Program Coordinator, Transition and Access Program, NDSU
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: Hi! My name is Jordan, and I am originally from Bismarck, North Dakota. I came to Fargo to earn my bachelor’s degree at North Dakota State University and ended up putting down roots as a lifelong Bison. After finishing my degree in psychology, I decided to continue my education and am now wrapping up my PhD in Developmental Science. In my role as the Program Coordinator for NDSU’s Transition and Access Program, I work alongside students with intellectual disabilities to help make college a reality. Seeing students build confidence and a sense of belonging on campus is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Overall, I’m a researcher and educator who cares deeply about expanding access and inclusion in education. At my core, I’m driven by people and the desire to help people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: My most influential mentor was Sara Bohrer, a former teacher of mine and the lead of the Peer to Peer program. She not only showed me the power of inclusion but also the importance of using your voice and actions to create change. She instilled in me the confidence to go against the flow and make a change where I see it is needed.
Without her influence and mentorship, I would never have pushed to create the Transition and Access Program, and the program would not have grown into what it is today. I still seek her guidance and have the honor of celebrating not only my own wins, but also the successes of the many students she has guided who are now making exceptional contributions in the world of disability advocacy.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: Success looks many different ways to me right now, but overall, I feel most successful when I can see the impact of my efforts and when I am able to embrace the good around me. It can be easy to feel like the work is endless and that there is always one more thing to do. I have had to come to terms with the idea that you can always create more work for yourself and more milestones to chase.
Because of that, I have worked intentionally to look back on my past efforts and appreciate what I have already accomplished. Success also does not have to mean changing the world. I have surrounded myself with some of the most amazing people who truly fill my cup, and I feel deeply successful in the love and friendships I experience. Any selfdoubt or fear of failure is quickly eased by the people who cheer me on and celebrate even the smallest wins.
