Sherry Olsen taught in a K-12 system for 10 years before joining Keiser University about 14 years ago. She has always loved higher education and has a special passion for helping young women develop an interest in science. She served as a Girl Scout leader for 17 years, empowering girls and teaching them leadership skills.

Ms. Olsen held several positions at Keiser University before landing in her current role as Associate Vice Chancellor of the online division. Since the program began in the late 1990s, it has grown to about 10,000 students and 400 faculty members, many of whom teach from various countries all over the world. Ms. Olsen continually strives to stay ahead of the curve by using new and innovative products to service her students.

“The online division operates like a campus with our own students but also services the whole institution,” she explained. “Thanks to Dr. Keiser’s support of innovation and allowing us to try new things, we’ve come so far, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

Ms. Olsen has had many memorable students over the years, but one in particular stood out – a young woman with terminal cancer who was determined to obtain her bachelor’s degree before she passed. Her online classes kept her going while bedridden in the hospital, and she achieved her goal.

“Some students aren’t able to attend classes at a ground campus due physical disabilities,” she shared. “Our online program gives these individuals the chance to obtain a degree. We’ve even had military students taking online classes while overseas.”

With a a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Business Administration, Ms. Olsen is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology.