Michael F. Fales '75, M.Div./M.Min.

Phone: 269-749-7624

After a 16-year career as a hotel general manager with Residence Inn, Hilton and Omni hotel franchises, Mike Fales returned to his alma mater in 1992. He initially served as director of the annual fund and director of alumni engagement, later taking responsibility for church relations. Professor Fales currently serves as director of Service Learning and Campus Ministries, co-adviser to international students, and associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Religion. Professor Fales has taught self and community since it was adopted as part of the Olivet Plan in 1995. He also teaches freshmen seminar, various courses in religion and a cultural immersion/service learning class in central Mexico during the ILT. Mike has led annual Katrina relief trips to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast since December 2005 and has co-lead, with Dr. Maria Davis, alternative spring break trips to the Heifer Project Ranch in Arkansas for ten years. Professor Fales is the recipient of the The University of Olivet Adviser of the Year Award and the Michigan Campus Compact Faculty/Staff Award. He is a 1975 graduate of The University of Olivet with a secondary teaching degree. He did graduate work in urban planning and historic preservation at George Washington University and has a Master of Ministry/Master of Divinity degree from Earlham School of Religion. He is married to Judy, who also works at the college. Together with their three sons, they live in the former home of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Spear on Yale Street in Olivet.