Morgan R. Olsen's career has been filled with successes in the fields of finance and higher education. And now, he has one more honor to his name.
Olsen, Arizona State University's executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer, recently was honored with the 2018 National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Distinguished Business Officer Award. NACUBO’s most prestigious honor, the award is given to recognize outstanding professional achievement and exemplary contributions to NACUBO, and business and financial management in higher education.
Olsen's award was presented to him at NACUBO's annual meeting held July 21–24 in Long Beach, California.
“While this prestigious award is truly an honor to receive, I am most proud of being a member of an organization that focuses on how financial and business officers in higher education can elevate ideas into action,” Olsen said. “As leaders in our institutions, which play such an important role in allowing people to reach their full potential, we have a great responsibility to help ensure that American colleges and universities improve both our society and the quality of life for as many people as possible.”
Olsen came to Tempe in 2008 after serving as executive vice president and treasurer at Purdue University. He currently manages both the finances and administration of the country's largest public research university, holding responsibility for administering ASU’s $3.2 billion annual operating budget and a capital projects program exceeding $1 billion.
"Dr. Olsen is not only an accomplished executive but also a good boss who cares about his people," said Nichol Luoma, ASU associate vice president for university business services and sustainability operations officer. "He is a dynamic leader who expects his units to model ASU's charter in everything we do. We are allowed and expected to challenge the status quo, commit to continual process improvement, demonstrate exemplary customer service and ensure we are keeping the university safe while supporting innovation and informed risk-taking."
Olsen's NACUBO honor is his second major award in as many years, as he was honored by the Financial Executives International Arizona chapter with its 2017 Nonprofit CFO of the Year Award.
"This recognition from NACUBO confirms the belief of his colleagues in Business and Finance that Arizona State University has a visionary CFO providing leadership to our organization," Luoma added.
NACUBO represents the chief business and financial officers of more than 1,900 colleges and universities across the country through advocacy efforts, community service, and professional development activities. The association's mission is to advance the economic viability, business practices and support for higher education institutions in fulfillment of their missions.
Olsen served as chair of NACUBO's board of directors before joining ASU.
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