Albers builds connections in and out of the classroom

MINOT, N.D. - Returning to Minot State University was more than a career move for KateLynn Albers.

It was a full-circle moment.

A 2015 graduate of Minot State, Albers said her time as a student left a lasting impression. Coming back to campus years later as a faculty member felt like an honor and a natural next step.

Albers officially began teaching in Fall 2020, stepping into the classroom at a time when higher education looked very different. After accepting the position earlier that spring, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped her first semester. Masks, social distancing, and periods of quarantine created a challenging environment for both faculty and students.

Despite the uncertainty, Albers quickly found clarity in her decision.

"The transition from industry to academia was challenging at first, but very rewarding," she said. "I knew immediately that semester that I had made the right decision."

Before entering academia, Albers built experience in public accounting, including time with Brady Martz & Associates. That background continues to shape her teaching style today. She brings real-world scenarios into the classroom, helping students better understand what a career in accounting looks like beyond textbooks.

She also draws from her own early challenges in the field.

"I consider areas that I struggled with understanding when I first started in the real world," she said. "That helps me explain those concepts in a way students can connect with."

Over the past few years, Albers has grown more confident in her role, something she believes directly impacts her students. She prioritizes creating an open and positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable being themselves.

That authenticity builds stronger relationships.

"I've become much more confident in who I am as an individual and a professor," she said. "That has led to more genuine connections with students."

Those connections are at the heart of what she enjoys most about teaching. Working with students from their first year through graduation gives her a unique perspective on their growth.

"It's amazing to watch them mature and gain more knowledge over time," she said. "Sometimes they just need a little extra encouragement along the way."

For Albers, success is not just about technical skills. While accounting knowledge is essential, she hopes students leave her classes with something deeper.

"The biggest skill I want students to have is confidence in who they are," she said. "That growth can happen over years or even within a single class."

Outside the classroom, Albers has found another way to connect with students through Minot State athletics. What started as a way to socialize during a quieter first year has grown into a meaningful part of her experience on campus.

She began attending games with coworkers, then started showing up to support her students competing in different sports. While she jokes about her limited knowledge beyond basketball, she embraces the energy and sense of community that comes with each event.

Her involvement has not gone unnoticed. At the 2025 BESPYs, Albers was recognized as the Faculty Liaison of the Year for her support of student-athletes.

For her, it is about showing up.

"Many student athletes are far from home," she said. "I want them to know someone is there cheering them on."

That support sometimes goes beyond the stands, whether it is celebrating wins or dropping off homemade treats after games. It is a small gesture that reflects a larger commitment to being present in students' lives.

Albers believes those connections outside the classroom are just as important as the lessons taught within it.

"The most important conversations with students have happened in my office," she said. "The extra time is invaluable."

Her impact extends beyond campus as well. Albers was recently named to the Prairie Business 40 Under 40 list, a recognition that affirmed both her professional path and personal purpose.

"Being named to the list showed that my role in academia is important to the business world," she said. "It also confirmed that I'm where I'm supposed to be."

She has also received the Making a Difference Award, highlighting her commitment to community involvement. For Albers, giving back is a reflection of the people and experiences that shaped her.

"It's a privilege to use my knowledge and experience to support others," she said.

From student to professor, Albers continues to invest in the same community that once shaped her. Whether in the classroom, at a game, or in a one-on-one conversation, her focus remains the same, helping students grow into confident individuals ready for what comes next.