Portland State presidential candidate Dr. Kathie Olsen believes that she has the knowledge and experience to be a leader.
Olsen, who currently serves as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer for the National Science Foundation, will be on campus today to meet with the PSU community in an open campus forum to be held in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, room 355 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. She is one of three presidential hopefuls vying for the top position at Portland State.
PSU is at a critical point right now both academically and within the community, she said.
“In order for a university to stay healthy and competitive, a president must look to create cohesion, not just in the classroom, but within the community,” Olsen said. “An education needs to be one that enables you to think, be creative, innovative and step outside of that box. That’s how I look at the mind and a college-educated mind. It may sound corny, but the truth is if we don’t use it, we lose it.”
With PSU full-time faculty and administration in a dispute over professor pay, Olsen feels strongly about easing the tension between both parties.
“Whomever is elected needs to address this problem immediately,” Olsen said. “We really need to know who the students and faculty are, listen to their concerns and make enhancements where needed. If we don’t strengthen those particular aspects, more serious problems may arise.”
As one of the top advisors for the National Science Foundation (NSF), Olsen said she is experienced in dealing with internal discrepancies and proper money management, while remaining competitive and creative.
“The President of PSU needs to be a leader for the university, an active member in the community and someone who will take the necessary steps toward making those visions a reality,” she said.
Aside from her experiences in a national position, Olsen feels that her personal connection to the Portland Metropolitan also gives her an advantage. Growing up in Lake Oswego, Olsen attended Cleveland High School before moving east.
“Oregon made me different,” Olsen said. “Oregon is such a friendly place where so much of what we do is tied to our surrounding environment. I love it here and want to continue to make Portland a leader in environmental advancements.”
Last January, Olsen traveled to Antarctica for the dedication of the South Pole Station. It was her third visit. According to Olsen, the NSF has the responsibility of all the science carried out in the Antarctic.
That month, Olsen led a team of politicians into the below-freezing temperatures to show them the importance of, and the reason why the United States should want to invest in science.
“Going to the South Pole is amazing every time,” said Olsen. “But we’re really there to check in on the team of scientists who live and work there. The place is practically uninhabitable, so we want to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. A simple thank you can do a lot.”
Olsen said she is looking forward to today’s meeting with students and faculty and is excited about the opportunity to return to Oregon and the possibility of becoming PSU president.
“If elected as PSU President, I would plan on staying for a long time. My father is 93-years-old, so I’ve got some good genes,” said Olsen. “Students and faculty of PSU deserve a president who is loyal and honors their commitment.”