Oral history interview with Dr. Mike Sebaly, October 18, 1995
Oral history interview with Dr. Mike Sebaly conducted by Phil Denenfeld on October 18, 1995. Avis Sebaly also known as “A.L.” and “Mike” came to WMU as a student on an athletic scholarship in 1933. He discusses being recruited by Towner Smith, the campus school on East Campus in the 30s, influential professors, and social life. He graduated in 1933 and attended the University of Michigan earning a master’s degree in 1940 and a doctoral degree in 1950. He describes working as a social worker in Kalamazoo during the Depression, and teaching and coaching at the Level Park Public School System. He returned to WMU in 1945 as the Director of the Directed Teaching Center in the College of Education. He discusses WMU’s educational history, comparing rural school education to WMU’s 1950s programs, his efforts to improve teacher standards and professional development, the challenges of WMU’s transition from rural training programs to college status, the educational accreditation process, and the faculty, administration and presidents. Sebaly retired in 1985 as Professor Emeritus of Education and Professional Development after 39 years of service to the University. He passed away in 2010.