Welcome to the Dragon Community: Jennifer Pederson

Jennifer Pederson is Minnesota State Moorhead's newest Assistant Professor of Nursing, teaching first-year classes to introduce Nursing students to the program.

Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: I previously worked at M-State and wanted to advance to a university. I really liked the dynamics of the nursing department and the growth that is occurring. There is a lot of collaboration that goes on to advance the students.

Q: What is one thing that has surprised you about MSUM?
A: I was pleasantly surprised by how diverse the campus is, and I appreciate that.

Q: How do you prefer to start your workday?
A: Coffee. I'm also a list person; I love writing lists and checking off things, so I start the day with a list and end the day looking at what I accomplished.

Q: What book are you currently reading?
A: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter. I really like murder mysteries because they're light and it's fun to piece them together along the way.

Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: People are surprised when I tell them I'm very introverted. I have a very small social network, and typically go home to read or go to the gym after work.

Q: What's something big or small that you're really good at?
A: My husband and I go to the Boundary Waters every summer, and when you explore the area, you carry your gear from one lake to another. He jokes that I'm an ant-I'm apparently very good at carrying our 80-pound backpack, filled with our gear, from place to place.

Q: What's the best advice you've ever been given? Who was it from?
A: Challenging yourself and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone creates a lot of growth, which is something that my husband has encouraged me with.

Q: What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
A: I love making bread and bagels, but recently I've discovered sourdough, so that and reading are my new empty-nester hobbies. As well as spending time with my husband and two dogs: Todd and Rocco.

Q: What's your favorite place to eat in FM? What is your go-to?
A: Spitfire has the best beef brisket I've ever had. It's fantastic.