Dr. Robert Olson, Professor Middle History and Politics. He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1973 where he studied with Professor Wadie Jwaideh and specialized in the history of the Ottoman Empire and contemporary politics of the Middle East.

• Fulbright Senior Professor Research Middle East Civilization Program Fellowship (1990-91)
• University Research Professor, (1995-96)
• The Albert D. and Elizabeth H. Kirwan Memorial University Professor (1999-2000)
• Best Book Award Third World Studies Association, 1999-2000
• Distinguished Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences (2000-01)
• Member of the Strategic Assessment Group of the Central Intelligence Agency's Future Panel on Turkey and the Kurdish Question (2000-03)