From Deseret News archives:
Credentials haunt mayor
Eagle Mountain chief's degree status questioned
Olsen said he never misrepresented his academic credentials.
"I have an associate of science from Snow College and a bachelor's of arts from BYU," Olsen said. "I don't have a (master's of public administration) from BYU, and I never said I did. I have a certified public manager's degree."
An anonymous e-mail that is being circulated, which the Deseret Morning News received, alleges Olsen misled the public by saying he had an MPA.
Confusion about Olsen's educational background began in September 2003 when he ran for Eagle Mountain City Council. An article was published in a local newspaper that stated Olsen earned an MPA from Brigham Young University. Olsen also said a volunteer on his campaign prepared an ad that also stated he had an MPA without his knowledge.
Although the article was written in the first person, Olsen said, it was written by a volunteer who helped him with his campaign.
The volunteer must have been confused by Olsen's certified public manager's certificate, he said. The state government-sponsored course did give him some college credit but was not sponsored through a university.
Another mistake surfaced on Olsen's Web site while he was running for mayor in November 2005. Olsen said the correction was made on the Web site, but not before the misinformation was spread.
Two other articles in Utah newspapers during that time mentioned that Olsen earned an MPA from BYU.
BYU's records department confirmed that Olsen did not receive an MPA from the university, although he did receive a BA in international relations in August 1996.
"I've been a (Utah Highway Parol) trooper for 10 years and one of the things we've always been taught is that integrity is your lifeline," Olsen said. "So in elections, when people ask, 'What's your educational background? ' I've always been honest."
Olsen said he received his certified public manager's degree after attending a course offered through the state for six months while he was employed by UHP. Though the course was very helpful and informative for learning how to manage the city, Olsen said, it is far different from a master's in public administration.
"As I go forward with my term, I want to pledge to the people of Eagle Mountain that no detail will slip past me," Olsen said. "Its my responsibility and I appreciate to opportunity to set the record straight. I think this has been a valuable and a painful experience for me. I'll be a better mayor because of it."
E-mail: achoate@desnews.com
