Outstanding Alumni – Jennifer Olson

JENNIFER OLSON (PhD, 2012) is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Faculty of Education, University of Oslo, Norway. Her research focuses on the governance of coordinating internationalization processes, employability and research-based education policy. She is working within the Norwegian Research Council project, Horizontal Governance and Learning Dynamics in Higher Education. She previously worked as a lecturer at the University of Osnabrueck, Germany. While at IHE, Olson was awarded a Fulbright research scholarship to Germany. Her research was the basis for her dissertation, “From Student Mobility to Market Success: The Changing Logic of Internationalization in German Universities,” which analyzed how three German universities of different size, location and history are engaging internationalization efforts to become more competitive and attractive destinations for international students.

What are you currently working on (i.e. research, major projects, etc.)?

My current research is primarily focused on two aspects of Norwegian higher education: The first reflects on how changes in the governance and organization of quality assurance and internationalization are impacting higher education institutions. The second looks at how two Norwegian government agencies—one focused on quality assurance and the other on internationalization—are adapting to new conditions in the public sector and their respective fields to understand how the agencies are impacting higher education governance. These research areas contribute to the overall project I am engaged in, which aims to contribute an improved understanding of major change dynamics in Norwegian higher education with respect to governance and learning processes in higher education institutions, as well as the way these two are connected.

In what ways does your IHE training apply to your work?

IHE, through the teaching and mentorship of the professors and interactions with fellow students, provided learning opportunities that I draw on each day. From understanding key areas of higher education research to how independent research takes place, to how to support students in their academic work, the professors at IHE modeled the work I am expected to carry out as a postdoctoral researcher. And the interactions with fellow students demonstrated the importance—and enjoyment—of having good colleagues to engage with academically and socially.

What’s your favorite memory of IHE and/or your experience as a student?

One of my favorite experiences was the opportunity to meet Louise McBee. My dissertation supervisor, Sheila Slaughter, arranged an informal gathering where a fellow student and I had the chance to sit and talk with Dr. McBee about her life, work and engagement with UGA and higher education in general. Her life experiences are well-documented, but having the time to ask questions, hear stories and just talk about the everyday made for a very special and inspiring evening.

What do you think is IHE’s best asset?

I would have to say IHE has two best assets: the students and the professors. I feel fortunate to have learned from and with some of the finest scholars in our field.

If you could sum up your IHE experience in three words, what would you say?

Be your best.