Rick Olsen, Professor
"The program is designed to allow students to pursue their interests and aspirations even as they navigate a well-designed course sequence. So, I would tell students to come in with a clear sense of what they want out of the program and go for it!"
Degrees Held
- Ph.D. Communication Studies — Regent University, 1997
- M.A. Speech Communication — Pennsylvania State University, 1989
- B.A. Creative Arts — UNCW, 1987
Career Highlights
AWARDS AND MERITS:
2012 — Top Paper/Presentation Communication and Faith Conference
2008 — Ray Camp Award for Outstanding Research
2007 — Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award
2007 — Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award
2006 — Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award
Numerous professional speaking events and workshops on communication skills are a great chance to demonstrate the marketplace relevancy and value of what we teach. Clients include USMC, national nonprofits and many others.
In which online programs do you teach?
M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication
What types of projects can online students expect in your course(s)?
Peer teachings and client-based projects that provide a context for improving professional communication and leadership skills.
What do you want students to learn in these courses? What is the expected learning outcome?
1. Identify business communication and collaboration challenges as applied to the practice of IMC.
2. Demonstrate self-awareness and reflectivity in utilizing course content to work effectively with classmates and clients.
3. Produce IMC deliverables for clients through processes that demonstrate mastery of business communication principles and concepts.
4. Optional: Develop and present a formal presentation for an academic conference.
Why did you start teaching?
The teachers that gave me confidence, and also required confidence from me, changed my life. So, I pursued a career in teaching because my life was changed by teachers.
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
The program is designed to allow students to pursue their interests and aspirations even as they navigate a well-designed course sequence. So, I would tell students to come in with a clear sense of what they want out of the program and go for it!
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
"How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work" by Robert Kagen and Lisa Lahey
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I've been in a band with several other professors for over 20 years. I play keyboard, harmonica and vocals.