MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Robert Morris University (RMU) is thrilled to announce that alumnus Russ Olsen ('82) has been named the inaugural Athletics Executive in Residence for the Department of Athletics. This new role will leverage Olsen's extensive experience in executive management and his long-standing commitment to the university to further enhance the student-athlete experience and advance the department's strategic goals.

"Russ is a true champion for Robert Morris University, and we couldn't be more excited to have him in this new capacity," said RMU President Michelle Patrick. "We are confident that his leadership and vision will be instrumental in the continued growth and success of RMU Athletics. His remarkable generosity continues to make a transformative impact on our students and campus."

In his new role, Olsen will serve as an advisor, working closely with the Vice President/Director of Athletics, and the Chair of the Athletics Committee, RMU Board of Trustees. He will provide executive management guidance to the department of athletics, focusing on strategic planning, financial sustainability, fundraising, and alumni and community relations. His role will be to help align the department's vision with the university's mission and ensure long-term financial health.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as Robert Morris University's Athletics Executive in Residence, and the opportunity to work alongside Chris King (RMU Director of Athletics) and Brian Kelly (Chair, Athletics Committee, RMU Board of Trustees)," said Russ Olsen, Athletics Executive in Residence. "As we know, college athletics are undergoing dramatic changes both structurally and financially and I look forward to assisting RMU's leadership team navigate through these changing times so that our athletic program remains strong, vibrant and competitive for years to come!"

"The addition of Russ Olsen as our Athletics Executive in Residence is a tremendous asset," said Chris King, Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Russ's passion for RMU and his proven expertise in executive leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising are exactly what we need to elevate our athletics program. His guidance will be invaluable as we work to build a sustainable model for the future and create the best possible experience for our student-athletes."
 
About Russ Olsen
Russ Olsen, a 1982 graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in Management, has a distinguished career in executive management, sales, and marketing. He gained much of his executive experience while holding senior positions for Fortune 500 companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Smith & Nephew. He concluded his career in healthcare as the founder and CEO of Triad Life Sciences, a company that developed a groundbreaking technology platform to help patients recover from debilitating, traumatic wound conditions.

Olsen has a long history of supporting RMU, with his generosity benefiting both academics and athletics. His transformative giving has led to the naming of several key campus facilities, including Olsen Hall, the Olsen Family Basement, and the Elaine Boyd Library. Additionally, he has provided significant support to the university's men's and women's basketball programs through the establishment of the Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund and the annual men's basketball Urban-Bennett Invitational tournament.

Olsen is a recipient of the 2018 RMU Alumni Heritage Award, the university's most prestigious honor.
 
About Robert Morris University
Located 17 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University enrolls more than 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students in over 80 academic programs. Known for seeing things in its students sometimes before they even see it in themselves, RMU offers in-demand academic programs, an engaged faculty, professional experiences and internships, a tight-knit community, and a beautiful campus where they can live and learn. In this way, RMU helps students to not only see their potential, but to achieve it.
 
About RMU Athletics
Robert Morris University (RMU) sponsors 17 NCAA Division I athletic programs, making RMU one of the most diverse departments in the Pittsburgh area. A member of the Horizon League, the Colonials have captured 59 regular-season championships and made 49 postseason appearances in their history. Several programs compete as associate members in other conferences, including the NEC (football, men's lacrosse), MAC (women's lacrosse), Atlantic Hockey America (hockey), and MAAC (rowing).