West campus news Releases Archive
ASU faculty member is being considered for Norwegian consul general post
Apr. 26, 2005
George Olander, a lecturer in Arizona State University’s School of Global Management and Leadership, is one of the persons being considered for the position of Norwegian consul general in Phoenix.
Arizona is one of eight states under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco consulate general that have their own honorary consulates. The honorary consulates are generally staffed with a representative from the local business community and are called upon to provide general information and consular assistance.
Olander says there are about 25 to 30 foreign consulates in Phoenix.
“One of the advantages of being appointed is that the consuls meet once a month for consul business so this is a very significant networking opportunity for the university and the college—the ultimate business network,” Olander said.
If Olander is appointed consul general, the consulate would be sited at his office in the School of Global Management and Leadership at ASU’s West campus with a sign outside and photos of the king and queen of Norway inside.
“This would tie in superbly with the global, leadership and business themes of the college,” said Leanne Atwater, dean of the School of Global Management and Leadership.
Olander, who is of partial Norwegian descent, said that Norwegian ancestry is not a prerequisite for the position. “I believe they are looking more for someone with a very strong business background and global connections. Being on the faculty of a world-class university like ASU would certainly seem to fit the bill,” he said.
The new consul general, when appointed, will take the place of Consul Allan D. Solheim who plans to retire at the end of June.
PHOTO: George Olander is pictured in the thumbnail photo above. A 300-dpi photo is available.
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