The Historian Who Will Guide NMU's Future

Newly appointed Northern Michigan University President Chris Olsen has clearly been influenced by his dad, Richard (R.D.), professionally and personally. Both men developed an avid interest in history, though they specialized in different eras. Richard gravitated toward the early 20th-century from WWI to WWII, while Chris pursued 19th-century U.S. politics.

"For political historians, the Antebellum Period from roughly the 1820s to the 1850s was a really formative period," he said during a recent phone interview. "It was the beginning of modern electoral politics-the first national parties, the vast expansion of voting, campaigns, kissing babies, and other aspects that I've always found fascinating. I study things like the beginning of printed ballots and what the nuts-and-bolts process of election day looked like back then."

Both Olsen and his dad also served as history educators-Richard as a longtime high school teacher who later taught college courses, and Chris as a faculty member at several universities.

"When my dad taught at the high school, my mom worked part time in elementary school libraries because there were four kids in our family," said Chris. "It's not like we had a lot of money, but we did travel when we could, and that usually revolved around a history component. At one point, my dad completed a one-year teaching exchange in England. I was too young to remember, but we went back to visit friends there when I was older and I could really appreciate it."

The common interests of father and son spilled into personal life as well. Fueled by a passion for old cars, one of their most cherished joint projects was restoring a 1971 MG BGT, which Olsen acquired at 14 and drove from high school through college. It remains a favorite in the "smallish" collection of cars he tries to maintain. He said he still enjoys driving them, but no longer does much restoration work because of his busy career in higher education.

The demands on Olsen's schedule are likely to increase more when he assumes the NMU presidency Jan. 1. He said he is excited to get started in the new role, after serving as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Indiana State University, and anticipates it will be an ideal time to arrive on campus.

"It is unbelievably appealing in the sense that NMU is on such a solid trajectory," he said. "The university is financially very sound, on a consistent enrollment track, and has a wonderful history. There's no crisis to contend with, and no list of things that require immediate 'fixing." Starting in the middle of an academic year is also an advantage because I'll have an opportunity to listen to as many people as possible, learn about the university, and be more thoughtful in my decision-making moving forward.

"I feel like I'm starting from a position of strength in the sense that I've been able to be involved in so many parts of an institution that is surprisingly similar to Northern. Each is obviously unique in some ways, but there is definitely common ground."

One similarity is that both are regional comprehensive universities. Olsen said he has a deep respect for the mission of such institutions, which Northern effectively demonstrates.

"We provide greater access and opportunity on multiple levels," he says. "Whether it's students who didn't thrive in high school due to personal challenges or other factors, or high-achieving students who want early leadership and research experiences that are typically offered only to graduate students, NMU gives them that chance."

Olsen earned his bachelor's degree in history from North Dakota State University, followed by a master's and doctorate in U.S. history from the University of Nebraska and the University of Florida, respectively. Despite all of his administrative experience, he still operates on instinct when it comes to leadership.

"I don't read leadership theory books," he admits. "I just try to be honest, fair and transparent. One of my mentors once told me, 'Don't tell people what they want to hear just to get them out of your office.' I've always tried to live by that. In my career, I've had the chance to oversee everything from enrollment management and financial aid to IT and student affairs. That holistic view of student success-academically and beyond-has shaped how I lead."

In his relatively limited free time, Olsen is an avid reader and also enjoys golf, hiking and travel. He and his wife, Jennifer, are already embracing the move north. Chris said Marquette reminds him of his hometown of Fargo, N.D., before its population swelled. Fargo is colder, but gets less snowfall, he added. Jennifer grew up in rural Florida, but has developed a love for the Great Lakes over their years living in the Midwest.

"I can't convey how thrilled Jenn is that we'll be living near the greatest of those lakes, Superior," he said. "There are a lot of exciting things to do in Marquette, and yet it's not overwhelming. It's a fast and easy trip from the city to the wilderness, which is appealing. And everyone we've met has been incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic. We're truly excited to be part of this community."

The couple raised three children-Emma (25), Charlotte (23), and Ross (20)-and are longtime dog lovers. They currently share their home with two senior dogs: a German Shepherd and a small Bichon Frise, and are also temporarily caring for their daughter's cat while she attends grad school in Canada. Olsen also is grateful for the support he's always gotten from his three older sisters, Catherine, Elizabeth and Conny, and these days his mother-in-law, Janet Ross, who will also be moving to Marquette.

The NMU Board of Trustees unanimously approved Olsen's appointment as the university's 19th president at a special meeting Oct. 16. On-campus events to welcome him will be announced in the coming months.