James Karge Olsen, the first dean of the Honors College, died Monday at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 83.

Olsen also was a political science professor at Kent State for 18 years. He was very active in organizations related to higher education, including the American Association of University Professors.

He was chairman of the Kent City Charter Commission and was a legal consultant for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

He is survived by Miriam, his wife of 59 years, two daughters, one son and six grandchildren. One son, Karge, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale. Donations may be made to the Arizona Kidney Foundation, the College Fund of the University of Chicago or to the Mountain View Presbyterian Church.

—Tara Pringle