Pancratz Mentor Program
The Pancratz Mentor Program provides the opportunity for Nistler CoBPA alumni to mentor current UND students.
The Pancratz Mentor Program is an opportunity for students in the UND Nistler College of Business and Public Administration to connect with experienced professionals through formal mentorship. Mentees will have the ability to develop their professional skills, seek career advice, and begin to build a professional network. Applications are currently closed for the 2025-2026 cohort and will reopen for 2026-2027 cohort in the spring of 2026.
How does it work?
The Pancratz Mentor Program is a cohort-based model. This means that each academic year, a group of mentees begins the program at the same time in the fall semester and graduates from the program in the spring semester of that academic year. The mentees of a cohort get to know each other through unique opportunities to attend Nistler College events, professional development workshops, community involvement events, and social activities.
How are mentor/mentee matches made?
Matches are facilitated through careful consideration of factors such as major, career goals, desired industry, and several other variables. Each mentee’s application and interview provide our staff with important information we use to select a match.
What is the application process?
Applications for the upcoming academic year open in the prior spring semester. Eligible Nistler students are invited to submit applications until the closing date. Once applications are reviewed and students are selected, Pancratz staff matches each student with a professional. Mentees receive their mentors early in the fall semester, and the relationships begin.
Because of the individualized nature of this program, there are a limited number of mentee spots available each year. Eligible students must submit the required application materials by the deadline and interview with Pancratz staff. Students will be notified of their application status before the end of the spring semester.
What are the application eligibility requirements?
- Be an enrolled student in the UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
- Have completed at least one full academic year (second-year student status)
- Have at least one full academic year left as a student
- Be dedicated to the time, energy, and commitment of a full-year mentorship
- Meet with your mentor at least once per month in person, on the phone, or via Zoom
- Agree to fulfill program requirements including attending meetings and events as outlined during the program kickoff each fall semester.
What is the program timeline?
- Applications open in the spring
- Mentees are notified of application status by the end of the spring semester
- Mentees attend a program kickoff event
- Mentors/mentees begin communicating in the fall semester
- Mentees attend required events and complete tasks throughout the program
Benefits of Mentorship
The Pancratz Mentor Program offers many benefits for participating students including:
- Access to the Pancratz Center's tools, resources, and network
- Establishment and growth of a professional network
- Opportunities to strengthen professional communication skills
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Help in defining personal and professional goals and the strategies to achieve them
- Unique insight into internship and full-time employment opportunities
- Knowledge about industry trends and their impacts on future career paths
- Feedback on career preparation materials
The Pancratz Mentor Program connects Nistler College of Business & Public Administration alumni with current Nistler CoBPA students to provide support with career and professional development. Mentors volunteer their time and expertise to help students establish and work toward their career development goals.
Pancratz Mentor Eligibility
We welcome applications from UND Nistler College alumni to serve as mentors. Our mentors have:
- Professional experience in business or public administration
- A positive attitude and willingness to lend guidance
- Enthusiasm for leadership within their field
- A passion for helping students succeed
- Open and honest communication style
- Availability to meet in-person, over the phone, or virtually each month with a mentee throughout the duration of the program
A Pancratz staff member will reach out to schedule a conversation regarding your application. Our goal is to facilitate intentional and meaningful matches between mentors and mentees. Just as we invest time in getting to know mentees prior to joining the program, we also get to know potential mentors.
Benefits of Becoming a Mentor
While the benefits to student mentees might be obvious, there are also many rewards to becoming a mentor, including:
- Development of leadership and management skills
- Gaining fresh perspective from future young professionals
- Ability to share the knowledge you've gained and lessons you've learned to help students
- Increasing your company's profile with Nistler CoBPA students, faculty, and staff
- Staying connected to the Nistler CoBPA
Student Testimonials
Ally Kujath
"The best part of the mentorship program was getting a mentor who truly cares. Brittney is one of the most influential people I have ever met. She welcomed me with open arms and was eager to share anything and everything I asked. Brittney is constantly pushing me to strive for success and to follow my dreams. One of my favorite activities we did was creating vision boards. We sat in her living room with magazines, scissors, and glue, and talked about our ambitions. She is the perfect example of a servant leader, and I hope to one day be as successful as she is. Brittney has become more than just a mentor, and I am forever grateful for all the guidance she has given me throughout this year."
Sean Davidson
"I couldn’t have been luckier to have called Chad Flanagan my mentor throughout this program here at the University of North Dakota. Having someone in your corner like Chad, who is established and excels in his career at Eide Bailly in Fargo, ND as Partner/Business Valuation Practice Leader was an honor. I am deeply grateful for the time and dedication that Chad invested in mentoring me. His guidance, lessons, and advice are a priceless gift. Thank you for helping guide me on this path, and I look forward to continuing the relationship we’ve created."
Lainey Borner
"Lexi is a beacon of wisdom, a pillar of support, and an initiator for growth: embodying the essence of mentorship. She uses all these traits and more to help lead one under her wing as she demonstrates the power and impact one can create.
The mentor program takes on the role of a guiding light to the path of growth. In the mentor program, wisdom and ambition help prepare mentees to take on the world."
Denver Flanagan
"Brennen has been an awesome mentor and role model throughout this past year. He has been a compass for me, guiding me through the challenges of professional life.
The mentor program has excelled my professional growth. I am grateful for everyone who has contributed to the huge success of this year’s mentor program."