Cyrus Olsen

Cyrus Olsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. He has been a faculty member since 2006, after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Oxford. His work emphasizes integrating international perspectives into education, particularly through immersive experiences in Uganda.

• Affiliation: Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Olsen’s research spans Theology, Religious Studies, and global health humanities. He designed the course T/RS 295: Christianity in Africa, which combines cultural engagement with the Baganda people in Kampala and Batwa communities in southwest Uganda. Students participate in sustainable farming projects, visit healthcare and educational institutions, and explore ecological regions like the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable rainforest.

In 2016, he co-founded the Health Humanities Concentration, which includes a global focus, and later piloted the course Medical Cultures in the Global South. These efforts have profoundly enriched student learning in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).

• Scientific Awards: Excellence in Advancing Global Learning