Academic Advising Staff

As the Assistant Director of Academic Advising within the Career and Advising Center, Andrea oversees the academic advising for undeclared students and advising for a few groups of first and second year students. Working with undeclared students mean we know a little bit about all of the majors on campus. One of the best parts of our job is getting to connect with so many others on campus so we can best help students explore options and learn about all NDSU has to offer!

To schedule an appointment with Andrea:
https://ndsu.campus.eab.com/pal/uBVGba7Zc7

Jessie is the Assistant Director of Student Success Initiatives in the Career and Advising Center. Jessie has oversight of two main programs, which include, the Bachelor of University Studies degree and the Degree Completion Program. She enjoys working with students on an individual basis, finding out what their goals are and helping them achieve those goals.

Jessie works with students in the Bachelor of University Studies program to help them design an individualized degree program that best fits their interests and career goals. She teaches the UNIV 489 Capstone course required for this degree. This course includes self-exploration and reflection along with career development strategies

The Degree Completion Program on campus serves to help students who never finished their undergraduate degree return to NDSU and complete a Bachelor’s degree. Jessie serves as the main point of contact, helping students navigate their return, and helping them find opportunities within the classroom that will help them find success.

Jessie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and French from Concordia College and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from North Dakota State University. At home, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter, being outside, reading, golfing and getting together with friends and family.

To schedule an appointment with Jessie:
Use the “Schedule an Appointment” button on the right.
Login -> Click “Get Assistance”
Select “Advising”
Follow the drop-down menus based on your need
Select “Career and Advising Center” for location
Select my name and schedule the appointment.

Hope is the Lead Academic Advisor for the College of Health and Human Sciences, leading the college advising team as well as advising students. Her favorite thing about working at universities is seeing students explore new possibilities for their futures that they may not have previously known about. She loves being present with them as they become active authors of their own experiences and blossom into their adult identities.

Hope joined the Career and Advising team in the summer of 2023, having previously served as an International Student Advisor at NDSU. She holds a B.A. in English from Austin College (Sherman, TX) and a M.S. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services with a master’s certificate in International Education from Oklahoma State University. Over the course of her career she has served in both student and academic affairs at The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, and NDSU. Her professional experiences have been varied: internships in academic advising, coordinating a co-curricular transcript program, living in as a residence hall director, advising Greek organizations, supporting multicultural student programming, serving as a student conduct hearing officer, and as a senior academic counselor for study abroad. Each of these experiences has made her an enthusiastic supporter of the holistic advising model that we are implementing here at NDSU.

She and her husband are parents to two teens and live in Moorhead.

Janet (she/her)  is the Lead Advisor for the College of Business. Janet has been with the College of Business at NDSU since August of 2019. She has worked in higher education in various student success roles since 2008. Janet enjoys encouraging students to engage both inside and outside the classroom so they can create a very enriching experience at NDSU. One of the favorite parts of her job is watching her students grow personally and academically during their collegiate experience.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota. She was a practicing Social Worker for several years before pursuing and earning a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Student Affairs from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Janet lives in Moorhead, MN with her husband, 3 children and dog (Cooper). A true Minnesotan, she spends her free time in the winter watching her kids play hockey and enjoying the lake in the summer. Outside of work, she also enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Joel Hanson is the Lead Advisor for the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering.  In the spring of 2023, he celebrated his 25th year at NDSU with the last 15 years having served as the Director of the Student Support Center in the College of Engineering.  Prior to that he served in NDSU’s Career Center for 10 years.

He enjoys working with students from all backgrounds but finds a certain level of satisfaction of working with undecided students, first generation students, transfer students (having been one himself), and students with Military/Veteran status.

Alex (he/him/his) is an Academic Advisor in the Career and Advising Center. In his role, he works with undeclared students to figure out their interests and passions and to achieve academic success. Alex strongly believes in the power of education. He is happy to be part of the Bison community to help students discover themselves, accomplish their goals, and grow in ways they never thought possible.

Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Luther College, and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. He originally had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, but his work-study experiences at his undergrad’s Career Center and TRIO program helped him discover his passion for helping students succeed. His previous experiences include positions in career centers, TRIO Student Support Services, and academic success coaching. In his spare time, he loves watching movies and shows, playing board games, finding new places to eat, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Amolia (she/her) is an Academic Advisor working with students in Human Development and Family Science. Amolia loves supporting the doers and the helpers and loves bonding over the shared passion of working with others. She believes in student success and that it looks different for every person, which is why individualization and empathy are some of her strongest skills. 

Before joining the Academic Advising team, Amolia was the Thompson Hall Director at NDSU for 4 years. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and her Master of Science in Post-secondary, Technical, and Adult Education. Amolia has passions for social justice work and supporting historically marginalized students. In her free time, Amolia loves being in the sunshine, listening to Noah Kahan, reading, scary movies, and reality TV.

Angie Walswick is the academic advisor for Pre-Medical Laboratory Science, Pre-Radiologic Sciences and Pre-Respiratory Care majors. Angie supports students in these majors while they complete pre-professional coursework and throughout the process of application to their professional programs. Angie also co-teaches Critical Thinking, Academic, and Professional Skills for the Health Professions and teaches a service-learning course, Compassion in Patient Care. As an advisor, Angie aims to build relationships with students, guide them in setting goals, and assist them as they develop individualized, holistic plans for success.  Angie enjoys encouraging students to fully engage in their education both inside and outside of the classroom  and she cherishes the opportunity to be a part of her students’ NDSU experience. 

Angie has been in this role at NDSU since 2009. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a Master of Science  in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in College Counseling and Student Development at St. Cloud State University. Prior to coming to NDSU Angie has worked as a high school teacher and has experience in a variety of areas in higher education.  She values the power that education has to make a transformative impact and enjoys the opportunity to be a life-long learner. 

Angie also enjoys spending time with family, being active, and spending time outside.

Brad is one of the Academic Advisors working with students in the College of Business. He works to communicate with students on academic requirements and build relationships to help students have a positive experience at NDSU. He graduated with his B.S. in Mass Communication from NDSU in 2008 and completed his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership in 2015. After holding multiple on-campus jobs as a student, he started as a professional in the Office of Admission in 2009 where he worked as an Admission Counselor and later Assistant Director. In 2016, Brad moved to the Wellness Center as the Student Employment and Marketing Coordinator working with hiring and training student employees and overseeing marketing. Working with students was always his priority, and he moved to advising in 2022.

Brad lives in Fargo with his wife and two children. Outside of work he enjoys Bison athletics, sports and spending time with his family.

Carmen is an Academic Advisor for Mechanical Engineering. She enjoys helping students navigate college and finding their career path. Carmen earned her associate’s degree from Bismarck Community College and her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Before working in higher education, Carmen was a public school teacher for over fifteen years. Prior to joining NDSU, Carmen was an academic advisor and team leader at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.

Carmen is a native of Braddock, North Dakota, and is excited to be returning home to the Peace Garden State. Carmen and her husband are new residents of West Fargo and the very proud mother of three exceptional young men. She enjoys time with family and is an avid reader, and enjoys sewing, crafting, and the arts.

David is an Academic Advisor working with Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering students.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from The University of North Dakota. Prior to joining NDSU, he worked as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor as well as supporting students as a Behaviorist in the Moorhead Schools.

David lives in Moorhead with his wife, son, and their two cats (Bernie & Winnie). He enjoys all things sports, cooking, bike riding, and watching movies.

Deb is an Academic Advisor for students in Industrial Engineering & Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering.  She earned her Masters of Education degree in School Counseling and Educational Leadership from NDSU and a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Minot State University.  She has worked in the field of education at the K-12 level for over 25 years  and prior to joining NDSU, she was an Elementary School Counselor & Music Specialist in the West Fargo Public Schools.

Deb and her husband have been calling Fargo home for the past seven years after moving off their farm near Plaza, ND in 2015. They have two grown daughters, a son-in-law, and their first grandchild who also live in the area.  Deb loves spending time with her family, has a deep interest in learning and engaging in wellness practices, and loves music – especially piano, singing, & drumming.

Jennifer Carney is an Academic Advisor working with Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Economics and some College of Business students.

She started at NDSU in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics as an Administrative Secretary in 2009. She moved to Registration and Records where she learned NDSU policy and procedures before moving on to advising.

Jennifer completed her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University – Moorhead in Mass Communications and a master’s degree from NDSU in Educational Leadership. Her favorite part of her job is meeting with students, she enjoys getting to know them and seeing all that they accomplish at NDSU and beyond.

She lives in Moorhead with her husband and two cats (Pantalaimon and Lyra). She has two grown children, one living in Colorado and one living in Fargo. When Jennifer is not at work, she enjoys hiking, traveling and documenting those travels through photography.

Jess (they/them/theirs) has the pleasure of working with pre-pharmacy students here at NDSU. They will also be co-teaching CHP 190: Critical Thinking, Academic, and Professional Skills for the Health Professions. Jess is thrilled to be in the classroom, and is especially excited to watch the growth and success of each student over the course of the semester.

Jess graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and a minor in Leadership. Following their undergraduate experience, Jess entered the working world before returning to school to obtain their Master of Arts Degree in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They most recently come to us from central Iowa, and are originally from Southeastern Minnesota. Jess has been many places since the completion of their Bachelor’s Degree, and hopes to use their experiences to help give perspective to students as they work through their undergraduate experience.

Jess is passionate about working with students in higher education. They strive to help students feel empowered to seek growth in all they do during their time in college. They approach their work from a position of empathy, and recognize that walking alongside students while they pave their own way is the most effective way to aid in reflection, growth, and development for college students, which is at the heart of Jess’ approach to working with students. Jess is excited for each interaction they will have with pre-pharmacy students, and is eager to learn about how they may fit in as a piece of the puzzle that aids in each student’s path to success. In their free time, Jess enjoys playing piano and ukulele, and singing along to the music too. They can play seven instruments total. Jess also enjoys playing yard games during the summer and enjoys playing Tennis and Softball as well. Ultimately, they can’t wait to get to know you and connect through shared passions and their desire to aid in your success here at NDSU and beyond!

Jill (she/her) is an Academic Advisor for students majoring in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education, Comprehensive Science Education, and Earth Science Education. She also serves as the Pre-Health Advisor on campus for students of any major who are preparing to further their education in professional graduate programs, such as dental, genetic counseling, medical (allopathic, naturopathic, osteopathic, podiatric, or veterinary), physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, or optometry school. She enjoys learning about her advisees’ academic, career, and personal interests and goals and witnessing them pursue those interests.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Sciences and her Doctor of Audiology from Indiana University. Jill began working as an academic advisor in the Biological Sciences department Fall 2013. Like the relationships she built with her patients as an audiologist, Jill enjoys seeing growth and progress throughout her advisees’ time at NDSU.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, pets (two cats – Grau and George, and a dog – Henry), and visiting with family when possible. She enjoys going on adventures big and small, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Her indoor hobbies include baking, sewing, trying new things, and puzzles.

As an Academic and Career Advisor Jill will be working with 1^st and 2^nd year Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering students.

Jill graduated with her Bachelors in Child Development and Family Science from NDSU and is excited to be back on campus again!  She has over 10 years in higher education, starting out in Financial Aid and eventually finding her home in Advising.  Her favorite part about advising is connecting with students to build those relationships and helping them find a solution to help them be successful in their program and get them to graduation.

Jill lives in North Fargo with her husband her 3 children: Abigail, Henry and James.  When she isn’t taking her kids to activities and events she loves getting out to the lake when the North Dakota weather allows, spending time with her large extended family and getting together with friends.

Kelsey is an academic advisor within the College of Arts & Sciences, advising the following majors: Communication/Journalism, Art, Design, History, and Women & Gender Studies. Kelsey enjoys working individually with students to help them achieve their goals.

Kelsey has her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Dakota and her master’s in human development and professional studies from Winona State University. Previous to academic advising, Kelsey spent three years with the NDSU Office of Admission. Kelsey enjoys fishing, hiking, and anything outdoors in her free time.

Linda advises anthropology, business education, criminal justice, emergency management, English/English education, math/math education, philosophy, political science and sociology. Linda has been at NDSU since 1987, first as a lecturer in the English department, and then as an advisor since 2008. She was the recipient of the first Outstanding Professional Advising Award in 2013. Don’t confuse her with Lis, her daughter, who is also an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Lis is an Academic Advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences as advisor for theatre arts, psychology, and statistics majors. Lis is excited to help students find where they belong on campus and in the world. You can also find Lis at NDSU Lincoln Speech and Debate Society practices and meetings for the Women’s Activist Organization (WAO) and Bison Pride Network.

Lis is excited to talk to students about NDSU life because they grew up on campus and was a student here for seven years. At NDSU, Lis earned an undergraduate and graduate degree from NDSU as well as a graduate certificate. Lis also has studied at Missouri State University, University College Dublin, and the University of South Dakota.

In their spare time, Lis enjoys reading and collecting books, building LEGO sets, and photography. In the summer, Lis also spends time at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site as an interpreter.

Marah is an academic advisor for the College of Business. She enjoys helping students find their version of success and helping them make connections between their goals and what they’re learning in class and across campus. Marah started college interested in business, but wasn’t sure which area of business was the right fit for her. After a year of exploring, she eventually found the program that was best for her.

Marah has a Bachelor of Arts in Business: Healthcare Management with a minor in Communication Studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She went to graduate school at Minnesota State University, Moorhead to earn her Master of Science in Educational Leadership: Higher Education. She previously worked at NDSU as an Admission Counselor and is excited to be a part of the Bison community again. Her other professional experiences include advising student organizations, volunteer management and event planning.

In her spare time, Marah enjoys seeing movies with friends, going to her local gym, reading and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Polly Olson is an academic advisor for Biological Sciences, Physics and Physics Education majors. Her interest in higher education and working with college students began after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care from UMary, Bismarck. While working as a respiratory therapist in the hospital, she discovered how much she enjoyed having student interns with her as they developed and applied their clinical skills. Polly went on to complete a Master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of North Dakota while in her first teaching position in a technical college’s respiratory care program. She came to NDSU approximately 25 years ago holding several positions over the years that have included advising, teaching, service and administrative roles.

Regardless of the position, working directly with students has always been her favorite. Learning about the students’ interests, aspirations and assisting them to reach their goals while making the most of their college experience is what Polly finds most rewarding.

Outside of work, Polly enjoys time with family, outdoor activities, and exploring national and state parks.

Name Pronunciation: RAH-nee Ba-ZAN-son

Rani Bezanson is an Academic Advisor for the Pathway Program for the Career and Advising Center. Rani is excited to work with the NDSU students, and support the development of the whole student, both academically and personally. Rani looks forward to enhancing the college experience for each student. Rani’s background is specifically in career development and student success. Rani holds various certificates related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, social and restorative justice, and inclusive teaching. Rani earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with her published research in gender stereotypes in sports from the University of Minnesota, Morris. She received her Master of Science in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Student Affairs from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Additionally, She likes to keeps snacks in her office for students when they get hungry during their appointments.

In Rani’s free time, she enjoys cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Rani is passionate about weight lifting, while also balancing her love for McDonald’s French Fries. Ask Rani about her favorite place to eat Indian food in Fargo, ND. She resides in Fargo with her Havapoo puppy named Clyde.

Rob is an Academic & Career Advisor for the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. His dedication to helping every student find success in their educational endeavors was the driving force that brought him to a career in Higher Education. Originally from West Fargo ND, he graduated as a Packer from West Fargo High School. Where he then attended Minnesota State University Moorhead to receive a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership: Higher Education. 

He started his career working for Hallmark University in San Antonio TX advising Nursing, Aeronautics, Business, and IT (Information Technology) students for about a year, until he received a job at University of Minnesota Crookston in Admissions. While at University of Minnesota Crookston, he transitioned from Admissions Counselor to Academic Advisor working with Criminal Justice, English, Communications, and Elementary Education students, before becoming a proud member of the Bison Community. In his spare time, he enjoys playing board games, going to conventions/festivals, hanging out with friends/family, and playing video games. 

Robert is an Academic Advisor in the College of Health and Human Sciences.  He has been working at NDSU since 2003 and started his career in Registration and Records and served in various roles in that department for 5 years.  Robert transitioned into Academic Advising in 2008 for the College of Human Sciences and Education which recently merged to become the College of Health and Human Sciences.  Robert advises the HNES Department majors of Exercise Science, Nutrition Science and Sport Management.  He enjoys helping students realize their vision and dreams for their academic and professional lives.  Robert does his best to help students find the tools necessary to move this vision forward.

Robert started his own academic career at NDSU and ultimately graduated from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a degree in Political Science and a History minor.  In his free time, he loves to golf, take long walks with his dogs Max and Sophie, and relax with family and friends in the great outdoors.

Stacy is an academic advisor within the College of Arts and Sciences and advises students in majors of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.  She has worked in this position for the past 14 years and offers valuable guidance and support to pre-professional and professional majors.

Prior to this in 2004, Stacy worked in the Office of Registration and Records where she worked with both students in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science along with the College of Engineering and Architecture.  In this position, Stacy worked with departments to ensure that the students were on track to graduate.

Stacy graduated from Valley City State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management with minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Corporate Training.  She continued on to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from NDSU.

Stacy lives in Fargo with her husband and two teen children.  When she isn’t taking her kids to and from activities, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and reading.

Taylor has the opportunity to work with Pre-Licensure Nursing students. Taylor will also be teaching the NURS 150: Academic Success and Career Exploration course. She is so excited to get into the classroom to help students learn ways to be successful in their courses.

Taylor graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology and her Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs and Higher Education. Taylor also received a Certificate in Social Media Marketing from Kennesaw State University. Currently she is pursuing her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Institutional Effectiveness. As one can see, Taylor is passionate about education and truly wants to make a difference in this world.

Taylor also has a passion for advising. She wants to empower her students and to remind them that they truly have a purpose and that they can achieve greatness. By empowering her students through positivity and kindness she is giving them hope, support, and encouragement to continue their educational journey with confidence. There is a quote by Mandy Hale that states, “To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.” With that being said, Taylor wants to make a difference in the lives of her students and colleagues by caring about each one of them. By showing her students how much she cares, she also wants to show them that their lives matter. Everyone is entitled to an education and everyone should be given the opportunity to further their education. Each day is an opportunity to learn something new and to expand our skill sets. Each day is another opportunity to live the golden rule, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” When we treat others with kindness, positivity, and care; together we can change the world.

Tricia is one of the professional Academic Advisors in the College of Business.  In her role, she serves students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Global Business.  Tricia assists students in determining their academic schedule for each semester to make progress toward degree completion.  She focuses on empowering students to make choices at NDSU that will prepare them both professionally and personally for the life they envision for themselves after graduation.

Tricia graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota in 2017 where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication with minors in Business, Psychology and Women’s & Gender Studies.  She went on to graduate school at North Dakota State University where she earned her Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership in 2019 while serving as the graduate assistant in Student Success Programs at NDSU.  Tricia has been an Academic Advisor in the College of Business since 2019.

Outside of work, Tricia and her high school sweetheart are busy planning their wedding!  So, in summer 2024 she will have a new last name, Mrs. Leistico!  Tricia also enjoys attending yoga classes and going out to eat in Fargo. She has opinions on the best fried pickles in town, if that’s something you want to discuss.

Zane (he/him/his) is a academic advisor for the College of Business and works with students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Global Business. He is very excited to help students explore their interests and passions, create academic schedules for each semester, and make strides toward timely degree completion as well as personal goals. Zane is a strong believer in and advocate for higher education and the diverse, enriching opportunities and experiences it can offer.

Zane earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts & Literature Instruction as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Prior to joining NDSU, Zane taught and advised students as a composition instructor for the University of North Dakota while earning his Master of Arts in English.

Zane grew up and has lived in Fargo much of his life with his family. Some of his favorite hobbies outside of work are reading fantasy novels, playing single-player video games, listening to video game soundtracks, and playing casual tennis. If there is a book or game you really enjoy or that you are looking forward to, he would love to hear about it! Zane also appreciates opportunities to travel with family to visit national and state parks, hiking as many trails as they can fit in the trip.