Uniformed Services University Alumna and Longtime Faculty Leader Named Acting Associate Dean for Graduate Education
Dr. Cara Olsen brings deep institutional knowledge, academic leadership, and a passion for mentoring to her new role guiding graduate education at the Hebert School of Medicine.
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Dr. Saibal Dey (left) and Dr. Cara Olsen (right) present an award to USU graduate student Sean Collier (center) during the 2025 USU Research Days. Olsen has been named to replace Dey as the acting Associate Dean for Graduate Education until a permanent successor is named. Dey is stepping down from the position until he retires from Federal service in December. (Photo by Tom Balfour) |
July 17, 2025 by Sharon Holland and Claire Pak
The Hebert School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University (USU) has named Dr. Cara Olsen as acting Associate Dean for Graduate Education, effective July 16, 2025—bringing one of its most respected faculty members full circle.
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Dr. Cara Olsen, a two-time USU degree recipient and long-time faculty member, has been named as the acting Associate Dean for Graduate Education at USU. (Photo by Tom Balfour) |
“Dr. Olsen brings a wealth of leadership experience and academic expertise to this interim role,” said Dr. Eric Elster, dean of the School of Medicine. “A highly respected educator and mentor, she has received the Outstanding Biomedical Graduate Educator Award and two Dean’s Impact Awards. I am confident that the Graduate Education Office will continue to thrive under Dr. Olsen’s capable leadership.”
Olsen officially steps into the role following the departure of Dr. Saibal Dey, who is stepping down after five years of service as Associate Dean. Dey will continue supporting the Graduate Education Office as a professor and advisor until his retirement from Federal service on December 31.
A Career Rooted in Service, Shaped by Science
Olsen’s ties to USU run deep. After earning her associate’s degree from Bryn Mawr College and master of science degree in Statistics from Cornell University, she arrived at USU to pursue graduate training in public health and biostatistics—and never really left. Over the years, she has held a series of increasingly pivotal roles, from director of the PMB Graduate Programs to chair of the USU Graduate Education Committee.
As director of the Biostatistics Consulting Center, she lends her expertise to research projects across the university, and she continues to teach and lead several foundational courses for both graduate and medical students at USU.
Her colleagues describe Olsen as a steady, thoughtful leader and an advocate for students. From guiding dissertation committees to shaping academic policy, Dr. Olsen is a trusted figure in the university’s graduate education landscape.
A Moment of Transition—and Continuity
Olsen’s appointment comes as USU prepares to bid farewell to a giant in its academic community. Over his 26-year career, Dr. Dey has left an indelible mark on USU as a leader, scientist, and educator. A renowned expert in multidrug resistance, Dey served as vice chair of the Department of Biochemistry and as the Foundations in Medicine module director before being named Associate Dean for Graduate Education.
During his tenure, Dey led the Graduate Education program through a transformative period of expansion and innovation, earning the university’s highest honors along the way—including the 2024 Carol Johns Medal and the 2025 USU Exceptional Service Award.
In the meantime, Olsen’s selection signals a seamless transition. As a former student, current faculty member, and now acting Associate Dean, she exemplifies the kind of enduring commitment and institutional knowledge that fuels USU’s mission. Her appointment is more than an interim measure—it’s a confident step forward.
