Here, at one of the nation's premier Christian universities, we believe higher education should have a higher purpose.
With accredited programs, award-winning academics, and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet stands committed to integrating faith and learning.
Nestled in the historic village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Olivet students gain knowledge and wisdom, and secure degrees that place them ahead of the pack, with portfolios and experience as evidence of an “Education with a Christian purpose.”
- Founded:
- 1907
- Location:
- Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Campus:
- 275 acres of beautiful, park-like grounds
- Facilities:
- Leading-edge technology and historic landmarks
- Students:
- 4,900+ (2,900 undergraduate) students
- Academics:
- More than 140 fields of study Alumni: 40,000+ worldwide
- Degrees:
- Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees
John Carl Bowling has been the president of Olivet Nazarene University since 1991. Under his leadership, the University has flourished, as evidenced by record enrollments, new buildings, expanded degree programs, increased academic standards, improved athletic programs, extraordinary morale among staff and students, and more.
Olivet Nazarene University traces its roots to 1907, beginning in Miss Mary Nesbitt's grammar school in a house in Georgetown, Illinois. In 1908, the school's founders acquired 14 acres in the village of Olivet, and moved the grammar school to the proposed campus and a Wesleyan–holiness community developed around it.
In 1909, the liberal arts college was chartered and named Illinois Holiness University, with A. M. Hills from Texas Holiness University as its first president. It was then given to the Church of the Nazarene in 1912, with E. F. Walker as president, it was renamed Olivet University in 1915.
In 1939, the main building on the southern Illinois campus was destroyed by fire, and prompted the school to move onto the previous campus of St. Viator's College, in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The school's name was changed in 1986 to Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), to express the advanced academic offerings.
At Olivet Nazarene University, students experience the warmth, faith and strong sense of purpose that is characteristic of our parent denomination — the International Church of the Nazarene.
The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant, Christian denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the Church of the Nazarene is now home to more than two million members worshiping in more than 26,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
College Church of the Nazarene, founded in 1949, sits at the campus entrance where many community members choose to worship. More than 40 different denominations are represented among the student body, and students are encouraged to attend the church of their choice.
At Olivet, learning and faith go hand in hand. The University affirms that all truth is God’s truth, and therefore, cannot be segmented into secular and non-secular categories and departments.
Our very own award-winning Olivet The Magazine features articles from outstanding writers and first-person accounts from students, alumni and friends. Published quarterly, the magazine also includes inspirational words from university president, Dr. John C. Bowling.
Our faculty team is equipped with some of the best leaders in the industry. With most of them holding the title of adjunct professor for Olivet, this means that they are still working in their respected field and are able to bring real life examples to the classroom.
Olivet Nazarene University offers student support to help with any questions a student might have during their program. If you are currently enrolled in an Olivet program, you can reach the student support staff at 877.4.OLIVET (877.465.4838) or email onlineadvising@olivet.edu. The general hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.
Students can access many resources through Olivet’s portal located at my.olivet.edu.
Main Campus
One University Avenue | Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Chicago Regional Center
3601 Algonquin Road | Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Oak Brook Regional Center
2809 Butterfield Road | Oak Brook, IL 60523
Indianapolis Regional Center
7302 Woodland Drive | Indianapolis, IN 46278
Grand Rapids Regional Center
625 Kenmoor Avenue SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546