Olivet Nazarene University

Dwayne has been a part of student development at Olivet Nazarene University for the past few years. In 2008 he accepted the associate dean of student development position. He received his undergraduate degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and master’s degree in organizational leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. He previously served as the director of campus recreation.

Dwayne grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. He is a third generation ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He accepted a call into full-time ministry during his freshman year at MVNU. Prior to joining the student development team at ONU, Dwayne served in local church ministry primarily as minister to families with youth for 13 years. Dwayne has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

Dwayne is married to Bethany, who also works at ONU. They have been married for 13 years. They have three sons: Ethan, Evan and Eli. The Mills enjoy spending time together as a family. Ethan and Evan love wrestling with dad. Along with spending time with family they are passionate about their loyalty to the Kentucky Wildcats (basketball) and The Ohio State Buckeyes (football). The Mills also enjoy investing in the lives of students at ONU.

I never believed I could have my dream job at age 28! But I did. The Lord called me to Olivet to serve as the resident director in Williams Hall, freshman dorm. I served in Williams for four years and then accepted the position as director of residential life and housing. I continued as a part-time RD in the apartments. I recently completed my seventh year here and have accepted the position as assistant dean of residential Life. I have truly enjoyed being able to mentor and challenge the Honors women in the Oaks these last few years.

I graduated from Mid America Nazarene University with a B.A. in business (1996) and an MBA in 2002. I also completed my master’s degree in counseling at Olivet in 2007. I have been married for two years to my husband, Matt, who shares in this ministry with me! We are pretty competitive and are up for strategy games or watching sports at any moment. I enjoy leading Bible studies and mentoring women who are seeking the Lord. I look forward to getting to know you!

I sign everything as “Michael Andrew Benson,” although I’ve gone by my middle name all of my life, and yet most people call me Drew. I serve as the Chapman Hall Resident Director. I was born in Sacramento, California, but moved around while growing up (PK!). I am a fifth generation Nazarene, so Olivet was an easy choice for me. I never really took college visits or looked around—I knew this was the place I was supposed to go. I graduated from Olivet with a BS in Youth Ministry. I married the love of my life Emily on June 6, 2009 and am now serving full time at Olivet. I don’t pretend to know where God is going to take the two of us, but we are faithfully trying to serve where He has placed us now. The students and stories I encounter here make this job both extremely interesting and very rewarding. I enjoy music, the outdoors, spending time with my wife and friends, playing board games (CATAN!), traveling, the Georgia Bulldogs, reading (believe it or not), and talking with people.

My name is Brandon Davey and I serve as a resident director in the Grand/Howe apartments. I received my Bachelor of Science degree for pastoral ministry in 2007 from Olivet Nazarene University. I'm currently working on a Master of Arts in religion. I have been blessed to be part of an amazing resident director team after attending Olivet and having the opportunity to serve as a resident assistan. Being a resident director has helped me to build upon my education and learn how to better serve others.

The biggest part of my life is my family! My wife, Kelly (definitely my better half!), and my daughter, Leyna, make life amazing. I’ve just finished a master’s degree in counseling and am beginning a doctorate in psychology. I love to read and am a sports fan (go Cubs and Barca!). My wife and I love to travel and have seen some amazing places (Nepal and London to name a couple)! Most importantly, I love knowing Jesus and the people He loves. It's my honor to live with and serve the men of Olde Oak. Where else can you get bean bag tournaments, bacon parties and Bible studies in the same place?

My name is Mark Holcomb, resident director for Olde Oak Honors Housing. I am married to an incredible woman, have two grown daughters, and am a proud grandpa.

After graduating from Olivet, a long time ago, I attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, where I received my M.A. in Christian education, and then served the church as a youth pastor for 23 years, most recently in Indianapolis, Ind.

I joined the teaching faculty here at Olivet in 2004, and after being here one year found myself longing for the contact with students that youth ministry had provided, so I joined the “rez life” team. Teaching is my passion now, but nothing replaces the relationships I feel called to have with students. From hanging out in my buildings, the gym, drinking coffee — lots of coffee — and eating in the dining hall, I’m provided with an opportunity to be more than just a face. I get to share life with students and live doing what I love most.

My other hobbies would be things like traveling with my wife, watching college basketball, teriyaki boneless wings, photography, playing with my grandson, spending time with friends, a cold mug of good root beer and Ohio State football.

This married, fun-loving, Christian, grandmother is recruiting mature, fun-lowing, Christian, females who want to have a great freshman residence hall experience. My husband Dave and I moved to the Olivet community in the summer of 1999. I began my journey as a resident director in Williams Hall and then moved to Parrott Hall in the summer of 2002. We have three grown children who are married and have blessed us with six grandchildren. Though we raised our family in central Indiana everyone now lives within a few miles of the Olivet campus. My personal interests include our grandchildren and anything they are interested in (i.e. Veggie Tales, children's music and books). In addition, I look forward to time with friends and family, vacation time, a message, church, quiet time, and a good cup of coffee. As for food and entertainment I love anything chocolate, green tea, coffee, caramel, nuts, and a great steak. My favorite local restaurant is El Campesino Mexican Restaurant. When I do get a chance to watch a movie my preference is romantic comedy. One of my favorite moments as a resident director is when new residences find out that I am married and actually live in the building. The gals are often humored by having a guy living in the building. For those who find their home in Parrott Hall I look forward to the memories we will share. See you soon!

My name is Sue Kring and I serve as the resident director for Olde Oak Apartments 619 and 629. I was born and raised in Lansing, Mich. Together with my husband, we spent 25 years in youth ministry in that beautiful state. God used those years to prepare me for this ministry at Olivet. It is a great inspiration to me to be a part of God’s work in the lives of young people. It is an honor to serve Him and to serve the community here at Olivet.

I came to Olivet in 2000, when my husband, Bob, joined the student development team as director of campus recreation. I became resident director in 2007 and enjoy the opportunity to live among the young women of Olde Oak. It is my desire to encourage these women in their studies and in their relationship with the Lord. I am thankful to be witness to the work God is doing in the lives of young women.

On a personal note: I love the outdoors and especially enjoy being on and in and around the water. I spend many happy hours at the lake! I love to go on long walks, especially with someone to talk to along the way. While I seldom get lost, I can get lost in a good book!

My name is Bethany Knight and I am the new RD for Grand 413 and 415. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and have two sons. Samuel is 5 and Moses is 2. My husband and I met here at Olivet as freshmen and have been serving in various ministries together since then.

Originally I am from Xenia, Ohio, but have now lived in Bourbonnais for half of my life. In addition to being a wife, mom and RD, I also work as a nurse in Health Service on campus. In my free time I enjoy playing with the boys, running and swimming, and having coffee with friends. We are excited about this new ministry opportunity for our family and look forward to seeing God's plan for the coming year.

I am blessed to serve as the Williams Hall Resident Director. I love being a part of the lives of my 225 freshman girls and working so closely with my 8 Resident Assistants! I was born and raised in Fenton, Michigan and have wonderful parents and the most incredible brother and sister ever! In July of 2007 I married my best friend, Joe, and have loved living life with my handsome husband! I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2006 with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in General Science and I aspire to eventually teach Junior High science. I'm excited to someday teach teenagers, but at this point in my life, my heart is drawn to college-age girls. I love their excitement for life and desire to grow and I consider it a God-given privilege to take part in their lives and walk beside them as they figure out their early years of adulthood.

My name is Ian Miller and I am the Howe Hall resident director. I graduated from Olivet in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in illustration. I served as a resident assistant for two years as an undergraduate and was given the opportunity to minister in a different capacity by accepting the resident director position.

I spent my childhood as a military brat, traveling the world and seeing all that God has created. There is nothing I would ever dream of changing about my younger years. Because of this traveling I have grown to love the sport of soccer and everything it has to offer. It is amazing to be on campus where I can still enjoy a friendly match in my free time.

I am blessed to be a part of the residence life team at Olivet and have been given a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the many students here on campus. Our goal, as members of this team, is to model, mentor and motivate students to be Christ-like in their world.

I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. I love spending time with my residents by opening up my home as a place for them to relax! I am very involved in my church, Peoples Church, where I lead the 20-somethings group, and am a co-leader in the youth group! When I have spare time I love to scrapbook and spend time with my friends!

I am blessed to be a part of the residence life team at Olivet and have been given a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the many students here on campus. Our goal, as members of this team, is to model, mentor and motivate students to be Christ-like in their world.

My name is Mary Margaret Reed (MMR) and I serve as the McClain Hall Residence Hall Director. I am originally from Stockbridge, Michigan. I came to Olivet as a freshman student in the fall of 1967 and never left. I graduated from Olivet with a BS in Education. I received a Masters of Arts in Education from Olivet, a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Governor's State University, a Ph.D from Walden University. I recently retired from public education and am now serving full time at Olivet. I have served as the president of the Alumni Association, and an adjunct professor in the Education Department in addition to being a resident director for over 30 years. My love for God, students and Olivet has kept me here. I enjoy antiquing, Chicago, traveling, drinking coffee, and great conversations filled with laughter. My license plates say DRMMRRD. Can you figure it out?

My name is Ashley Robbins and I serve as the resident director for Grand Apartments. I am originally from Vicksburg, Mich. I served as a resident assistant for two years during my undergrad while studying social work. My husband, Brian, and I were married in May of 2007 and are so thankful for the wonderful opportunity God has given us here on Olivet's campus. I believe that Olivet is a place where students are challenged in their mental, physical, social and spiritual lives, and I am pleased to take part in that challenge. I enjoy playing tennis and golf, listening to music, laughing, and spending time with friends and family.

My name is Lauren Stamatis and I am one of the resident directors in the Grand Apartments. I am originally from Phoenix, Ariz., and completed my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Redlands (California). Since graduating I have worked in the fitness and health industry and have coached basketball. I came to Olivet two years ago to be the graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program and to work on my master’s degree. Having recently completed my Master of Organizational Leadership degree, I will now serve full time at Olivet as an assistant coach and resident director. I love sunny days, adventures, great conversations, reading, traveling and being outdoors. However, in the winter you’ll find me bundled up and avoiding the cold. What can I say — I am still a Phoenix native!

Hello! I’m Andrew Twibell, and I serve as the Resident Director for the Freshman/Upperclassman Male Dormitory, Nesbitt Hall. I hail from the beautiful city of Muncie, Indiana, where I was born and raised. I came to Olivet Nazarene University in 2002 as a Freshman and graduated in May 2006 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Following my undergraduate years, I obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Religion in May 2007. I have served as a Resident Director since 2006 and plan to continue in my present capacity until I am led by the Lord in another direction. In the meantime, I finally convinced a woman to marry me, and (before she could change her mind) we were married on May 17, 2008. My wife, Simone, has dual-citizenship in both Brazil and Argentina. She is tri-lingual (speaking English, Spanish, and Portuguese fluently), has obtained Bachelor’s Degrees in both Sociology and Psychology, has completed her Master of Arts Degree in Religion, and currently serves as the Hispanic Pastor at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. I think we all know who got the better deal in our relationship! She is an active part of my ministry and a favorite among all of my men. My passions in life (other than my wife) include discipleship, international missions work, preaching, teaching, and medicine. Future plans include seminary, medical school, international travel, and eventually full-time missions work. My present driving passion, however, is for the Nesbitt men - that they may know the Lord and walk more closely with Him because of their time spent in Nesbitt Hall. If you are an incoming freshman male, make reservations for Nesbitt Hall. It’s an experience that I promise you’ll never forget!

My name is Susie Tuttle and I'm the resident director in Grand Apartments 401-405. I grew up in the Quad Cities and was just a regular small-town girl. I spent most of my life going to church and decided to make my faith in the Lord my own when I was in junior high. I REALLY love sports, so in high school I played volleyball, basketball and softball. I moved to Bourbonnais in 2004 when I started attending Olivet as a freshman majoring in psychology. I graduated in 2008 and immediately started working at the Helen Wheeler Center as a SASS worker. I am a social worker and counselor for children who are in crisis and who also come from low-income families. I plan to go to graduate school in order to receive my counseling license. I don't know where I will be in a couple years but I hope to be in the center of God's will!

My name is Beth Veit and I serve as a resident director in Grand Apartments 443-445. I absolutely love my job! I grew up in Sycamore, Ill., and received my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Augustana College. Immediately following college, I met my husband at a summer Bible study in DeKalb, Ill., and worked for the next two years as a bilingual admissions counselor at Northern Illinois University. We then tied the knot and moved to Kingsville, Texas, where we worked and enjoyed our first year of marriage.

We moved to Olivet in the fall of 2007 and greatly enjoy it here! My husband is a psychology professor and we just made an addition to our family with our baby, Kylie Noelle. I love being a mom, but also enjoy opportunities to have coffee and conversations, speaking Spanish, traveling, reading, music, the outdoors and running!

Karen Anderson

University Place 100-200

 

kanders2@olivet.edu

815-928-5488

First of all, I genuinely love the Lord and do not know how I would make it through life without Him. The more I grow in my walk with Him, the more I feel called to spread the incredible news of His love to those around me. I am able to do this through my two amazing jobs that I hold. I am currently a first grade teacher at St. George Elementary in Bourbonnais. Let me tell you, teaching 6- and 7-year-olds keeps my life interesting! I enjoy being with my family or curling up on my couch with some coffee and a good book or movie when time allows. Since I have graduated (ONU '06!), I have become more and more dependent on God and I love to watch where He leads.