Carol Lynn Courtney, PhD, and Richard Olson, PhD, are recognized jointly with this APA Citizen Psychologist Presidential Citation for their sustained commitment to leading international service learning projects that not only assist organizations globally but model the benefits of volunteerism and civic engagement for students.
Courtney and Olson are part of a team that help facilitate the international and service learning trips that are a component of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology graduate program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Their adventures have taken them to South Africa, Ecuador, Turkey, Belize, Eastern Europe and Ireland. They do this work pro bono and pay for their own travel. The impact of these international service learning programs is evident in three ways. First, they provide skills and support to the leaders in the organizations in focus during their visits and thereafter. Second, they build the capacity of the organizations by helping to develop or improve their systems, evaluations and other administrative functions. Finally, Courtney and Olson are teachers and excellent role models for the students who learn, grow and are mentored as they participate in these projects.
Their initial service learning trip to South Africa in 2008 continues to have ripple effects today on both students and South African participants. For example, the administration of a struggling school improved significantly and a South African student came to the U.S. for graduate studies. Courtney and Olson also maintain contact with organizations even after the program is over. Subsequent to a trip to Ecuador, their student followed up with a study that assisted the school to develop a selection system that greatly improved the retention and success of selected students.
Although each has a record of sustained volunteer work far beyond international service projects from early in their careers, the couple’s sustained commitment to mentoring students has changed the course of many students’ careers. They do this without ever being paid as faculty. Through their service as members of the Advisory Board of the Master’s Program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Courtney and Olson volunteer each year as coaches for three students, essentially offering the same service they offer to executives. The students travel to Minneapolis to meet with Courtney and Olson where they complete assessments, development exercises, and discuss career plans. Courtney and Olson look forward to continuing their rewarding work with Minnesota State University, Mankato for many years to come.