On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Vice President Mike Pence visited Olivet Nazarene University for a day of faith-centered engagement and leadership discussions with students, faculty, and greater Olivet community leaders. His visit included a powerful chapel address, an intimate coffee conversation with students, and a private luncheon, each reinforcing the values of integrity, servant leadership, and faith in the public sphere.
Chapel Address & Scholarship Presentation
The morning began with a time of meaningful worship, followed by a special presentation of the inaugural Pence Endowment Scholarship for Law, awarded to graduating senior Anna Shoup, an honors student double majoring in environmental science and philosophy, with a minor in political science. Shoup is the first recipient of this annual award.
Taking the stage, Pence addressed the Olivet student body as the next generation of leaders. He encouraged them to lead with integrity and answer their calling with faith in the One who created them for such a time as this. His message on servant leadership resonated throughout a packed Hawkins Centennial Chapel, as he shared stories from his own journey in faith and politics. He concluded with a charge to students: “Aspire to be men and women of integrity. Be the kind of people this country has always relied on. But be prepared—taking a stand will bring opposition. Yet as the Bible says, ‘Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have but do so with gentleness and respect.’”
Coffee & Conversation with Students
Following chapel, Pence joined 30 students from the ONU Political Science Department and ROTC program for a casual discussion over coffee in the College Church Christian Life Center. This session provided students with the opportunity to reflect on his chapel message and ask questions as they prepare for lives in public service. READ THE STORY
During the discussion, Pence shared where he has seen the Lord at work in his career, where he’s personally found hope, and how his journey in politics has reinforced his calling as a Christian—not just in office, but also as a husband and father.
Senior Anna Shoup, the scholarship recipient, reflected on the conversation, saying, “I was really impressed today that he spoke to us about integrity, principally. He spoke to us about the moral underpinnings that are necessary in order to be a leader in public life. That is something I definitely want to take with me as I look forward to attending law school.”
Luncheon with University & Community Leaders
Pence joined Dr. Gregg and Tammy Chenoweth and key guests from the greater Olivet community for a private luncheon and discussion at the close of his visit. During this time of fellowship, attendees engaged in moderated discussion led by professor of legal studies and president of the Center for Law and Culture, Dr. Charlie Emmerich[,] and Senior Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson (Ohio’s 8th District), Zach Bohannan ’07 MA ’09[,] with a special Q&A session, providing deeper insight into Pence’s thoughts on faith-based education, leadership, and service.
Reflecting on Olivet’s mission, Pence remarked, “Olivet is known as a principled Christian university around the country, and I commend you all for that.”
His visit served as a meaningful encouragement to students, faculty, staff, and community guests alike, reinforcing Olivet’s commitment to raising up faith-driven leaders who seek to impact the world with integrity and purpose.
To watch the Chapel Service, click here.
To read the Chapel News story, click here.
To learn more about Olivet’s Department of History and Political Science and the Center for Law and Culture, visit olivet.edu/academics.
