Olson discusses ‘non-traditional’ candidacy at forum

A near-capacity audience of about 140 faculty, staff, students and community members gathered in the 1965 Room of the University Union this morning (Friday, Dec. 5) for the first of four individual presentations by candidates to become UW-Green Bay’s next chancellor.

Thomas L. Olson

Thomas L. Olson made an introductory statement and then responded to questions during the 60-minute session.

Olson said he was “humbled and honored to be selected as a finalist.” He opened by addressing the “non-traditional” nature of his candidacy — having spent most of his professional life in law and industry — and went on to share thoughts about the institution and the challenges ahead.

Olson is the former president and CEO of U.S. Paper Mills in De Pere, and a practicing attorney in Green Bay. He serves on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, and has been an active supporter of UW-Green Bay through service as president of the Founders Association, a member of the Chancellor’s Council of Trustees, and co-chair of the Campaign for UW-Green Bay.

The second open forum is scheduled for Monday (Dec. 8), also at 11 a.m. in the 1965 Room. The candidate will be Michael Renner, former provost and vice president for academic affairs for Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.