Christina Olstad

Christina Olstad has served in various roles in student affairs and has nearly twenty-five years of experience in higher education administration, residential life and housing, student activities, and leadership development.  Christina received undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work at Augsburg University and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Vermont.

Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Christina served as the Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She held previous positions at Augsburg University, University of New England, University of Vermont, and Semester at Sea.  Her academic interests include social justice education, developing intercultural competence, supporting students in recovery, financial literacy, crisis response and innovative approaches to retention and persistence to graduation. Outside of work she enjoys working out, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

The dean of students’ main goal is to help students navigate campus life. They oversee departments that support students’ overall academic and personal success and act as a liaison between students and the greater university. The dean of students is a part of the leadership team for Student Affairs and reports to the vice chancellor for student affairs.