Jody Olsen (Tunisia) to receive U of Md “President Award“

Thanks for heads up from Steve Kaffen —

Jody Olsen

Jody Olsen is to receive the University of Maryland Alumni Association’s “President” award.

She is one of six recipients of “The Maryland Awards,” which celebrate and honor the achievements of outstanding Terps [(Terrapins) – graduates of the U. of Md.].

The virtual ceremony will be held April 23, 2021. The published bio accompanying the announcement (presented below) emphasizes her years of service with the Peace Corps and with the University of Maryland.

Josephine (Jody) Olsen, Ph.D., MSW, was sworn into office as the 20th director of the Peace Corps in March 2018.

Olsen began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer, serving in Tunisia from 1966 to 1968. She has since served the agency in multiple leadership positions:as acting director in 2009; deputy director from 2002 to 2009; chief of staff from 1989 to 1992; regional director, North Africa, Near East, Asia, Pacific from 1981 to 1984; and country director in Togo from 1979 to 1981.

Prior to returning to the Peace Corps in 2018, Olsen served as visiting professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work and as director of the university’s Center for Global Education Initiatives. In this capacity she developed and directed inter-professional global health projects for students in dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and social work. She also oversaw health research projects in Malawi while teaching courses on international social work, global social policy, and global women and children’s health. Throughout her career, Olsen has championed the expansion of service, learning and international opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds.

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Congratulations, Jody!