Alumni Success

Gary Stevenson received his degree in Elementary Education from MidAmerica in 1992. Following his graduation he taught fourth grade at Brougham Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas for five years.

In 1998 Gary completed a Master of Science degree at Emporia State University in School Administration and accepted the position of principal at Ridgeview Elementary School, also in Olathe.

Gary is known in the Olathe School District for the positive and creative ways he interacts with students and their parents. The summer following his acceptance of the position as principal, he made home visits to school families for the purpose of introducing himself to the parents. He continues this contact by making three phone calls to parents on his way home from school each evening. During this call he expresses to parents his appreciation for their children.

Gary has developed a welcome to school program for entering kindergarten students at Ridgeview. During a visit to each home, he presents a welcome package containing alphabet cards, magnetic letters, a book, and parent tips. He then invites the kindergarten children and their parents to the school six times during the summer for lunch and a reading activity.

While Gary misses the close connection with children experienced as a classroom teacher, he feels that, as principal, all of the students belong to him.

Gary is married to Kettrin and has two young sons, Colter and Garret. They are actively involved in College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe where he sings in the choir and with the men’s quartet. He is also on the Sunday School Ministries Council and performs each year in the Easter drama. In addition to his church activities, Gary is an active member of both the Olathe Association of Elementary School Principals and the Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals.

Reflecting on his time at MNU, Gary feels that he received a solid foundation in principles and practices of education. But, more importantly, he feels that he was cared for both spiritually and emotionally. He believes that MNU has made "a forever impact on his life" and that his time at MNU has greatly influenced his successes.