For Faith Norstad, joining Clemson University’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine is an opportunity to help build something from the ground up, while supporting the next generation of veterinarians along the way.
Norstad serves as an Animal Care Specialist which supports daily operations and works alongside faculty, staff and students to foster an engaging learning environment. She is particularly passionate about student development and contributing to curriculum initiatives as South Carolina’s first veterinary medicine college continues to grow.
“I wanted the opportunity to be part of building something new,” Norstad said. “It’s exciting to join a college that has the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary education.”
Norstad, who is originally from Skaneateles, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from SUNY Cobleskill in 2023, specializing in equine research. She presented her undergraduate research at a state conference before joining Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center as a necropsy technician.
At Cornell, Norstad worked with fourth-year veterinary students during diagnostic necropsies and alongside pathologists and residents. Her career experiences have also included work in equine facilities and veterinary hospitals, disease outbreak response and diagnostic pathology. Among her most memorable experiences was participating in a whale necropsy.
Those varied experiences have strengthened her interest in public health, wildlife medicine and livestock conservation, areas she hopes to continue exploring throughout her career.
Norstad is especially looking forward to helping students develop the practical skills and confidence they will need in veterinary practice.
“Veterinary school is incredibly demanding,” she said. “I want to be someone students can come to for encouragement and practical support as they build those skills.”
Norstad also hopes to encourage students to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. One motto she embraces is “chasing failure,” which she describes as a mindset of embracing challenges, learning from mistakes and viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow.
“I hope to encourage that same mindset for the students and those around me,” she said.
Outside of her work at the College, Norstad enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, exploring new places, attending concerts and photography. She also serves through her church and has a particular interest in Christian apologetics and missions.
Norstad, who is an experienced puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, ultimately adopted the dog she trained. Together, she and her pup earned Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog certifications.
“I’m excited to foster creativity and encourage new approaches to problem-solving while helping create an environment where knowledge and experiences are valued,” she said.
