Year 3 of the Campaign for Olivet embodies the hope we share. Together, we strive, God supplies and students thrive! Statistics and stories are more than mere markers in time. As you read this summary of your partnership impact, give thanks for life-giving transformation through Olivet Nazarene University.
University President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., points to Colossians 1, which we have prayed from the beginning. He says, “Our priorities seem to be good works in God’s eye. The style in which we fulfill them can please Him in every way. We praise Him that we bear fruit already from them.”
PERSISTENCE
The University returned to a 77% freshman-to-sophomore retention. Black student retention grew for a third consecutive year, from 36 to 59%. Hispanic student rates also climbed to 75% from 62% last year. Overall, the fall ’24 to spring ’25 retention rate was Olivet’s highest in 10 years (91%). ONU athletes retain 9% higher than the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) average.
Impact — Although financial and medical challenges complicated her college experience from the beginning, Betty arrived on campus with great tenacity and curiosity. Kristin, her ONU Persistence Coach, supports Betty on the journey. The investments in Betty’s life are being paid forward. Today, Betty serves as a Peer Mentor, helping more students in their journey.
AFFORDABILITY
Students received a record $2.1 million in scholarships from the Olivet Foundation this past year. 124 juniors and seniors entering lower-income careers received a 50% Olivet discount. ONU limited net price increases to 2.9% per year, while inflation has averaged 4.2%. The average graduate debt is the same dollar value as 17 years ago.
Impact — Avery, Class of 2026, transferred to Olivet, thanks to generous scholarship support. She was at first concerned about isolation, but soon connected in multiple ways. She says, “at Olivet, I’ve drawn closer to Christ, and I’m just beginning to realize the full potential I have as an educator, disciple and friend. I’m in the right place and I have the people I need to walk alongside me. I am excited to keep my ONU journey going!”
VIRTUE
Olivet encourages the habits of worship, prayer, Scripture reading, bearing witness, displaying stewardship, service and fellowship in the body of Christ. Students have flooded the altar at Revival and other services, and a spirit of renewal has been evident across campus. Increasingly, students lean into the Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s work to shape their beliefs. Also, we have already met the 5-year goal of unlimited mental health counseling sessions for all traditional undergraduates within two weeks of a request.
Impact — Because of his faith, Micah faces family opposition and receives no financial support from them. He says, “My spiritual development is challenging at home with no one holding me accountable. It’s helpful to have people at Olivet who share my spiritual values. I’m surrounded by believers in Christ, grateful that the Lord has blessed me with such a wonderful community!”
Inspiration — Maddi Spacht is an ONU resident director and pastoral staff member at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. Watch her powerful message to students here.
EFFICIENT STEWARDSHIP
ONU’s “Financial Responsibility Score” from the U.S. Department of Education is a solid 2.6 out of 3.0. University debt reduction continues — down $17 million in three years and on pace to retire $24 million over five years. Annual efficiency savings now total $7.8 million. We have trimmed $75,000 thousand per year from boilers; $18,000 per year using light occupancy sensors; and $28,000 per year by replacing 655 computers with energy-efficient models. The 5-year space utilization goal is already met.
Impact — Olivet’s Information Technology and Media teams completed several in-house projects with an accumulated 3,755 man-hours. A full system wireless equipment upgrade included replacing 1,280 components. The team completed 10 classroom projector replacements and other meeting space upgrades. As opposed to outside integrators, in-house savings for these projects alone total $400,000.
RECRUITMENT
Although Olivet’s overall student number decreased from the prior year, we remain in the “stabilized enrollment” category. This contrasts with a loss of 1,600 students over the five years before and during COVID. 1,100 new students is the third highest over five years. Cumulative enrollments over three years from niche strategies moved from 125 to 843 (ROTC, military base, Pacific Rim, Atlantic Southeast, Nazarene Youth Conference, and Early Scholars).
Impact — During Michael’s journey to Olivet, he experienced a challenging home life, housing instability, and insufficient finances. Olivet’s counselors, however, stepped in with relief. They secured an on-campus job for Michael and helped him file under “independent status.” With housing and assistance, Michael made it to orientation and move-in day, smiling all the way.
THANKS TO YOU
Strength & Hope, the Campaign for Olivet Nazarene University, allows us to focus on significant priorities for our time. Dr. Chenoweth says, “Thanks to you, ideas arrive, accomplices assemble, resources gather, and Olivet moves ahead in productivity, not mere activity!”
To learn more about donating to Olivet Nazarene University, contact the Office of Development at development@olivet.edu or 815-939-5171.
