Professor Jim Olsen teaches art history, drawing and sculpture and has been at Dana since 1965. A three-time Fulbright scholar, Professor Olsen travels extensively and has an on-going involvement with the Bethisidia archeological excavation site in northern Israel. He often uses insights and visual resources gained from his world travels in his art history courses and conducts foreign travel experiences for students during the January Discovery Term.

Professor Olsen is an associate professor of art and holds an M.A. from the University of Wyoming with post-graduate study at the University of Oregon and the American University in Cairo. He continues to work as artist on commissioned projects.