A new president, a new beginning
Olson promotes communication, transparency and no surprises

By KC Crouse · The Mainstream
Published April 26, 2011

A new face will be seen on campus Monday, May 2. He is the next UCC President, Joe Olson.

Olson was selected from a pool of candidates through a nationwide search assisted by search consultant Pamila Fisher and conducted by the UCC search committee composed of community members from both on and off campus. The committee announced Olson as the next president March 2, 2011. He will begin his three year contract on campus, exactly two months later.

The committee was looking for someone who would focus on student success and interact regularly with the campus. “When you see me walking around on campus, you can come up and talk to me. If a student has an issue, I want to know about it. Come up to me and tell me what you think,” Olson explains.

When Olson talks about his leadership style, the concepts of transparency, open communication and trust continually reoccur. He makes many comments such as “I want to create an environment where people feel respected and that is based on trust” and “You can walk in my door; I don’t want to ever put people off” or “You will never ever be surprised when I am president.”

One of the greatest concerns Oregon community colleges are currently dealing with is budget cutting. Repercussions have resulted in measures such as the $5 tuition increase, the recent fee increases, announcements about potential facility closures and budget shortfall projections. In this type of environment, Olson says he likes to be up front and honest. “I bring the reality to the people. I don’t have all the answers.” He believes the best ideas and solutions come when people are challenged and must come together to prosper.

Olson emphasizes,”You will never ever be surprised when I am president.” And he says you can take him to the grave with that one.