Registrar Leslie Sullivan Keeps UO Students on Track

By Josh Moore

OLIVET, Mich. — For many students at The University of Olivet, Leslie Sullivan is one of the first people they turn to when college feels overwhelming, a role she has been in for 17 years as registrar.

Sullivan serves as the university’s registrar and veterans administration liaison, also known as the certifying official for students who receive educational benefits through the government. In that role, she oversees academic records, scheduling, and a wide range of daily operations that keep the university running.

“I process all the transcripts, I work with degree audits to make sure students are on track to graduate, I work very closely with the faculty on course offerings and permissions,” Sullivan said.

She also conducts exit surveys for students who leave the university, ensuring transcripts are processed and records are properly updated.

Sullivan describes her workload as “cyclical,” with certain times of the year demanding far more attention than others.

“The busiest times are during drop/add periods at the beginning of each semester,” she said.

Summer months are also hectic as she prepares schedules for incoming students during orientations and kickoffs. Sullivan also manages required government updates, including annual system certifications and Department of Defense renewals every five years.

Despite the demanding nature of the position, Sullivan still loves her job.

“You. The students,” she said when asked what she enjoys most about her job. “That’s why I’m still here after 17 years.”

Morgan Schaefer, a junior at Olivet, said she has worked closely with Sullivan throughout her three years at the university.

“I’m a military kid so she’s my VA representative for benefits that I get from the military. She's also been someone I can come to and ask for advice when I need it or just vent if I have something on my mind.” Schaefer said. “I think she has a great and positive impact on any student that comes across her office. She offers a lot of help with scheduling and if someone needs a shoulder to lean on, she’s there.”

Freshman Tyler Wildman also has felt a great impact from Sullivan.

“She helped me with scheduling and got me off on the right foot when I first came here. She was very helpful, and I would not have had such a successful start without her," Wildman said. “She has been one of the best resources I’ve had to help me begin college successfully. She goes above and beyond and is always checking in to see how things are going and if I need any help.”

Sullivan said her approach to the job is shaped by who she is outside the office, a perspective that influences how she works with students every day.

“I’m a mother at heart and a grandmother at heart,” she said. “I know that you can be better than you think you can.”

While Sullivan said she does not face many challenges in her role, there is one aspect of the job that weighs on her.

“It's when students don't go to school," Sullivan said. “They come here and they stay on campus, but they don't go to class. And I find that, not challenging, but disheartening. It makes me sad that they come here and they're disappointed or the sport doesn't work out that they wanted to play and they just give up.”

Sullivan continues to approach her work with care and commitment, seeing her position as more than just managing records. Through her behind-the-scenes efforts, she plays a key role in helping Olivet students move forward academically and reach their goals.