Eric Olsen retires after 25 years

After a career spanning over two decades at Utah State University, Eric Olsen, the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, retired on July 1.

Olsen received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from USU before going on to receive a doctorate in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University.

“I knew that I wanted to work in student affairs,” Olsen said. “I served as student body president here at USU and had great role models, mentors and advisers.”

Olsen returned to USU in 1998 and began his 25-year career as director of student recruitment and admissions. He had been greatly impacted by the culture at USU.

“It’s home,” Olsen said. “At a lot of universities, the student leaders are in an adversarial role towards administration, but historically at USU, it’s been a partnership, and the administration values the mature way students approach their role.”

Since then, he has served as director of student life, system vice president for student affairs and associate vice president for student affairs.

Sydney Lyman, student advocate VP, observed the impact Olsen had on students at USU.

“He maintained a presence with us as students, even though he’s an incredibly important person with tons of things to do,” Lyman said. “That’s something that I really appreciate.”

Olsen brought various initiatives aimed at enhancing student life to USU, including Aggies Think Care Act and the USU ambassador program.

The ambassador program focuses on service and leadership, and ambassadors represent and serve USU campuses and communities across the state.

“That’s one thing I’m proud of,” Olsen said. “That’s a legacy that I believe I had a hand in.”

Throughout his tenure, Olsen strived to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

“He works really hard to advocate for all different kinds of students,” Lyman said.

According to Olsen, one of the most important lessons he’s learned is to have an open mind when interacting with students and colleagues, and he hopes that will be his legacy at USU.

“You can’t judge a person by how they look,” Olsen said. “I’ve tried to treat all people with value and dignity.”

Olsen explained the biggest challenge of his career has been facing the trend of deteriorating mental health in students.

According to a 2023 study published by the Healthy Minds Network, more than 60 % of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health issue — a nearly 50 % increase since 2013.

“There is a lot of fear and uncertainty in the world,” Olsen said. “We see students that are really struggling to have hope and purpose, but we’ve got a great team that tries to connect them with resources and help provide them.”

Olsen served as an example of advocacy for those he worked with, particularly those in USUSA.

‘I’ve looked to him as an example of what an advocate should be,” Lyman said. “As somebody that’s trying to embody some of those traits and qualities, it’s been helpful to have such a good example.”

At the time of speaking with Olsen, a replacement had not been chosen. Since then, Krysten Deschamps has been named interim VP until the role is filled permanently.

Olsen expressed gratitude for his time at USU. “Utah State is a very special place,” Olsen said. “The concept of the Aggie family, I truly believe in.”