Nancy Harms, a personal and academic coach at Winona State University, has a passion for helping people bring out the best in themselves. Both her personality and professional experiences make her an asset to Winona State University.
Harms has taught middle school and/or adult education since 1979. She currently uses her educational experiences to coach students in need of both academic and personal help. With her “no grade book, door closed” policy, she is able to give students confidential, one-on-one attention.
As a personal and academic coach, Harms offers resources, encouragement, feedback and accountability to support students in reaching their goals. She gives advice on problems such as depression, addictions, anxiety disorders and broken relationships and works them into manageable steps.
Harms’ policy is to offer advice, not force it. Meetings are available in person, via phone or though e-mail. Meetings are most often held in the study rooms of the Darrell W. Krueger Library or coffee houses around Winona. Harms works around students’ schedules and preferences.
Harms’ clients range from age 16-58, and all have a different reason for needing assistance.
“They come from all socioeconomic walks of life, from a six-figure professional to an incarcerated felon. Most are young adults,” Harms said. “They’ve reached a point at which they are committed to getting themselves on track towards their purpose.”
As the only personal and academic coach on campus, Harms says she is excited to bring her love of helping people to the community. Positions like her’s are usually only offered at larger universities.
Harms gives full credit for inspiration in taking this position to Nancy Dumke, Director of the Disability Resource Center. She also ensures that complete confidentially is maintained throughout the entire process.
Other helpful recourses at Winona State include: the Counseling Center, Admissions, the Athletic Department, and Academic Departments.
For more information or to contact Nancy Harms, visit her website at: http://www.nancyharmspersonalcoach.com.

Questions or Comments?
Contact Jessica at
JLLarsen0487@winona.edu