In a photo taken before the pandemic, assistant professor Onnolee Nordstrom talks in class with her NDSU students.

Onnolee Nordstrom strives to build connections with students in order to help them uncover their passions. Nordstrom teaches courses in entrepreneurship, family business and strategic management.  

Nordstrom’s classes are structured in a way that helps students develop business ideas from their passions. She creates an environment that encourages students take risks and not fear failure.

“I like to look at ideas from different angles so I tell my students that you really can’t miss in my classroom. It’s the perfect place to be brave and speak up,” Nordstrom said. “I also like to tell my students that failing isn’t just okay, it’s great. All the now-successful entrepreneurs tried and failed many times before they succeeded.”

Nordstrom takes the time to get to know students by sharing her past experiences and encourages them to do the same. She makes sure to commend students when they share their interests and puts in the extra effort to be available before and after class.  

“Each student has their own unique story and I look at it as a privilege to get to know them and work with them,” Nordstrom said. “I love connecting with the students; their intellectual capacity, inquisitiveness, and creativity constantly amazes me.”

Nordstrom earned a Master of Business Administration and a doctorate in strategic management and organization. She joined the NDSU faculty in 2016.