Olson, Willard Clifford, 1899-1978

Professor of education and psychology at the University of Michigan, director of child development research, 1929-1952, and dean of the University's School of Education, 1952-1970.

From the description of Willard C. Olson papers, 1920-1973. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 82029591

From the description of Willard C. Olson papers, 1924-1973. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423030

Willard Clifford Olson was born October 8, 1899 in Annadale, Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota (A.B., 1920; A.M., 1924; and Ph.D., 1926). He was an instructor at the University of Minnesota, 1923-1926, and then, after receiving his doctorate, an assistant professor of educational psychology, 1927-1929.

He came to the University of Michigan in 1929, serving as director of research in child development, which position he held until 1952. He also received appointment as associate professor of education (1929-1935), then promoted to full professor in 1935. In 1946, Olson was also appointed professor of psychology. In 1952, he became dean of the School of Education, serving until 1970. He died October 30, 1978.

Professor Olson was a noted expert in the field of child development and educational psychology. He was a member of various professional organizations. He also wrote numerous articles in the field, notably Child Development (1949; rev. 1959).

From the guide to the Willard Clifford Olson papers, 1920-1973, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)