Academic Advisor
Location: Zoom and Phone Appointments Available
Email: sarah.bjornson@normandale.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Languages: English
My Specialties:
Healthcare and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Liberal Arts
Other advisors who support students in these academic programs include:
My journey to becoming an Academic Advisor wasn’t the most traditional. As a child, I wanted to be an artist or an art teacher. After earning my BA (Gustavus Adophus – Art History, Studio Art), I spent some time working in a middle school and quickly realized that a full-time teaching role wasn’t the right fit for me. I knew I still wanted to be involved in education, but not in a traditional classroom setting, so I decided to pursue a MA (City University of London – Arts Management). My studies focused on human resource management as well as diversity, equity and inclusion within arts education programs.
After graduating, I worked for several museums and arts organizations before unexpectedly finding a job in the Records Department at Capella University where I was a transfer credit specialist. I eventually moved into an Academic Advising role and found my passion – connecting with students and helping them navigate higher education to achieve their goals. Before coming to Normandale, I also worked in Financial Aid at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, as a Financial Aid Counselor at St. Scholastica in Duluth and as the PSEO Advisor at Lake Superior College in Duluth.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family, cooking, creating art, gardening, and exploring nature.
I look forward to connecting with you!
Proceed to scheduling below. Appointments can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance.