Dr. Julie B. Olson-Buchanan, dean of the Craig School of Business at Fresno State, was honored by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology with its 2024 Humanitarian Award, presented at the society’s annual conference in April.

The Humanitarian Award recognizes members who have enhanced the society through their research, work with organizations that address critical social issues, and their work to foster corporate social responsibility.

In announcing the award, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology identified Olson-Buchanan as an intellectual leader in humanitarian work and psychology literature, whose work informs and inspires others to address societal issues through research. A transformative leader in the society’s U.N. initiative for more than six years, she worked to incorporate industrial-organizational psychology into the work of the U.N.

The society commended Olson-Buchanan’s leadership in guiding Fresno State to become a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative. The initiative promotes sustainable economic development through environmental stewardship, human rights, fair labor practices and anti-corruption efforts.

Related Story: First-Generation Fresno State Student Selected for Congressional Internship

The society praised Olson-Buchanan’s longtime service as a board member and board chair of the Central California Food Bank, stating “[Olson-Buchanan] played a major leadership role in growing the food bank’s capacity by fourfold. Lives have been enhanced and arguably saved due to Julie’s collective work.”

Dr. Tara Behrend, president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and John Richard Butler II Endowed Professor at the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University, said, “Dr. Olson-Buchanan has exemplified the values of generosity and service throughout her career. This award is a recognition of all she has done to improve the lives of others through her SIOP service. SIOP is grateful, and proud to count her amongst our distinguished members.”

Related Story: Fresno State’s Class of ’24 by the Numbers. Which Major Has the ...

‘Consummate Giver’

Dr. Steven Rogelberg, chancellor’s professor at UNC Charlotte, nominated Olson-Buchanan for the award. “Julie is the consummate giver. She is dedicated to elevating others and the human condition. I am so grateful for her tremendous work,” he said.

Olson-Buchanan has served as dean of the Craig School since 2021, after serving as interim dean of the school from 2019-21. She previously served as interim associate dean of the Craig School, interim associate dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and chair of the Department of Management. She won Fresno State’s Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008 and received a lifetime service award from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in 2011.

Olson-Buchanan’s internationally recognized research focuses on conflict/mistreatment in organizations, technology-based selection, humanitarian work psychology and work-life balance. She regularly publishes in top-ranked professional journals and has written and edited several books. She is a fellow of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the American Psychological Association. Since 2008, Olson-Buchanan has been the associate editor of the Journal of Business and Psychology.