Orland Olivay Norris was born on 24 January 1875 near Culver, Indiana. His family moved to Three Oaks, Michigan two years later. He entered Michigan State Normal College as a student in 1894. He completed the A.B. degree in 1908, after simultaneously continuing his college studies while teaching at Troy High School. In 1922 he was awarded the A.M. degree by the University of Chicago, and his PhD in 1927. While an undergraduate, he played on the baseball team, served as president of the Adelphic Society, president of the Latin and Greek club, and served as a collegiate orator.

He was appointed as Latin instructor in 1905, and served as instructor, assistant professor and associate professor of Latin until 1922, when he was transferred to the Department of Education, where he served as associate professor. He became a full professor in 1928 and held this position until his death in 1938. In the summer of 1930, he taught at Peabody College.

While at MSNC, he edited The American Schoolmaster, a college publication, and was frequently published in other scholarly journals. Norris was a fellow of the American Academy of Science, a member of the Michigan Schoolmasters' Club and a member of the American Association of University Professors.