Social Science

Christian Washington ’21 is currently enrolled in the 109th Mid-Michigan Police Academy as a sponsored recruit at Lansing Community College and is on track to graduate on May 6, 2022. After completing the program, Christian plans to be officially sworn in to the Lansing Police Department and to start the field training process for officers.…

Junior Denise Bryce is double majoring in graphic design and history with a goal to earn a master’s degree in museum studies after graduation. She’s also a member of the bowling team and serves as a student researcher for the Hosford History Center and Lawrence Archives. Denise says Olivet’s small community has given her big…

When Alena (Buczynski) Guenther ’18 was attending Olivet College, a pin from the Opening Convocation ceremony found its way to her with the phrase “Be Challenged, Be Changed.” It was that phrase that stuck with her during the rest of her college and graduate school career, pushing her to grow and be the best version…

Rising sophomore Jade Smith only just completed her first year at Olivet College, and she’s already found her fit in her major and several clubs on campus. Jade is preparing for a career in the field of psychology, and she’s especially grateful for the professional connections and personal mentors she’s gained in a short time.…

First-year student Kiandra Marciniak knew she was at home from the moment she first stepped onto Olivet College’s campus. Hailing from Lansing, a small college close to home was the perfect fit for her. Kiandra is only just finishing her first year on campus, but she has already experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. “I…

Helen Macqueen ’14 has focused her career on the study of roots, but not the kind of roots that plants grow; roots as in the historical traditions and lessons that ground organizations. Her own roots trace back to Olivet College where she studied sociology and anthropology and developed her passion for museum studies and archival…

Senior Jessie Morris is a sociology and anthropology major and history minor. She grew up in Bellevue, just a few miles from Olivet College, and loves the tight-knit community on campus. As Jessie prepares for graduation, she is grateful for the diverse worldview her education helped her develop. Read more about Jessie’s college experience firsthand.…

Senior Kaylee Clothier is a psychology major and social work minor, and her ultimate goal is to help people while serving in the role God calls her to. She is a member of the softball team, Psych Club and Optimist Club, as well as a founder of the Pinky Swear PACK Program on campus. Kaylee…

I am a 2019 graduate of Olivet College. I majored in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections. During my time at Olivet, I was involved with the softball program, and I played shortstop on the team. I was also involved in the Criminal Justice Honor Society. After graduation, I began working with the Department…

During my time at Olivet College, I majored in psychology and minored in social work. I was very involved with campus life as a student, serving as captain of the men’s lacrosse team and a member of the Clay Target Program. I also was president of Psych Club, vice president of Psi-Chi, a Global Citizen…

In 2012, I graduated from Olivet College with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. I chose to attend OC when I began searching for a college that had just the right balance of sports and academics. I had been on multiple campus visits at other colleges and universities, but something just felt right when I…

Olivet College’s criminal justice program is regarded as one of the best in the state of Michigan, with social justice and relationship building embedded in the curriculum. Students are required to take courses that focus on racial, ethnic and gender inequalities. They have honest discussions on diversity, equity and fairness with faculty members who have…

Sophomore Destinee Hawkins is a psychology major and social work minor with a goal to become a therapist. She’s also a Kalamazoo Promise Scholar, a member of the Global Citizen Honors Program and a resident adviser. This combination has allowed her to build close relationships across campus and prepare for a successful future. Read more…

Sophomore Griffon Rice is a biology major and criminal justice minor. She has enjoyed relationship-building both within her program and through extracurricular activities. The tight-knit community at Olivet College has allowed her to reach her professional and personal goals. “I chose a biology major because I knew that was a large field that I could…

Transfer student Ben Morrow is a double major in sports psychology and psychology, following his passion to work in the field of athletics. He’s also an athlete himself, growing up around the sport of tennis and falling in love with the game. While Ben’s journey to Olivet College took some twists and turns, he knows…

Veteran Matthew Rice is from North Manchester, Indiana, and he is studying media production and communication and political science. Matthew previously attended a Division I university from 2009 to 2013 with a major in journalism and enlisted in the Navy as a naval journalist from Sept. 2013 to June 2020. Matthew was drawn to Olivet…

[caption id="attachment_31792" align="alignright" width="350"] Paul Brentar (left) and James Falk of the Charlotte Police Department are just two of the OC Criminal Justice Professional Degree Program students.[/caption] An accelerated pathway to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice? Check. Online classes? Check. Designed for working professionals? Check. The Olivet College Criminal Justice Professional Degree Program explores…

Taylor Norton is a junior criminal justice major with a corrections concentration from Athens. “I grew up in the tiny town and have been there all my life,” she said. “I was recruited by the track and field team, where I then toured and fell in love with the campus.” Although Taylor no longer runs…

Anna Baird is a junior criminal justice major and political science minor from Stockbridge. Her family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, during her senior year of high school, creating a unique situation for Anna. Anna said, “This is one of the many factors that played a role in my choice to choose Olivet. When my family…

Rising sophomore and psychology major Melissa Patton has spread her involvement far and wide during her first year at Olivet College. She has been making the most of every opportunity, and she is still proud of her decision to become a Comet. Coming from Big Rapids, Melissa grew up near a university and was familiar…