AU’s Shively to Retire After More Than 35 Years of Teaching
By Emmalee Strait
“My time at Anderson University has been a very fulfilling experience,” said Dr. Fred Shively, professor of religion and a 1961 graduate of AU. “I love to teach, and it has been a big joy in my life. I am excited to see how God will use me next, but I will miss the reward of getting to work closely with such great group of students.”
This month, Shively will retire from his full-time teaching responsibilities in the Department of Religious Studies. He first joined the AU faculty in 1974 when he was recruited to assist a seminary committee. During this time, he was invited to teach at the undergraduate level. Since then, he has taught several courses including many introductory Bible and religion courses, a first year Greek course, and the New Testament faith for life course which he helped develop. Shively is also a faculty advisor for the Anderson University Center for Ministry Education (AUCME).
During his tenure at Anderson University, Shively integrated teaching and service through several volunteer and committee ventures. Throughout his career, he has served on the Anderson University Board of Trustees, the Church of God Commission on Higher Education, the Urban League Board in Anderson, and several other organizations. Shively has been the pastor of three congregations and has been an interim pastor in 21 congregations. He has also been a dedicated volunteer at The Christian Center in Anderson since 1955.
In the AU community, Shively’s passion for service is evident through his extensive involvement with the Tri-S program. “One of my favorite service-oriented experiences was having led nearly 70 Tri-S cross-cultural trips with students,” said Shively. “Getting to work with the students on their level and seeing their desire to go outside their comfort zones to serve others really shows the heart of AU.”
While Shively begins his transition into retirement, he does not intend to completely stop teaching. He plans to continue his calling to teach and to mentor young pastors. He also plans to edit and author books in which he can share his experiences.
“He loves to be around people,” said Kay Shively, Fred’s wife and current professor of writing at AU. “He simply has a passion to share the Gospel and good news of God as it is personalized in Jesus. He loves teaching Bible courses and helping prepare individuals for a life in ministry. I don’t ever foresee him not teaching and helping people in that way.”
Dr. Shively plans to continue teaching the summer Greek course. He also wishes to continue leading Tri-S groups. Aside from these endeavors, he wants to learn to play a new instrument —other than the piano, which already plays. Shively also plans to stay active singing and ringing hand-bells in the Park Place Church of God choir with his wife. Finally, Shively intends to travel more often to Connecticut and California, where his four grandchildren live.
“I look forward to the next chapter of my life and spending more time with my wife, Kay, my two sons, my daughters-in-law, and my grandchildren,” said Shively. “I also look forward to seeing what ways God will use my talents and abilities for His purpose. I have so enjoyed my rewarding time spent at AU in sharing with students and faculty, and there are so many relationships that I hold dearly. AU will always continue to be a place of special meaning to me.”
Click here to watch a video (on Vimeo) about Dr. Fred Shively’s career.
Emmalee Strait is a senior from Anderson University, majoring in communication arts and minoring in marketing. Emmalee is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.
Anderson University is a private Christian university of about 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, music, nursing, and theology.
