Randal Van Dyke
Olivet High School Principal

Educational Background

High School Diploma:  Olivet High School 1968
Undergraduate Education:  Bachelor of Arts-Major in Philosophy (1974)
Major in Social Studies, Minor in English, teaching certification, Olivet College 1975
Graduate Education:  Masters of Art in Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University, 2004

Professional Background

After graduating from Olivet High School in 1968, I attended Olivet College for the fall semester of that year.  In June of 1969 I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years of active duty and was released in 1971.  I returned to Olivet College and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.  I attended Olivet College again in 1975 and attained my secondary teaching certification.  In June 1976, I attended and completed Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant in August 1976.  I remained on active duty and retired on 1 June 1995.  Upon retirement, I returned to a teaching position at Olivet High School until August of 2003 at which time I became the high school principal.  

Serving in the Marine Corps, both as enlisted and as an officer, provided me many opportunities and experiences.  I was able to experience travel around the world and attend several advanced schools, to include Amphibious Warfare School and Command and Staff College.  Since my return to Olivet, I have built a home on the family farm and continue to enjoy and reside in this community.  The opportunity to again serve the community is a commitment in which I take great pride.  I truly believe this is a community who is passionate about education, to include academics, athletics, fine arts and values.  The support that is demonstrated here in all capacities is outstanding.  Olivet High School is a place where I look forward to coming to work each day—a place where the support staff, faculty and student body are positive and proud.  I want to continue the tradition of excellence that exists here and help to move Olivet High School to the next level.

Personal Background

My wife, Lynnette, and I have been married for thirty-five years.  She also is an Olivet High School graduate, class of 1969.  We have two grown children; our daughter is married and has given us our first granddaughter.  Our son is currently completing his undergraduate degree.  I am proud that our family has had four generations graduate from Olivet—my grandfather in 1918, my father in 1942, myself in 1968 and my son in 1996.  In my free time I enjoy hunting and golf. 

The Mission of Olivet High School

The mission statement of Olivet High School is “To create a positive, proud, comfortable place where students choose to develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed both in school and throughout life”.  I believe we have and will continue to provide all students attending Olivet with an atmosphere that is positive, proud and comfortable.  The choices afforded the students at Olivet are quite extensive and varied considering the size of our school.  When students who attend Olivet elect to excel and experience the opportunities afforded them while here, I feel extremely comfortable they will have a well-grounded education and experience that will serve them well in the years to come.