Mike Lazusky serves as the director of adult professional and graduate admissions at The University of Olivet. In his role, Mike supports the College’s RN-BSN Program, Master of Business Administration in Insurance and Criminal Justice Professional Degree Completion Program.
Mike has an extensive background in higher education, specializing in the areas of admissions, teaching, coaching and sports administration. He has served The University of Olivet for five years, including roles as adjunct instructor, assistant football coach and special teams coordinator, and associate director of athletics. Mike has experience working with a wide array of students, from teaching adult students online to coaching traditional undergraduate students. He especially enjoys helping nontraditional students in their pursuit of higher education, understanding their unique needs and goals.
What brought you to work in the Office of Admissions?
I am excited to be working with adult learners who are looking to attend The University of Olivet’s adult professional and graduate programs. Busy working professionals often have very specific professional and personal life goals, and it is my role to help guide them through the process of reaching their goals. There is no better feeling than working with adult professionals and seeing the fruits of their labor help advance their professional careers.
Why do you love OC?
The University of Olivet is a place where students can be themselves and build lasting relationships — both personal and professional.
Where does your passion for working in higher education stem from?
I have been a college recruiter for most of my career. Through my many roles over the years, I have recruited both traditional students and working professionals. It is the bond you build with the person that means the most. In my roles, I have gotten to see students succeed in the classroom, in life and graduate. These are memories that last forever.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
I work with the adult professional and graduate students, which consists of Criminal Justice Professional program, RN to BSN program and Master of Business Administration in Insurance. In an effort to promote these programs, I work with various professional organizations, such as the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Michigan Student Nursing Association. I also work with community college programs and transfer fairs to help students who may want to complete a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate degree and entering the workforce.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
For the working professional, we have programs that are online, flexible and work well with existing career obligations. Students work with industry professionals and get a chance to continue to build their professional network.
What do you look forward to in your role?
The major event I look forward to every year is Commencement. To see an adult learner finish a degree while balancing life, family, career and academic demands is a great feeling. You know you made an impact on a student’s life when their accomplishment leads to a promotion or advancement in their field.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about yourself?
I have held teaching licenses in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Michigan.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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