Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Olsen.
Elisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I oversee marketing and communication for the University of Houston-Downtown but I actually began my career as a reporter for a small community newspaper. While there, I discovered a passion for graphic design and transitioned from a writing job into a position in the composition department laying out a weekly newspaper and designing ads. The 1990s was an exciting time to work in graphic design since computers had only just begun transforming the field. I remember working on a Macintosh II computer running Photoshop version 3 and Quark Express (read: really old school programs). I started working in higher education on Valentine’s Day in the year 2000, first as a graphic designer and later as a web content coordinator. I cut my professional teeth in higher education, designing advertising, signage, brochures, catalogs, annual reports and more websites than I can count. Marketing and communication have changed considerably over the last two decades. Back then, we ran an ad and hoped for the best outcome, while now we primarily use digital advertising coupled with lead generation strategies that let us see the precise results of our efforts. Back then, we submitted a news release to the newspaper via FAX, now reporters follow our news on Twitter. It’s been a privilege to work and learn in this evolving environment. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like many of our UHD students, I was what they call a non-traditional student which means I worked full time while attending school part-time. Education was a long road for me because of this. I started at community college, then plugged away at my bachelor’s degree a little at a time. Two years after finishing my bachelor’s, I earned a master’s degree. While balancing work, school, and family presented its challenges, I believe I can better relate to our UHD students because of it. Many of them are also non-traditional students who are balancing competing priorities.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) story. Tell us more about the business.
When you step onto our campus, it’s like walking into the heart of downtown Houston. We’re located at 1 Main Street, we’re just steps away from restaurants, professional sports, and renowned performing arts organizations. UHD is woven into downtown so it has an urban appeal that celebrates the diverse vibe of the city.
UHD is the second largest university in Houston. One of four distinct public universities within the UH System, we offer 43 bachelor’s and eight master’s degree programs. Annually, the university educates more than 14,000 students; has over 45,000 alumni and is noted nationally as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution. UHD is a smart choice for students since they pay 16 percent less than the average tuition of any four-year public university in Texas. The university is known for low student debt and recognized for campus safety.
Our students, the UHD Gators, are known for what we call “Gator Grit.” They are driven, hard-working, people who are striving to become the very best version of themselves. With an average age of 27, many are non-traditional and many are first-generation college students.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck. I believe in education, preparation, and hard work. Many people might attribute or blame some things that have happened in my life on luck. But, I believe that being prepared for the next opportunity is one key to success. Each experience, good or bad, is preparation for the next challenge. We get through things, we get stronger, we move forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: One Main Street
Houston, TX 77002 - Website: www.uhd.edu
- Phone: 713-221-8000
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uhdowntown/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/UHDowntown
- Other: http://uhd.edu/#virtualtour
Image Credit:
Thomas Shea
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