KayDee Perry, Ed.D.
Provost
Phone: 269-749-7324
KayDee Perry, Ed.D., joined The University of Olivet family in 2012. After teaching courses within the Health and Human Performance Department, developing math proficiency courses, and providing leadership in numerous capacities, she was named the associate provost for student development in 2022. She was named provost in June 2025. Her areas of expertise include student success, pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and student engagement and growth.
Dr. Perry provides leadership and guidance for the dean of student life and four directors within the Office for Student Development. She and her team focus on holistically supporting students as they navigate their unique college experience.
Dr. Perry also serves as the grants project director for The University of Olivet’s U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions and State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity King-Chavez-Parks – Select Student Support Services (KCP-4) programs.
Previously, Dr. Perry served as the faculty senate president, co-developed the year-long New Faculty Orientation, and launched the Teaching Pathway academic program. She also loves welcoming students to The University of Olivet through the New Student Orientation process.
Before coming to The University of Olivet, Dr. Perry taught in K-12 settings for nearly nine years. Her focus was teaching secondary mathematics and working with students with disabilities in the traditional education setting. She continues to advocate for individuals with disabilities by supporting and volunteering with Areas 8 and 16 Special Olympics and promoting The University of Olivet Special Olympics College programming.
Dr. Perry earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics with a minor in physical education from Western Michigan University (WMU) and master’s degrees in educational leadership and adapted physical education from Grand Canyon University and WMU, respectively. She completed her doctorate in leadership in higher education at Grand Canyon University.
