Olson appointed interim chair of the Department of Physiology
Lawrence “Karl” Olson has been named interim chair for Michigan State University Department of Physiology. The associate professor succeeds Charles “Lee” Cox, who recently accepted a new role as the Research Integrity Officer for MSU.
“It’s one of the most meaningful things ever to have your own colleagues and department select you,” Olson said. “It’s the most tickled I’ve been in 25 years.”
Olson earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He joined the faculty at MSU’s Department of Physiology in 1995. In 2020, he was appointed as the Director of the Undergraduate Program. During his time in the department, Olson has worked under four different chairs (two interim and two permanent).
When Cox stepped down as department chair last month, Olson said being the interim chair wasn’t necessarily a role he sought after.
“It wasn’t something I was looking for, but I was prepared to do it,” Olson said. “I’ve developed a number of relationships over the past 25 years in the department, at the college and at the university that puts me in a good position to lead through this transition.”
Aron Sousa, dean of MSU's College of Human Medicine, said he's delighted to have Olson take on the role of interim chair.
"I have been struck by the remarkable support he has in the department and his long-standing work in the lab," said Sousa adding that the role of chair is the hardest job in the university. "His leadership of educational programs will serve him well in the role."
Michelle Mazei-Robison, associate chair of MSU’s Department of Physiology, agree that Olson was the right choice, too.
“Dr. Olson is well respected within the department and has strong relationships with both faculty and staff that will facilitate his quick transition into this new expanded role,” said Mazei-Robison who helped lead the search committee. “He is a dedicated instructor and researcher and will be a strong advocate for the department’s educational and research interests at the college and university level.”
Olson said his immediate goals will be to provide stability during the transition stage and fill the position of department chair as soon as possible.
“It needs to be someone who will be able to lead this department for a decade and strengthen it," Olson said. "In the meantime, it will be important for me to provide a work life balance for the faculty and staff. We need to be prepared for opportunities that arise so we will be in a position to grow.”
While Olson says he’s excited for his new role, the fitness enthusiast admits that time management will be an issue.
“Exercising and working out is one of my passions,” said Olson who rides his bike to work daily. “It’s something I value and won’t give up. So, the question is how do you balance your outside interest with the needs of the department? How can I still do me and do a good job here? I’m sure I can find that balance but it’s still going to be difficult doing so.”
And as for whether the husband and father of two adult sons will continue to ride his bike to work?
“I will until the snow comes,” Olson said. “But if it takes me 15 minutes to drive and park my car and only 12 minutes on my bike? We’ll see if I need a car.”
By: Tyler Lee
Banner image: Olson said he's excited to see the success of the department faulty as interim chair. "We have a couple of faculty up for tenure and promotion fairly soon," he said. "Seeing them cross the line will be rewarding." Photo credit: Harley Seeley
