Academic Advising Staff

As the Associate 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!

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.

Hope is the Lead Academic Advisor for the College of Health and Human Sciences, leading the college advising team and advising Health Services and Pre-Nursing 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 and her husband are parents to two teens and live in Moorhead. Lately, much of her time is spent dodging the paws of  her enthusiastic golden retriever teenager Sammy, whose feet are bigger than his brain. She is a fan of young adult fiction, solar punk sci-fi, theater, international travel, and RedHawks baseball. One of her favorite things about living in Fargo-Moorhead are the paved walking and biking trails along the river and the wide variety of parks in town. She has lived in the area for 14 years.

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.

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.

Kaitlyn (she/her) is the Lead Academic Advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences, a role she began in the spring of 2025. With a background in academic counseling and coordinating tutoring services, Kaitlyn has been working in higher education since 2018. She is passionate about guiding students through every stage of their college journey, from their transition into higher education to planning for life after graduation. Kaitlyn’s favorite part of her work is getting to know each student’s unique strengths and goals, while supporting them as they grow and navigate their college experience.

Kaitlyn holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in psychology from Concordia College and an M.Ed. in counselor education with a focus on school counseling from NDSU. She and her husband live in Fargo with their cat, Albus, and dog, Canyon. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys attending book club meetings, practicing yoga, and staying up-to-date on all things pop culture. 

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.

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.

Cody is an Academic Advisor working with Agricultural Education, Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Equine Science, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Food Science, Microbiology, and Veterinary Technician students.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. He also completed Master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University. Prior to joining NDSU, he worked as an athletics academic coordinator for Illinois State University supporting the baseball, women’s gymnastics, women’s tennis and men’s golf teams.

Cody lives in West Fargo and enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, running, golfing, and watching movies.

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.

Franci (she/her) is the academic advisor for students in the Pathway Program and teaches courses in academic success and persistence. She is excited to work with students to help them discover their strengths and resiliency.

Franci previously worked as an adjunct professor of journalism and as a student success coach at Baylor University, after a career in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in English at Gustavus Adolphus College and her Masters of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Baylor.

She is tremendously excited to have returned home to the Upper Midwest. In her free time, Franci loves spending time with her husband Robbie, their son Carter, and their two cats (Otis and Holly). She also enjoys reading, playing board games, walking, spending time at the lake, crocheting, and petting every cat she sees.

Grant is an Academic Advisor working with 1st and 2nd year Cybersecurity and Software Engineering students.

Grant graduated with his Bachelors in Communication Studies, Film Studies, and Multimedia Journalism from Concordia College – Moorhead and from NDSU with his Masters in Communication Studies. He is excited to be back on campus continuing to help students on their academic journey. He brings with him professional experience in the fields of sports broadcasting, journalism, and audio production.

Grant lives in Fargo and loves spending time with his girlfriend, her two cats, and watching movies. In his spare time, Grant also enjoys staying active, keeping up with sports, and writing.

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.

Jill (she/her) is an Academic Advisor for students majoring in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education, and Comprehensive 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.

Keko (she/her) is an Academic Advisor supporting students in Pre-Pharmacy and Allied Sciences. With a passion for student success and holistic well-being, Keko takes an empathetic and strengths-based approach to advising. She believes in helping students discover their interests, align their goals, and create balance in their academic and personal lives. Her coaching style is rooted in empowerment, positivity, and the belief that each student is on a unique journey of growth.

Before joining the Academic Advising team at NDSU, Keko worked as a Respiratory Care Specialist with Sanford Health Equip, where she educated and supported patients in managing their respiratory needs. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Manitoba and completed her Bachelor’s in Respiratory Care at NDSU. As an alum of the program herself, she understands the academic path her students are navigating. She is currently preparing to begin her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counselling in Fall 2026.

She has been a martial artist and group fitness instructor for over a decade, and from 2021 to 2023, she taught Kickboxing classes as a GroupFit instructor at NDSU. Keko has a passion for life coaching and motivating people to reach their full potential. In her free time, you can find her training at the American Combat Association in Fargo, playing beach volleyball with friends, reading, or trying international cuisines—she’s always on the lookout for a great meal and loves experiencing different cultures through food.

Kelly is excited to join the pre-nursing team of advisors at NDSU! She will also be teaching the NURS 150: Academic Success and Career Exploration course. Kelly is looking forward to teaching and meeting the students.

Kelly graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with her Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications in Advertising and her Masters of Science in Counseling and Student Affairs, emphasis in Student Affairs, and Certificate in School Counseling. Kelly has lived most of her adult life in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and raised her family here.

Kelly previously worked in Registration and Records as a college liaison before she completed her Masters Degree. Transitioning to an Academic Advisor role is where she has always wanted to be. She also worked as a school counselor for two years in a rural ND Jr & Sr High School.

Kelly now enjoys her time with her trusty golden retriever, Laila, taking walks, going to the lake, or just playing in the snow. In her free time she likes to read, try out new arts and crafts, and spend time with her kids and grandkids.

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.

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.

Matthew (he/him) is an academic advisor within the Career and Advising Center working with undeclared students.

Matthew, a native of South Fargo (go Eagles), earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from NDSU. Prior to joining the Career and Advising Center, Matthew worked as a Peer Mentor with the College of Arts and Sciences and worked as a TA for various physics laboratory classes at NDSU.

Outside of NDSU, Matthew tutors students in the community in physics and math ranging from high school to college level. In his free time Matthew can be seen out at the movies, biking local trails, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Patti Seidler is an Academic Advisor for students in Psychology and Theatre. Her interest in higher education and working with college students began while completing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). She saw a need for assisting undergraduate students in exploring their interests, skills, and career options to better equip them in confidently mapping their academic path to graduation.

Patti earned her Master’s of Science degree in Counseling and Student Affairs at MSUM where she advised Education students, and then spent summers as an orientation intern at both NDSU and George Mason University. She was a career counselor at Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and then at Hamline University helping students successfully achieve their academic and career goals.

Patti previously led student callers in fundraising for the NDSU Development Foundation and is excited to be a part of the Bison community again. Regardless of the position, her passion has always been working directly with students to help them successfully navigate their college experience.

Patti lives in Dilworth, MN with her family and Aussie doodle, Porter. Outside of work, her favorite activity is cheering on her kids in their sports. She loves to plan trips and travel, bake, read, and watch true crime news shows.

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.

Rob is an Academic & Career Advisor for Architecture, Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture students. 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.

Shelby is an academic advisor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, advising the pre-pharmacy and allied sciences majors. She enjoys spending time with students, getting to know them and learning what their goals are for college and in their life beyond that.

Shelby earned her bachelors degree in Psychology and her masters degree in Sport Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During her time in undergrad she was also a student athlete, competing on the swim team for all 4 years. Prior to advising, she was the assistant swim coach for 2 years at Minnesota State-Moorhead. In her free time she enjoys being outside, being active, and spending time with friends and family.

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.

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 were recently married, so she is now 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.