WKREC Department Head
Brian Olson
Experienced manager with a demonstrated history of finding solutions in a water limited environment for the farming industry. Skilled in Life Sciences, Data Analysis, Wheat, Genetics, and Sustainable Agriculture. Strong human resources professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Weed Science from Kansas State University.
Experience
Professor and Head - Western Kansas Research Extension Centers
Kansas State University
Sep 2022 - Present
Hays, Kansas
- Foster integration of research and extension personnel across the WKREC department.
- Improve the fiscal performance and position of the department
- Work to strategically staff the centers with appropriate faculty and support staff
- Implementation of appropriate faculty and staff evaluation procedures
- Foster excellence in research and extension missions
- Implementation of long-range strategic plans of the University and College of Ag/KSRE
- Oversee budget and assist in development of extramural support
- Recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff, promote their professional development
- Develop effective communication mechanisms internally/externally
- Foster a culture that supports diversity, collegiality, teamwork and multiculturalism
- Cultivate new funding opportunities
Learning Center Manager, Bayer Crop Science
Aug 2018 - Sep 2022
Gothenburg, Nebraska
- Manage personnel at Learning Center
- Develop educational research and demonstrations for area producers and Bayer employees focusing on utilizing water efficiently to maximize its benefit in both dryland and irrigated production systems.
- Look for opportunities to partner with various industry, university, and/or governmental agencies
Learning Center Manager, Monsanto Company
Mar 2014 - Aug 2018
Gothenburg, Nebraska
- Manage personnel at Learning Center
- Develop educational research and demonstrations for area producers and Bayer employees focusing on utilizing water efficiently to maximize its benefit in both dryland and irrigated production systems.
- Look for opportunities to partner with various industry, university, and/or governmental agencies
Weed Managment Technology Development Rep
Monsanto Company
Nov 2011 - Mar 2014
Colby, KS
- Design and develop weed research protocols
- Communicate new product concepts to both internal and external clientele
- Educate farmers on how to manage herbicide resistant weeds
K-State Associate Professor - Northwest Area Agronomist
Kansas State University
2001 - 2011
Colby, Kansas
EDUCATION
Kansas State University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Weed Science
