Karen Olson CCBC professor Why teach at CCBC? The students. Professor Karen Olson started at CCBC more than three decades ago and found something rare in higher education: a focus on students. “At CCBC … we’ve always been focused on student learning. We’re not consumed with the pressures of research and publishing like some four-year colleges and universities are.” “One of my strengths is that I can see a diamond in the rough. Not everybody can do that, but I know that some students have never been told that they can succeed.” “They all have these dreams and unlimited potential,” says Professor Olson. “For many of our students, CCBC opens the door to a whole new and rewarding life." But she is quick to admit that CCBC’s learning centered approach benefits faculty as well as students. After nearly 35 years in the classroom, she sees working closely with students as a way to recharge. “I still have a lot of enthusiasm for teaching. Our students give me an enormous amount of youthful spirit. “