Olivet College to rebrand as 'University of Olivet'
OLIVET — Olivet College announced Wednesday that it will change its name to the University of Olivet before the fall 2023 semester begins.
At the May 19 Board of Trustees meeting, members voted unanimously to make the name change at the 179-year-old institution, the school said in a press release posted online.
"Throughout its history, Olivet has persisted in staying true to its mission by being daring, bold and forward-looking," President Steven M. Corey said in the release.
The school's website lists board officers as Chairperson Timothy Hodge of Lake Odessa, Vice Chairperson Margaret Dimond, of Naples, Florida, Treasurer Jeff Wildern of Charlotte, Assistant Treasurer Jesse Lothamer of Okemos, and Secretary Sharon Hobbs of East Lansing. The site lists 28 other individuals as board members.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the school had about 1,000 students in the fall of 2020.
Olivet’s "2030: Vision for a Prosperous Future" strategic plan precipitated the change, the school said. The plan calls for the institution to serve undergraduate residential students while also launching online degree completion and graduate and workforce development programs to benefit students throughout Michigan, across the nation and around the world.
In addition, the school noted it continues to invest in the expansion of its campus. The Cutler Student Center is on track to open in January 2024. The College is investing $21 million into the 35,000-square-foot building, featuring lounge and entertainment areas, dining options, student organization offices, conference space and more.
Block House, opening fall 2023, is an esports competition space, casual restaurant and bar. Block House will be the base for the new Olivet esports team. Renovations are underway to transform the former Lamplighter restaurant in downtown adjacent to the Cutler Athletic Complex.
The rollout of The University of Olivet, including new online domain, spirit logo, signage and more is underway.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Olivet College to become 'university' for fall semester
