NCID-3253
Elizabeth Olson
Associate Dean of DEI
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Education/Degree:
1 Human Development & Family Science Human Development & Family Science (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
About
Elizabeth Olson joined the College of ACES at IL as the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in January 2024. In this role, she is charged with creating equitable policies and inclusive initiatives that support the diverse students, faculty, and staff in the college. With a background in social work and family and community development, her focus is on enhancing contextual factors that support the well-being of diverse communities and creating more equitable access to higher education.
Current Work
Historically, Dr. Olson's research has focused on sexual minority populations (i.e. people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or otherwise queer (LGBQ)), often in the context of work. She is specifically interested in understanding the contextual factors that support or inhibit the well-being of LGBQ employees, with the goal of enhancing supports to limit health disparities. In her new position as Associate Dean for DEI, Dr. Olson has expanded her populations of interest to include more historically marginalized folks in the context of higher education. Her focus on increasing access, supportive resources, and equitable policies remains.
Research Area Keyword(s)
LGBTQ+, critical theories, Feminist scholarship, antiracism