“Throughout Olivet’s MOL degree program, I strengthened my ability to effectively adapt to changing situations,” says Paige Alkire ‘21 BSP/’22 MOL. “It sharpened my capacity to lead with composure, no matter what I’m managing.”
In 2021, as Paige was concluding her bachelor’s degree program in psychology at Olivet Nazarene University, she asked herself, What is my next best move to set myself up for success? The world was still reeling from the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. She saw a window of opportunity to pursue her Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree at Olivet.
“I returned home to Michigan and accepted a full-time position at the Frauenthal Center, a fine arts venue in Muskegon,” Paige says. “I was promoted quickly there, serving as house manager, box office associate and then marketing administrator. I was very involved in theatre at Olivet as an undergrad student, so this was a natural fit for me. During that time, I completed my MOL degree online.”
Paige still recalls one of her most challenging — and growth-producing — assignments in her MOL degree program. “Olivet’s program really pushed me to grow in so many ways,” she says. “For this assignment, we were required to give a long verbal presentation. The requirements were very specific that we could not use more than a couple filler words like ‘um.’ It was really difficult, but it taught me to be intentional and confident in every word.”
Her Next Best Move
Paige’s next career move was to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a nonprofit organization and the top wedding and event venue in Nashville, Tennessee. For two years, she led a team of event coordinators and managed outside vendors for 12 different indoor and outdoor venue sites. “I had different co-workers for every event,” she says. “Understanding how to work with and direct all kinds of people was very helpful.”
Knowing how to adapt quickly to changing situations while leading others was critical for Paige’s success in her job. “Weather was an interesting event obstacle,” she says. “I once was managing an outdoor event when a tornado hit! Thinking quickly and clearly while remaining calm was crucial.”
As Paige began to sharpen her focus on the world of nonprofits, she realized that developing her skillset within fundraising would be essential to one day leading an organization. So she began to search for new opportunities.
Shifting Gears
Today, Paige is the Corporate and Foundation Partnerships Administrator for Adventure Science Center (ASC) in Nashville. Her job focuses on stewarding relationships with corporations, foundations and other funders.
“I serve as the bridge between ASC and our funders to help make sure we have the financial resources to meet our organizational goals,” she says. “I’m part of a development team of four. My job is very strategic, but very relationally driven. I manage a lot of relationships, and I’m responsible for communication across many departments. Relationships are key for maintaining and growing our sponsorships.”
Paige adds: “At Olivet, I learned not to sell myself short. I learned to go one step beyond what I think I can do. With my MOL degree, I set myself up for success, now and in the future. I’ve already been given so many great opportunities because I showed up poised and confident. The way you present yourself, the way you show up in the world, the confidence you bring are all crucial for growth and success.”
Learn more about Olivet Nazarene University’s graduate degree programs at Olivet.edu/graduate. For more information or to enroll, email onlineadmissions@olivet.edu or call 877-465-4838.
