Dr. Chris Olson to deliver spring commencement address
April 27, 2026
25 years ago, Dr. Chris Olson was unable to attend his own college graduation following a car accident that left him in intensive care and changed the course of his life, forever. This spring, as he retires from Dakota State University, he will take the stage to deliver the commencement address to a new generation of graduates.
Olson, associate professor of computer and cyber sciences, will speak at Dakota State’s spring commencement ceremony on May 9. His address will reflect on a career shaped by resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others.
In 2001, just weeks before completing his undergraduate degree at DSU, Olson was involved in a car accident that left him with a spinal cord injury and paralysis. Facing an uncertain future Olson shifted his focus from entering the private workforce to giving back as an educator. What followed was a decades-long career at DSU where he has inspired the next generation to make an impact.
“I didn’t get to walk across the stage and get my diploma,” Olson said. “So now, 25 years later, as retiring faculty, I get to be at graduation instead of in the hospital. That’s going to be a much more pleasant experience.”
After months of rehabilitation, Olson returned to Dakota State as an online student, earning his master’s degree and beginning a career that would span nearly two decades.
He joined the university as a part-time online instructor in 2005 and became a full-time faculty member in 2006. Over the course of his career, Olson taught courses ranging from introductory programming to graduate-level coursework, supporting students both on campus and online.
Olson later earned his Ph.D. while teaching full time, an accomplishment he describes as part of a larger effort to redefine what was possible after his injury.
“I thought, what am I going to do with my life?” Olson said. “Maybe I’ll try to become a professor. That became my goal, and it took years, but I got there.”
Throughout his career, Olson has been recognized for excellence in teaching and mentorship, earning honors including the Dr. Ernest Teagarden Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Alexander “Sandy” Davidson Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentorship.
His impact extends beyond the classroom. Olson has been a longtime advocate for accessibility in higher education, helping establish DSU’s Barrier-Free Learning Committee and supporting initiatives that expand access to online education for students with disabilities.
Drawing from his own experience, Olson said his work has been shaped by a deep understanding of dependence and purpose.
“I have to depend on others for everything, so I get a lot of satisfaction out of having students depend on me for their education,” Olson said. “That’s been very good for my well-being.”
Over the years, Olson has advised and taught students who have gone on to successful careers across industries, as well as those who overcame significant academic challenges to graduate.
“Seeing students succeed is probably the most rewarding part,” he said.
As he prepares his commencement remarks, Olson said his message will focus on resilience, perspective, and making the most of unexpected challenges.
“I was given a second chance at life,” he said. “Don’t let adversity or tragedy bring you down. There can be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
President José-Marie Griffiths, and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Rebecca Hoey, both supported the choice for Olson to speak with graduates.
“Dr. Olson’s story reflects the determination, purpose, and commitment to others that define Dakota State University,” said Griffiths. “His impact on students, his leadership in advancing accessibility, and his dedication to teaching have shaped this institution in lasting ways.”
“Dr. Olson has spent his career focused on student success, meeting students where they are and helping them achieve more than they thought possible,” said Hoey. “His ability to connect his personal experience with his work as an educator has made a meaningful difference for students across programs and around the world.”
Commencement Information
The spring commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the DSU Fieldhouse. A hooding ceremony for graduate students will take place prior to commencement at 8:30 a.m. in Dakota Prairie Playhouse.