At The University of Olivet, we believe that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone so success must be defined per the individual student. The Olivet faculty and staff provide the individualized attention that ensures each and every student achieves their goals in their own way, always with a helpful, little push whenever it is needed.
Senior Ryan Anderson didn’t need a push; he needed to kick in the right direction, which he did.
As the starting punter for The University of Olivet’s football team, Ryan has earned numerous awards for his performance, including back-to-back American Football Coaches Association All-America selections for the 2015 and 2016 seasons and the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-American of the Year selection in 2016, among several others. Results from his NCAA Division III single-season record 46.2 punting average in 2016 and 4.0 GPA.
“Ryan just embodies the principle that hard work equals success,” said Head Football Coach Dan Musielewicz. “He has truly earned everything he has achieved. He sets goals, trains hard, overcomes obstacles, is very committed and remains humble, especially by always crediting those around him who contribute to his success. Because of all that, I absolutely know he will continue to succeed.”
Now, Ryan is nearing graduation with a degree in business administration with a concentration in management and a minor in sports and recreation management. After walking across one stage in May, he has plans to walk onto a much larger one next.
With a year of eligibility left to play college football, Ryan received a full ride scholarship to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey after his performance gained national attention. As a graduate transfer, he will be pursuing a MBA while playing Division I football in the Big Ten, a dream of his since early childhood.
“I can’t express how supportive the faculty and staff at The University of Olivet have been to me,” Ryan said. ‘It’s unordinary to have this kind of backing to follow my dreams even if that doesn’t mean continuing to play at Olivet. Because of this, The University of Olivet will always remain important to me no matter where or how far I go.”
With achievements like that, you might think college was an easy feat for Ryan. Instead, he has forged an unusual path to success that required him to face obstacles and overcome some unique challenges along the way.
After graduating from DeWitt High School in 2013, Ryan was recruited to play both football and basketball at a Division II college in Michigan. Three semesters later, The University of Olivet entered his radar while looking for a college that would provide more personalized attention both in the classroom and on the field. High school teammates helped seal the deal when they shared their positive experiences at Olivet with Ryan.
During the remainder of the 2017 spring semester at Olivet, Ryan is preparing to make the transition to one of the largest college’s in the nation, continuing to train and working to maintain his GPA. “Right now, I couldn’t be happier with the way things are working out for me,” said Ryan. “My journey through college hasn’t been basic, but I’ve learned a lot from my experience and I wouldn’t change it. Thanks to the amazing coaches at Olivet and the foundation I’ve been able to build here, I’m ready for the next level.”
Aside from a successful season at Rutgers in the fall, Ryan’s ultimate goal is to make it into the National Football League.
What’s the real purpose of attending college? Many would say for education or to earn a degree, which is undoubtedly true. Beyond that, attending college is generally about preparing yourself for the next step in life. For many, that means entering the workforce or attending graduate school. For others, like Ryan, the answer isn’t as straight forward. To learn more about how The University of Olivet can serve as a launching pad for you to follow your dreams, no matter what they are, contact admissions@uolivet.edu or 800.456.71 89