Chase Olsen, academic advisor in natural resource ecology and management, is the recipient of the staff 2026 Early Achievement in Advising Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. His goal is to have students develop lifelong skills that will continue to lead them toward personal and professional success.
Olsen advises first- and second-year students in the wildlife and fisheries conservation and ecology major, coordinates learning communities and leads departmental events that foster belonging and success. He encourages students to take ownership of their education and, more broadly, the learning they will experience throughout life. This involves providing clear and accurate expectations while providing the support they need to make informed decisions. Olsen believes instructors prepare their students for the professional world by giving them knowledge and skills. Advisors prepare their students for the professional world by giving them the opportunity to make their own choices.
"Chase provides a supportive environment through advising, helping each student find their pathway to personal and academic success," stated a colleague. "He is an effective and integral member of our student services team, enabling our 89.3% first-year student retention rate."