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July 2010
Dr. Jody King Olsen
Beta Nu, University of UtahA ten minute speech by a Peace Corps Returned Volunteer—featured during an Alpha Chi Omega dinner at the University of Utah—changed Jody’s life, one quiet day at a time. Now, many countries, cultures, and crises later, she understands the individual strength and leadership that comes from the challenges experienced when living and serving internationally, and shares how it broadens our skills for service here in the United States.
A professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, she served as Deputy Director and then Acting Director of the Peace Corps between 2001-09. Dr. Olsen's career at the Peace Corps began as a volunteer in Tunisia from 1966 to 1968, teaching English and developing community health programs. In 1979, she was country director for the Peace Corps' mission in Togo. In 1981, Dr. Olsen served as regional director for the Peace Corps, managing operations in 17 countries throughout North Africa, Near East, Asia, and the Pacific. From 1989 to 1992, Dr. Olsen was the chief of staff for the Peace Corps. During this time, the agency expanded into 25 new countries. Prior to becoming Deputy Director, Dr. Olsen was the senior vice president at the Academy for Educational Development (AED). From 1992 to 1997, she served as executive director for the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), the organization responsible for managing the Fulbright Senior Scholar Program.
Dr. Olsen has traveled to more than 90 countries around the world and is a tireless advocate for the mission of the Peace Corps and the work of volunteers. She is a former president of the University of Maryland Alumni Association and remains active in alumni affairs. Dr. Olsen holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Utah where she was initiated into Alpha Chi Omega; a master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland; and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland's College of Education.
Dr. Olsen has received numerous awards for her leadership and public service including: an Honorary Doctorate in International Sustainable Development from Michigan Technological University, the Alumni of the Year Award from the University of Utah; the Alumni of the Year Award and Alumni Hall of Fame distinction from the University of Maryland’s College of Education; and the Marita Houlihan Award (for outstanding efforts and commitment to fostering international exchange) from NAFSA, the Association for International Educators.
Dr. Olsen was the keynote speaker at the 2010 National Convention, presenting "International Volunteering: What It Teaches Us About Service at Home." She was also a 2010 Alpha Chi Omega Award of Achievement honoree.
Why she’s real:
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I am a restless adventurer; particularly traveling to other countries.
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Why she’s strong:
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I keep a focus on what I feel passionate about, particularly encouraging young people to experience other cultures.
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Not on her resume:
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I love creating room interiors; working with relationships among color, space, wall hangings, and furniture.
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Favorite quote:
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Stories are the essence of who we are as individuals. Thus my favorite quote is from the book Anthills, by Chinua Achebe
The sounding of the battle-drum is important; the fierce waging of the war itself is important; and the telling of the story afterwards-each is important in its own way. I tell you there is not one of them we could do without. But if you ask me which of them take the eagle-feather, I will say boldly: the story…
But why do I say that the story is chief among his fellows? Because only the story can continue beyond the war and the warrior. It is the story that outlives the sound of war-drums and the exploits of brave fighters. It is the story, not the others that saves our progeny from blundering like blind beggars into the spikes of the cactus fence. The story is our escort; without it, we are blind. Does the blind man own his escort? No, neither do we the story; rather it is the story that owns us and directs us. It is the thing that makes us different from cattle; it is the mark on the face that sets one people apart from their neighbors…
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Would like to dine with:
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William Shakespeare. I want to know how he understood human passions, their weaknesses and ultimate strenghs, and how he could express them so perfectly through the ultimate form of story telling.
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Favorite books:
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
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Most proud of:
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My two children and their families and helping Peace Corps begin programs in six Central and Eastern European countries following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
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