Dr. Mark D. Olson

PhD in Social Work

Alumni Dr. Mark D. Olson

Dr. Mark D. Olson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Illinois State University. Dr. Olson received his Ph.D. from Barry University in 2007. His research interests include predictors of student self-efficacy, particularly related to complex issues and systems such as the military and multigenerational family systems. Dr. Olson served as co-PI for a project funded by the Hartford Foundation to integrate gerontology content into social work curriculum, and helped develop an online veteran studies program funded through a grant by the Department of Education. He recently participated in an interdisciplinary study that brought together paramedic and social work students in simulation training labs to assess clinical skills and students’ ability to collaborate with other disciplines.

Dr. Olson has published articles in Educational Gerontology, Military Behavioral Health Journal, and the Forum on Public Policy. In 2014 he published “Exploring the Ethical Dilemma of Integrating Social Work Values and Military Social Work Practice” in the journal Social Work. Dr. Olson serves as consultant for the Military and Family Life program, providing education and counseling to veterans and their families through a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Dr. Olson has taught courses in research foundations, program evaluation, and clinical practice at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He was voted Social Work Educator of the Year by the Northwest Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 2011, and received Special Congressional Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by U.S. Congressman, Jeff Miller.

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