Sheryl Bolstad

Headshot of CFANS Academic Advisor Sheryl Bolstad
CFANS Academic Advisor
Pronouns
She/her/hers
For appointments, call
130 Coffey Hall
Advises for undergraduate programs in:
Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
Plant Science
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

About Me

Hello Students!

I love working with students and look forward to getting to know you. I’ve been advising for many years and love my job. Prior to advising, I received a BS and MS in Forestry and Forest Genetics and worked for a private forest products company in Colombia for three years followed by stints with the Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service.  I’m originally from upstate New York, but have been in Minnesota for 20 years and now consider myself to be a Minnesotan.

When I’m not working, I love to be outdoors hiking, biking, running, paddling or Nordic skiing. My husband and I love to travel and have recently been backpacking in Australia, New Zealand and Nepal. We also are sure to get up to the BWCA every summer for a paddling expedition when we bring along our Jack Russell Terrier.

I am happy to talk to you about any of the majors for which I advise or other advising issues/questions you may have. I love talking to students about Study Abroad and am happy to work with you to identify possible programs and how those courses could fit into your academic plans.  

We are committed to providing a comfortable, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our communities.

Advising Philosophy

Academic Advising serves to support students as they navigate the twists and turns they encounter along their academic path. I aim to create a safe space for all students in order to create trusting relationships. I try to clarify options for students in their academic choices, as well as in their extracurricular life and in their choices for career enriching opportunities. These conversations start out with a discussion on the student’s goals and interests, and often include decisions concerning choices of major or minor selection and course selection. It is important to me however, that the conversations also include a discussion of how to make the most of their college career by developing interests and experiences outside of the classroom.  

I aim to empower students to make good choices in order develop themselves toward succeeding in their academic and career goals.

Professional Development Highlights and Focus Areas

Awards:

  • John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (March 2012)

Equity and diversity related development:

  • University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Certificate
  • GLBTA Ally Training

International and learning abroad related development:

  • Site visits to programs in Venezuela and France
  • Listing of all students who have studied abroad for the ESPM major, the countries, programs and courses taken