered Learning Sarah Peterson devoted years to pursuing an editing career, only to realize that it wasn't what she dreamed it would be. "That was the career I always thought was meant for me; however, I soon discovered that there is a lot more to it than reading and editing,…

What is your background in the subject you teach? I earned my Master of Fine Arts in medical and biological illustration at the University of Michigan in 1991. After graduating, I worked on a surgical atlas for orthopedic surgery for Dr. Tachdjian, the chair of orthopedic surgery at Northwestern University. At that same time, I…

What is your background in the subject you teach? I have a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Wayne State University. My research involved making small-molecule nickel catalysts for reductive coupling of carbon dioxide (turning carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into useable fuels). While I was at Wayne State, I also was a graduate teaching assistant…

In December 2022 Dr. Meredith Dodson completed her 208-page doctoral dissertation in December 2022.  Entitled, "Crafting a Different Kind of Story: Experiences of Creative Writers Leading in Higher Education,” Her scholarship examined creativity in leadership from a perspective of the leader’s own sense of artistry in order to better understand how leaders develop and harness…

Did you know that Dr. Nikki Magie recently completed a one-year sabbatical during which she researched and traveled in the U.S., Latin America and Europe? Dr. Magie is a world historian who places an emphasis on Latin America, migration and experiential learning. She typically attends and presents at 2-3 conferences annually. Last year she presented…

What is your background in biology? My doctorate is in entomology, which is the study of insects. I like to joke with my students that I am a “bug doctor” -- they can send their sick bugs my way. Most of my research career was in applied entomology, where I addressed insect pest management challenges…

Eakamon “Andy” Oumtrakool, Ph.D., assistant professor of business administration, and Areerat “Poy” Lertchaipitak, Ph.D., assistant professor of business administration, are experts in their field and dedicated advisers, but those aren’t the only ways they enrich the The University of Olivet community. Oumtrakool and Lertchaipitak are originally from Thailand, and the couple proudly shares their culture…

[caption id="attachment_31718" align="alignright" width="300"] Provost Maria Davis, Ph.D., with Professor Fredericks[/caption] Michael Fredericks serves as associate professor of computer science at The University of Olivet. He has been a member of the faculty since 2002 and holds a deep regard for small, liberal arts colleges and the kind of learning experience they provide. Professor Fredericks…

Susanne Lewis, Ph.D. is a professor of chemistry and adviser to OC’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). With the goal of becoming a college professor, Professor Lewis got her start in the role as an undergraduate lab assistant for an introductory chemistry lab course. Since then, she’s been a teacher and adviser in…

Cynthia “Cea” Noyes, J.D., has worked at The University of Olivet for nearly 25 years. She currently serves as chair of the Social Science Department, professor of sociology/anthropology and director of the Betsy Dole Women’s Resource Center. In her teaching, Professor Noyes aims to help students build on prior learning and apply classroom lessons to…

[et_pb_section admin_label="section"] [et_pb_row admin_label="row"] [et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"] Everybody wants to change the world, and Olivet’s sociology/anthropology major is setting students up to achieve that goal one day at a time. [caption id="attachment_31124" align="alignright" width="300"] Professor Noyes[/caption] Cea Noyes, J.D., chair of the Social Science Department, professor of sociology/anthropology and director of the Betsy Dole Women’s…

[caption id="attachment_28911" align="alignright" width="350"] Most recently, Professor Fales led a group of students and alumni to Japan to study religion and culture.[/caption] Mike Fales ’75 currently serves as director of service learning and campus ministries and assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies and religion, but it’s nearly impossible to sum up the true impact he has…

[caption id="attachment_28859" align="alignright" width="350"] Left to right: Provost Maria Davis, Ph.D., John Homer, Ph.D., KayDee Perry, Jare Klein, Art Stevens, Ph.D., Don Walker, Ph.D., and President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.[/caption] Recently, faculty members gathered for a Faculty Panel in celebration of 175 years of The University of Olivet. The theme of the panel was “Perspectives…

Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., serves as professor of music at The University of Olivet. Professor Flynn’s passion for music developed early in his childhood, and he even held the position of organist-choirmaster for a church at just 15-years-old. He has continued to hold similar roles at various types of churches and also has an extensive background…

Blake Reed, Ph.D., serves as assistant professor of chemistry at The University of Olivet. His passion for teaching stems back to his time in high school, and Professor Reed hasn’t felt a tug toward another role since. He is particularly interested in inorganic chemistry and even holds a Ph.D. in the subject. While this may…

[caption id="attachment_27905" align="alignright" width="350"] Carol Breed '98 was named professor emeritus at the 2018 Opening Convocation.[/caption] Carol Breed ’98 is often renowned for the legacy she left on The University of Olivet’s insurance and risk management (IRM) program, even now that she’s retired. To Carol, her legacy pales in comparison to the lasting impression The…

John Moore, Ph.D., serves as assistant professor of psychology at The University of Olivet, but his role goes far beyond the classroom. Professor Moore is also dedicated to helping students succeed in all aspects of their educational journeys and shares his knowledge applied to mental health and other relevant issues with all Comets. In fact,…

Ben Reed serves as assistant professor of health and human performance at The University of Olivet. He has shaped his career around the ability to work with students, fostering their personal growth and development. His most prominent passion in life is basketball, and he strongly enjoys relating to students and players through that love. Why…

Sarah Peterson serves as assistant professor of writing and director of online learning and distance education at The University of Olivet. With a passion for reading, writing and grammar, Professor Peterson originally shaped her career around publishing before realizing that teaching was her true calling. Since discovering her passion, Professor Peterson has continued her own…