Onward: An interview with Cari Olson

By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director

MINOT, N.D. - If you are not sure who Cari Olson is, just take a peek around your desk, find some data, and you've been introduced to Minot State University's director of institutional research.

Olson, who has been associated with Minot State for the past 25 years as a student, a member of the Rural Crime and Justice Center (RCJC), and institutional research, is the sole member of the IR department. If a data packet is close, Olson most likely did the work to get it there.

As the go-to for all things research on campus, Olson serves on almost every committee and has been a key part of MSU's Staff Senate and Title IX, serving as a coordinator and hearing chair.

Minot State Communications followed the data right to Olson's door (newly moved across the hall to the south side of the Administration Building's third floor) to learn more about her time at MSU.

You are currently a department of one as the University's institutional researcher, how long have you been in that position and what is an overall summary of what an institutional researcher does?
CO: I started in 2008 as the Institutional Projects Coordinator; in that role, I was in charge of all institutional data reporting as well as new faculty orientation, staff orientation handbook, edits of the Faculty Handbook, and various other projects as assigned by the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). In 2010, the then-director of Institutional Research left the position, and I was promoted to director of IR. The IR office is tasked with reporting institutional data to the Integrated Postsecondary Education System (IPEDS) throughout the year, responding to various data requests from departments, faculty, and staff, and reporting on numerous data collection sites throughout the year. I also administer annual surveys such as the Staff Satisfaction and Faculty Satisfaction surveys. Most days are kept busy answering various data requests for the campus.

What were some of the reasons you chose to work in this field?
CO: Even though my previous background was not directly related to institutional research, I possessed transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills that proved to be valuable as I started in IR. What attracted me to the position was first, it was a full-time permanent position. I had been working for RCJC full time, but my employment was based on grant funding. Secondly, the position offered the opportunity to solve complex problems, analyze trends, and provide insights that could influence decision-making, which I found appealing.

Is there a project or work you've done that you feel stands out as a highlight from your time in IR?
CO: Being the data person for the institution gets you invited to many meetings. At one time I sat on 14 different committees for the campus. I enjoy being a part of each of them and working on solutions to each committee's questions with the use of data. Over the years, I have enjoyed working on the strategic plan and the strategic planning and budget committee the most. Being an office of one, I enjoy working on these committees because it allows me to work alongside others, which I enjoy the most!

This isn't your first position with MSU. Tell us about what other departments you've worked in, a little about what you did in those departments, and a highlight from your time in each.
CO: In 2001, I started my employment at MSU as a research associate for what would eventually be called the Rural Crime and Justice Center. I worked on several grants within RCJC, including the Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative, which incorporated research and data analysis on violent crime and provided reduction initiatives. In 2004, I was given a one-year fellowship at the Federal Law Enforcement Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. At FLETC, I was a research associate for the State and Local Programs Office where I traveled throughout the US attending law enforcement training programs and assessing them. I met so many interesting active and retired law enforcement officers from all over the United States that I am still in touch with today.

During my time at FLETC, I was also asked to develop a promotional video for a new training program that the State and Local Programs Office was launching. The video was to highlight officers who exercised due diligence leading to an arrest of a criminal. I researched law enforcement stories and identified a local, a state, and a federal case to be highlighted in the video. The federal case chosen for the video was the arresting officer of Timothy McVeigh. I flew to Oklahoma to interview Trooper Charlie Hanger. We hired actors and reenacted the arrest and transport of McVeigh to the small county jail where he sat awaiting his initial appearance for a concealed weapons charge before law enforcement realized that he was a suspect in the bombing of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building. It was such a cool experience and one that I will never forget.

Once I completed my one-year fellowship I returned to MSU and RCJC and began work on the Rural Methamphetamine Awareness Project. Under this project, I traveled across the state of North Dakota conducting awareness presentations on methamphetamine in schools, communities, and businesses. I have so many fond memories of working for RCJC. Many of my coworkers became lifelong friends.

Beyond your time in IR, you've been involved in MSU Staff Senate; tell us about how that experience went and is there something you are most proud of from your time with Staff Senate?
CO: I worked at MSU for several years before I served on Staff Senate. Serving on Staff Senate is such a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to meet so many great staff, but serving on the High Five Award Committee was so much fun! I also served on the Staff Satisfaction Survey Committee for years and really enjoyed working with fellow staff on proposing initiatives that would improve overall staff satisfaction. Staff Senate does so much for our staff, and I was proud to serve the years I did.

You earned your undergrad degree at Minot State in criminal justice, what were some of the factors in your choosing to come to MSU for your academic career?
CO: I was recruited to play basketball at a couple of junior colleges in the state, but I knew I wanted to pursue a major in criminal justice and none of those colleges had a CJ program at the time. MSU had the most reputable CJ program, and it was a bonus that is was close to home. I had established connections at the Ward County jail and going to MSU allowed me to work full-time at the jail as a corrections officer while pursuing my bachelor's degree. It was a win…win!

Since earning that degree, you've evolved into this position that isn't criminal justice, but how do you think your time as a student has helped you in your current role?
CO: My time as an undergraduate and graduate student at MSU paved the way for so many opportunities. I began my employment with RCJC doing CJ-related research and moved into the IR position doing institutional research. I believe my education prepared me for both roles in research, and I am very appreciative to have obtained the education I did.

What do you like to do outside of the University: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest?
CO: I have been married to my high school classmate, Cory, for 22 years. We have two adult children, Kayli, who just completed her degree in management from MSU, and Rylan, who is attending and playing basketball at Williston State College. Then there is the baby of the family, our little Maltipoo, Mildred, aka Millie. She is spoiled beyond compare and is my little sidekick. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, golfing, traveling, and spending as much time at the lake as possible.

Is there anything we are missing in telling your story?
CO: I was accepted into the Peace Officers Training Program at Lake Region State College during my sophomore year at MSU, so I left MSU for a semester to attend the academy. Upon graduating from the academy, I was hired by FEMA as a head security guard for the FEMA personnel in Grand Forks following the flood of 1997.

I also worked as a municipal judge for the City of Burlington, my hometown. One of my many duties as a Judge was to act as a Justice of the Peace. During my judgeship, I performed approximately 20 weddings. I once officiated a Star Wars-themed wedding… it was a cool experience.

At MSU, I serve as a deputy Title IX coordinator and hearing chair. I started in 2010 as a Title IX Investigator and, under the new regulations, moved to hearing chair. If a Title IX complaint goes to a hearing, my role is to evaluate all evidence for relevance, facilitate all questioning, rule on questions, and ensure that advisors observe proper decorum and follow hearing rules.

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 08/08/24

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