Sophomore Tyler Nobel is thriving as a Comet. He may only be in his second year at OC, but he has taken on leadership roles in many different facets of campus life – and Tyler isn’t stopping there. With his college journey nearing its halfway mark, Tyler is setting big goals for himself and is on the path to achieving them.
Launching his college search, Tyler was interested in earning a liberal arts education from a Division III school, the opportunity to continue playing tennis, and attending college close to his hometown of Plainwell. He was drawn to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and even toured a few other colleges in the conference, but ultimately The University of Olivet felt like home.
“I chose The University of Olivet for its home feeling,” Tyler explained. “I attended an overnight visit and stayed with some guys who became my teammates, and it was a really nice experience! People said hello when I was just walking down the sidewalk, something that didn’t happen at any other college I visited. OC just felt like one big family to me, and it still does.”
Rallying from a timid high school student to college sophomore, men’s tennis team captain, Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) men’s tennis representative, Gamma Iota Sigma officer, President’s Leadership Institute fellow and Cultivating Women Leaders Planning Committee member, Tyler has experienced a tremendous period of growth during his first two years on campus. He credits the relationships he’s built at The University of Olivet in helping him develop his leadership skills and become the best version of himself, especially the men’s tennis team, head tennis coach Andrew DeBruyn and the presidential couple Steven and Traci Corey.
Gaining the Advantage
“Joining a smaller tennis team really allows my teammates and me to get to know each other and be there for each other,” Tyler said. “Coach DeBruyn is also always there for us. He’s always willing to sit down and talk to us about tennis, school or just life. That’s what I enjoy most about tennis, it gives me the opportunity to build relationships with other like-minded individuals while also grow personally.”
It was Tyler’s appreciation for his team and dedication as a student-athlete that led to his roles as team captain and SAAC representative. Coach DeBruyn nominated Tyler for both positions despite his underclassman status. As team captain, Tyler is responsible for boosting team morale and serving as a role model, in addition to assisting in recruiting efforts, coordinating team practices and travel, and advocating for the team. Similarly, as a member of SAAC, Tyler fosters school spirit and helps plan the Ollies, fundraisers and fan-appreciation athletic events, on top of voicing the needs of the men’s tennis team on a larger scale.
Getting Down to Business
Tyler has even stepped up to serve in leadership capacities in the classroom. As an insurance and risk management major, Tyler is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, the college’s professional industry fraternity. This year, he is an officer in the career services department and helped organize the on campus career fair in February.
“I enjoy being a leader because that gives me a platform to help others,” Tyler added. “Of course it can be challenging, but I think being a leader is the best way to make the most of my time as a student and a way to prepare for my future career.”
Putting Leadership into Action
Tyler’s passion for leadership garnered more than just the attention of his teammates and classmates, and President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and presidential spouse and Women’s Leadership Institute Director Traci Corey have even played a personal role in his growth. In March, Tyler graduated from the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI), a yearlong training program dedicated to developing top leadership in Olivet’s students, as well as enabling them to become the principal professional and community leaders of the future. In addition, Tyler served as a facilitator at the second annual Cultivating Women Leaders (CWL) event and was invited to join the planning committee for the third annual event.
“The Coreys have become great friends, and I think it is so cool that the size of the college has allowed me to get to know them on a personal level,” Tyler emphasized. “I was able to receive leadership training directly from President Corey during PLI, and I learned a lot about myself, as well as the difference between a manager and a leader and how to overcome common obstacles in leadership. Despite CWL being aimed at women, it is another great leadership development tool on campus for men and women, and it was a pleasure to receive Traci’s invitation to get involved with it.”
Keeping up the Momentum
Tyler added that the unique combination of these leadership development opportunities have given him an upper hand when approaching the task. He’s gained insight into working with vastly different types of people, including men, women, students, working professionals and much more. For the future, he is looking forward to exploring different paths within the insurance industry, putting his skills into action during internships, and continuing to help the tennis team improve.
“I’m really looking forward to everything that is yet to come,” Tyler explained. “I am still so excited about attending The University of Olivet and am confident this was the absolute best place for me.”
Learn more about leadership development opportunities, athletics, the insurance and risk management program and more at The University of Olivet by scheduling a visit or attending an upcoming admissions event. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more.