Steven Shirley, Ph.D., President | Minot State University
Steven Shirley, Ph.D., President | Minot State University
Olivia Reed's journey has taken her from California to Florida, and now to Minot State University in North Dakota. She recently joined the MSU faculty as an assistant professor of professional communication. Reed's academic path includes a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis, followed by a master's and doctorate in media studies and mass communications at Penn State.
Reed's career almost veered off course during her undergraduate studies due to stress, but she found motivation through The Disney College Program (DCP). "By the time I was a junior, I needed a break from school," she said. Her internships with DCP reignited her passion for education and led her to document her experiences on YouTube, which contributed to her becoming an influencer.
Her time at Disney also opened new career possibilities. "At Disney, I thought that I might be interested in something like talent recruitment and human resources," she noted. However, a media psychology class shifted her focus towards teaching at the college level.
Reed chose Minot State because it aligned with her desire for a small teaching institution where she could build relationships with students. "Minot fit exactly what I was looking for," she explained. Her presence is already making an impact on both faculty and students at MSU.
"I really like that I am getting to know the students and making a positive impact," Reed stated about her experience at Minot State University.
Minot State University emphasizes excellence in education through rigorous academic experiences and active learning environments.