May 21, 2026
Dustin Olson, Professor of Business, was presented with the Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence during the annual Academic and Student Senate Awards Program held at Mayville State University Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Formerly the Teacher of the Year Award, the Student Senate renamed the award in 2020 to honor the memory of longtime Mayville State science professor, Jeff Sieg, an incredibly gifted educator, mentor, and role model for what excellence in the classroom should be.
Olson’s nominator said, “I’m not sure if Dusty knows it yet or not, but he is definitely my mentor here at Mayville State. He has a great way of making accounting fun and enjoyable.”
As a professor, Olson takes a subject that many students find intimidating, accounting, and breaks it down as simply as he can. As a practicing CPA, he brings real-world experience into the classroom, using current examples to show how financial literacy, budgeting, taxes, and business decisions directly affect a student’s future. He teaches problem-solving, decision-making, and integrity, skills or attributes that benefit students in any career path, not just accounting.
Olson said, “My goal is not only to teach accounting concepts, but to develop financially capable adults who are prepared for life beyond school. I truly enjoy mentoring students and watching their growth throughout their years at Mayville State, and I’m proud to play a role in their personal and professional development.”
Each year the Student Senate recognizes individual Mayville State faculty members who have shown dedication and excellence in teaching.
Other nominees for this year’s award were Dr. Yvonne Cannon, Associate Professor of Education; Rob Johnston, Professor of Business; Kadem Arjel, Assistant Professor of Business; Karissa Hanson, Assistant Professor of Education; Lynn DiLivio, Associate Professor of Psychology; Janell Juelich, Assistant Professor of Nursing; Dr. Kelli Odden, Professor of Education; and Mary Townsend, Associate Professor of Mathematics.