Kristian Olsen Appointed USU Blanding's Top Administrator

Utah State University has named Kristian J. Olsen as the associate vice president to lead its Blanding campus. Olsen comes to Blanding from USU Eastern in Price, where he has served as the director of students.

“We’re thrilled to have Kristian transition to this leadership role in Blanding. He’s been a great asset to USU Eastern for the past six years, and his experience and familiarity with the USU system will allow him to hit the ground running in Blanding,” said Larry Smith, interim vice president of USU’s Statewide Campuses. “Both President Cockett and I are very confident in Kristian’s leadership and abilities. We look forward to working with him more in this new role.”

According to Smith, Olsen’s role will be to provide leadership for staff and students; promote the innovative growth of teaching, research and supportive infrastructure; enhance and extend university and community collaboration; as well as promote advancement and fundraising.

Olsen grew up in Blanding where his father managed Edge of the Cedars state park. After graduating from San Juan High School he attended the College of Eastern Utah’s San Juan Campus (now USU Blanding), before transferring to Southern Utah University and completing a business degree. Upon graduation, Olsen served at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Stamford where he oversaw student life and activities. While there he also earned a master’s in higher education leadership.

Following his time at UCONN, Olsen worked for private businesses in Oregon and Utah providing marketing and recruiting services to higher education clients and began working for USU Eastern in 2013. In his current role, he oversees recruiting, admissions, advising, counseling, housing and all other campus student services.

“I’m honored to be chosen for this role and continue serving USU and its students, and to do so in the town where I grew up and love is a very exciting opportunity,” said Olsen on his new role. “This campus, and the communities it serves, are important to USU. I look forward to working with both the campus and the community to ensure we’re serving their needs, and providing the best university education and services in the four corners region.”

Olsen will relocate to Blanding with his wife and two children, beginning his new role August 1.