Profile Photo: Craig Olson, M.A., M.S.

Maj. Gen. (ret) Craig
Olson, M.A., M.S.

Email: CraigOlson@letu.edu

  • Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering



Education

  • M.A. National Security & Strategic Studies – Naval War College, 1999 
  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering – Boston University, 1990  
  • B.S. Engineering Mechanics – USAF Academy, 1982 

Experience

2017-Present

 

LeTourneau University

  • Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering

1982-2016

 

United States Air Force

  • Program Executive Officer (AF Business Systems, C3I & Networks)
  • Foreign Military Sales Deployment (Baghdad, Iraq)
  • Program Manager (Joint STARS, V-22, C-5)
  • USAF Test Pilot School & F-15E Flight Test
  • F-4E/G Weapon Systems & Electronic Warfare Officer

Courses Taught

 MEGR 2013 – Statics 

  • ENGR 2313 – Materials Engineering 
  • MEGR 3323 – Mechanics of Materials 
  • MEGR 4243/5243 - Applied Aerodynamics 
  • ENGR 6103 – Christian Approach to Engineering Leadership 
  • LETU 1101 – Cornerstones 

Advising & Sponsoring 

  • Member, Spiritual Life Committee 
  • Faculty Sponsor, Kappa Zeta Chi (KZX) - Men's Residential Society  
  • Faculty Sponsor, Unicycle Club 
  • Faculty Sponsor, Rugby Club 
  • Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
  • Member, Christian Engineering Society 

Selected Publications

  • Hoo Kim, Paul Leiffer, Craig Olson (June 2024).  “Pedagogical ‘Seasoning’ for Engineering Class using Analogy, Message, and Theme in the Story,” Christian Engineering Conference, June 2024  
  • Lt Col Craig S. Olson (Spring 2000).  "From Cradle to Save: Revolutionary Acquisition Force Structure Alternatives for the 21st Century" Defense Acquisition Review Journal, Defense Acquisition University. 

Background

After a 34-year career in the Air Force in which I was humbled and blessed to serve and lead airmen in the defense of our great nation, it brought me exceeding joy to enter a new chapter in which I could freely integrate my passion for Christ with my passion for engineering in a university setting.  My Air Force experience included operational flying, research & development, flight test, and program management, and I witnessed God do countless things in and through me which I KNOW could not have been done in my own strength.  This has greatly increased my faith and dependence upon Him, and I consider it a privilege to now help LeTourneau students develop the knowledge and faith they need to effectively minister in whatever workplace or nation God places them. 

I am blessed with an awesome wife named Dayna, and we are both thrilled that God brought us to serve here in the Lone Star State!  We are fully committed to sharing the LeTourneau journey in every way possible while also investing in the lives of our four adult sons, who are also pursuing personal relationships with the Lord.  We are active at Pathway Church in Longview, and we enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling together.