Susan Wolff

Susan Wolff’s journey at Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) began as a student, where she embraced numerous leadership opportunities that helped shape her career. As a senior and resident assistant at McClain Hall, she had a pivotal encounter with John Mongerson, the director of admissions. “He began talking with me about staying at ONU and becoming an admissions counselor,” Susan recalls. “That was so meaningful to me as a student, that someone saw my potential and sought me out.” That moment set the stage for a lifelong connection with ONU.

During her years as a student, Susan was deeply involved in campus life. She served on Student Council, directed the Women’s Residence Association (WRA), chaired several campus events, and built lasting friendships. “At ONU, I started developing into who I am now,” she reflects. “I found my interests and began a career journey much different than what I had originally planned.”

Her dedication to ONU continued long after graduation. Over the past 30 years, Susan has served in multiple roles, each preparing her for her current position as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement in the Office of Development. In this capacity, she supports development officers as they engage with alumni and friends of the University, ensuring they catch the spirit of ONU’s dreams and plans. She provides them with the necessary resources and serves as a liaison between the development team and University President Gregg Chenoweth. One of her greatest aspirations is to engage younger alumni in philanthropy and encourage them to give back to the University.

In addition to her administrative role, Professor Wolff has been a vital part of ONU’s Department of Communication since January 2018, when she was invited to fill a gap in the faculty. Since then, she has become an indispensable Public Relations professor, serving as the faculty advisor for the Inspired Strategies Agency, a fullservice strategic communication agency where students apply classroom knowledge to real-world organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and campus entities. She also teaches the PR capstone courses, including Research Methods and Strategy and Implementation.

Susan’s impact extends beyond her professional responsibilities—she invests in the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom. She takes the time to listen to their stories, pray with them, and guide them as they navigate the next steps in their lives and careers. “In the classroom, I hear students’ stories about how ONU professors have taken time to talk with them, pray with them, and model for them what Education with a Christian Purpose really means,” she shares. “I help them navigate the next steps in their lives and careers. I enjoy welcoming them into my home and showing them, I truly care about them.”

Susan and her husband, George, have two sons. Their eldest, Britten, is married to Olivet alumnus Emma Kunz, and they live in Chicago. Their youngest, Emmet, is finishing his degree while serving what she proudly calls the best coffee in Kankakee County.

With her dedication to students, alumni, and the mission of ONU, Susan Wolff continues to be a guiding force in the lives of many, ensuring that the spirit of Olivet lives on in each generation.

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