Department Head—Research and Teaching
1978-1979

Dr. Jimmy K. Olson joined the department in January 1971.

Since joining the department, Dr. Olson has taught many of the courses in medical, veterinary, and urban entomology offered in the department’s undergraduate and graduate curriculum. His research has focused primarily on the biology, ecology, and management of mosquito populations associated with rice-producing systems; from 1979 to 1994, he served as the director of the National Riceland Mosquito Management Program funded by the USDA Special Grants Program.

As Interim Department Head, Dr. Olson’ s objectives were to promote professional stability, continuance of program effort, and a smooth transition of the department from the administration of Perry L. Adkisson to that of Fowden G. Maxwell.