Richard Olsen

UNCW changed my life. When I came here as a student I was desperate to distance myself from a childhood marked by alcoholism, divorce and eventually, poverty. I met classmates and faculty that modeled the way to something different. I am honored to have been able to return as a faculty member and hopefully encourage similar transformations for my students. College is a rare and special chapter in most people's lives. Helping students navigate a world of "firsts" is a privilege and I hope I've done it well.

When not engaged in teaching, research, or service, I enjoy several hobbies. I am in a band called The Schoolboys Trio with two other faculty. I play keyboard, harmonica and vocals. I also play keys for my local church. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and biking on trails. Finally, I enjoy basketball at our Recreation Center. I am happily married to my wife Rachel who is a speaking and writing coach as well as a faculty member at UNCW. We are proud of our two children as well.

If I could be any existing superhero it's probably Spiderman. I'm more of a dog person (but don't tell our cat!) and my favorite meal is a very robust pizza or blackened steak with an appropriate red wine pairing. My Forte profile is conformist/impatient!

Education

B.A. in Liberal Arts, University of North Carolina Wilmington
M.A. in Speech Communication, The Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D. in Rhetorical Studies, Regent University

Specialization in Teaching

My teaching areas are also rather broad. I was a declared "generalist" throughout my formal education in the discipline. I have taught classes that emphasized performance skills such as public speaking and debate. I have also taught classes that focused on critical thinking such as research methods and rhetorical analysis. And I have taught courses that emphasize understanding content such as communication theory and rhetorical theory. In all of my classes we look to engage in a favorite concept of mine: praxis. How do we connect theories and principles to decisions and actions. How does theory help us in the "doing of the thing." Maya Angelou once stated: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” And I hope my classes take students down this path.

Research Interests

My research interests include rhetorical analysis of popular culture, communication and faith, communication and leadership as well as communication and teaching well. When I analyze artifacts from popular culture, I often start with the question "Why is that so popular?" and it is often the case that there is a concept from communication studies or rhetorical studies that helps answer that question. Below are some examples of my work:

Scott, J., Olsen, R. (2021). The challenges and possibilities of live children’s literary storytelling for at-risk audiences during COVID-19. Storytelling, Self, Society, 17, 97-122.

Olsen, R. (2021) Navigating transitions with Intention and Resilience. Character and . . . Transitions, 7, 69-83. [Invited].

Olsen, R., and Morgan, J. (2012) A dialectical perspective on communication and ethical reasoning for Christian communicators. Christian Scholars Review, 41, 135-146. [peer review]

Olsen, R. and Morgan, J. (2010) Desperate for redemption: Desperate Housewives as redemptive media. Journal of Popular Culture, 43, 330-347. [peer review]

Olsen, R. and Morgan, J. (2009) “Happy Holidays”: Creating common ground in the “War on Christmas.” Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 21 (3), [online, no page # approx. 9,500 words]. [peer review]

Professional Service

I enjoy service and have served on a wide range of committees. My preference is to serve locally. I have been a member of the faculty senate, student judicial board, policy committees, curriculum committees and many others. I have also served as department chair since 2007.

My strengths lie in community engagement as well. I have facilitated many communication workshops both compensated and pro bono. I consistently work with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce within their leadership development program and also work through the Swain Center and UNCW office of Continuing and Professional Education to help elevate communication in local government and the marketplace. I have also conducted workshops for the USMC and been a keynote speaker and conference session facilitator for several non-profits.

Community Engagement

See above as I often engage with area organizations as a session facilitator and my band will also work with many area organizations for their fund raising or other celebratory events.

Honors & Awards

Top Paper/Presentation Communication and Faith Conference
Ray Camp Award for Outstanding Research
Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award
Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award
Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Outstanding Faculty Award
Visiting Professor, Eastern University (summer course in popular culture)
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (two student nominations)
Visiting Professor, Eastern University (summer)
Visiting Professor, Eastern University (summer)
Elected to Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society
Graduated with “distinction” from Regent University
"Committee’s Choice: Top Four Papers in American Studies” for Drafting a new American dream: TV Logic and the 1995 NBA Draft
"Teacher of the Year" by Radford University Student Government Association
"Top Communication and Avoidance Published Article" for The Effects of Interactive Video Instruction in Coping With Speech Anxiety
Winner of Sony/T.H.E. Journal "Innovations in Multi Media" Education Division