Kristen Nyholm is an academic advisor on the advising and career development team at Viterbo University. She advises students in the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, the School of Human Behavior, and the College of Nursing and Health.

As an advisor, Nyholm works closely with students in their first two years at Viterbo, helping them adjust to the college environment, connect to campus resources, make a graduation plan, and select and register for coursework. She also provides support as needed throughout students' time at Viterbo.

Nyholm began her journey at Viterbo in January 2016. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology (with a minor in Spanish) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, earning a master’s degree in counseling, with an emphasis in student affairs. She has experience in registration, housing, career services, and academic departments.

In 2018, Nyholm began the Knit-a-Thon project, which provides hand-knitted blankets to children at Mayo Hospital. The Knit-a-Thon is offered during Orientation Service Saturday, MLK Day of Service, and President’s Day of Service. New and seasoned knitters and crocheters gather to create 5-inch squares and sew them into blankets. The project has collected 2,924 squares and donated 48 blankets. (So far!)

Nyholm recently became a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach by completing a weeklong training session in Omaha, Nebraska, passing a certification exam, and providing individual coaching to six clients. Kristen has coached several teams and individuals on campus using CliftonStrengths, including the college deans and residence life staff. She looks forward to providing coaching to student populations across campus.

How (and/or why) did you come to be at Viterbo?

Viterbo was awarded a Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant in 2015 and created a new academic advisor position. At the time, I was in a temporary position at another private college in Wisconsin and the academic advisor position seemed perfect for me. When I interviewed at Viterbo, I knew this was the place for me.

What do you love most about working at Viterbo?

I love that Viterbo is a small community where I can develop connections with students and fellow employees. Viterbo has become my family. I feel so supported by my colleagues, and I love celebrating the successes of my students on the stage and in the classroom.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my own experience as a first-generation college student and the desire to improve the experience for my students. I didn’t have an advisor to help me navigate and I had to figure things out on my own. This resulted in extra classes I didn’t need and a fifth year of college, which led to higher expenses and loans and stress. I strive to share my knowledge and experiences with students to help them through the hurdles of higher education with as little stress as possible. My motto is “everything is figure-out-able.”

What advice would you give to students regarding heading out into “the real world”?

You don’t have to have everything figured out by the time you graduate. Most of us are just doing our best and figuring things out along the way.

Do you have a little-known fun fact about yourself that would surprise students and co-workers?

I grew up in Baraboo, home of several circus families, including the Ringling Brothers. I love circus history and am writing a historical fiction novel about a woman who marries one of Baraboo’s circus owners in 1899 and travelled the rails with her husband for 18 years.

What do others say about you?

• Sophomore (2022–23): “Kristen was very helpful helping me rearrange my schedule and took notes to follow up with someone else about another question I had.”
• Sophomore (2022–23): “Kristen is the sweetest and most helpful academic advisor I have ever come across.”
• First-year (2022–23): “Kristen has a lot of knowledge and cares about Viterbo students!”
• First-year (2022–23): “I really enjoyed Kristen. She was incredibly helpful to me. She helped me every step of the way and made sure I was never lost.”
• Sophomore (2022–23): “She doesn’t just get things checked off of a list, she is also interested in hearing about our lives outside of classes and school.”
• Faculty member: “I just cannot tell you how valued you are by myself and my department. We are so appreciative of you and lucky to have you working with us.”