Faculty Profile
Susan Kay Olson, Ph.D.
Dr. Susan Olson is a full-time faculty member for Mesa Community College, but also finds the time to teach for NAU through the Connection partnership. Susan’s focus is expanding educational and career connection opportunities for students in two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities. A current faculty member for the Maricopa County Community College District and Northern Arizona University, Susan has also taught for the University of Arizona, California State University Long Beach, the University of Phoenix, Western International University, Loyola Marymount University and Arizona State University.
MCC
Currently, Susan is the Chair of the Communication, Theatre Arts and Film Department at Mesa Community College. Susan created the Careers in Communication program; initiated Sigma Chi Eta, the student Honor Society through the National Communication Association; developed MCC’s organizational communication and introductory research courses; and published her third book, a student handbook for the research course. Involving students in the writing of this book reflects Susan’s approach to expanding educational and career opportunities for students.
NAU
Susan joined Northern Arizona University to share her enthusiasm for organizational communication with students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BAiLS) program (her Ph.D. is in organizational communication and development).
In addition to teaching classes for the BAiLS program in organizational communication, Susan also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses for public service employees enrolled in NAU’s 90/30 degree program in public management. A champion for the NAU/MCCCD partnership, Susan shared the NAU option with many MCC students interested in developing their undergraduate and graduate degree options, as an affordable choice that doesn’t compromise quality.
Success Stories
Success stories emerge each year. One of the students Susan worked with early in her NAU teaching experience began in the research course at MCC, expressed a passion for the field, and is now a co-author of the above-mentioned research text. He holds a master’s degree in the field, taught at the community college, and is now earning a doctoral degree. Another NAU graduate connects communication students and faculty with one of the leading private colleges in the Phoenix area. Another program graduate directs college events for MCC’s Institutional Advancement division. Yet another has been offered a full time faculty position while earning her Ph.D. in communication at a highly competitive university; this fall she will present her published research at the National Communication Association.
Benefits of 90/30
With changes in our economy and technology, new options for today’s student are constantly emerging. NAU’s 90/30 program is one of the strongest student options. At a time when traditional four year schools are experiencing budget cuts, tuition increases, and increased class size, the 90/30 option is an intelligent choice. Unlike other options, NAU’s 90/30 option lowers tuition costs for students as they complete 90 units at the community college, and it also provides a quality education and a recognizable degree from a competitive university.