May 18, 2021
Since 2003, Dr. Olson has served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., providing leadership for 15 departments and 140 student affairs staff. Throughout his 35-year career in higher education, Dr. Olson has been an adjunct faculty member, most recently teaching in the higher education administration program and School of Nursing and Health Studies at Georgetown.
“Dr. Olson’s commitment to students and passion for the Sisters of Mercy’s critical concerns align perfectly with our Mercy values and long-standing tradition of compassionate service,” said Charlie Rohde, chair of Mount Mercy’s Board of Trustees. “We are delighted to have Dr. Olson join our community, and we appreciate his deep experience in higher education administration.”
Dr. Olson’s commitment to students and passion for the Sisters of Mercy’s critical concerns align perfectly with our Mercy values and long-standing tradition of compassionate service.
At Georgetown, Dr. Olson led the creation of the Healey Family Student Center and played a major role in Georgetown’s new residential facilities. He has been active in campus planning efforts; policy revisions related to alcohol, sexual assault and bias reporting; and developing new programs linking academic and co-curricular life. Dr. Olson has co-authored articles on entrepreneurial leadership and curriculum infusion, and recently authored a book chapter on dealing with controversial speakers and events in a Catholic context.
“I am enthused about the opportunity to provide leadership at this wonderful university,” said Dr. Olson. “Mount Mercy's deep commitment to students, vibrant academic programs, and Catholic and Mercy mission are all inspiring to me. I see tremendous strength and tremendous promise at Mount Mercy, and I look forward to working with everyone at the university to live out this mission in the years ahead.”
I see tremendous strength and tremendous promise at Mount Mercy, and I look forward to working with everyone at the university to live out this mission in the years ahead.
A Minnesota native, Dr. Olson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris and went on to receive his master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of Kansas. He earned his PhD in higher education from the University of Denver, where he also worked in a variety of positions and was one of the founders of the Pioneer Leadership Program, a signature academic and residential learning program.
He served for 10 years as a member of the Policy Committee for the Patriot League athletic conference, and recently served a two-year term as chair of the James E. Scott Academy within NASPA, a leading national student affairs association.
Dr. Olson and his wife, Regina, are the parents of three children.