Leif Olsen

Student Success and Retention Specialist
374 Library
515-294-2611
leolsen@iastate.edu

Leif is the Student Success and Retention Specialist in the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost. He is responsible for leading campus success and retention initiatives and serves as the EAB Navigate Application Administrator. 

Leif works to foster and activate a network of coordinated care to increase collaboration and connection of staff, programs, and services with the goal of helping students more easily navigate Iowa State as they work to reach their goals and overcome challenges. Leif works closely with student services directors, academic advisors, student affairs staff, enrollment services staff, and faculty to empower them to effectively use university resources, tools, and technology to help students stay enrolled and complete their degree at Iowa State. 

Leif has worked in residence life and housing at Syracuse University and Iowa State and most recently served as Assistant Director in the Iowa State Academic Success Center where he coordinated academic success and retention services including Supplemental Instruction, Academic Coaching, and Academic Skills Courses. He is passionate about building bridges and collaborative partnerships to support student success and retention. He is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, Association of Talent Development Master Performance Consultant, and Instructor in the Learning and Leadership Sciences Minor at Iowa State.

Leif earned his B.S. in Aviation Management and Flight Operations from the University of Dubuque and M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Iowa State University.