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�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

giffeyt — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Reportgiffeyt February 2, 2026

Annual rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

Tom Giffey

Returning to school as an adult student balancing work, family or military responsibilities is a daunting challenge. �� . Stout Online gives students the flexibility, affordability and support necessary to succeed in the face of this challenge, and in doing so has once again been ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Stout Online helps working professionals begin or complete their degrees or advance their career goals through more than 30 online bachelor ��. and graduate programs, as well as dozens of certificates, certifications, individual courses and development opportunities.

According to the just-released 2026 rankings from U.S. News, Stout Online offers some of the Best Online Programs in the state, region and nation. �� ranked No. 3 among all public universities in Wisconsin and Minnesota for its bachelor ��. in management and leadership and its master ��. in education and engineering programs. These programs also attained the following rankings:

Best Online Bachelor ��. in Business Programs: No. 26 in the Midwest, No. 88 nationwide.
Best Online Master ��. in Education Programs: No. 36 in the Midwest, No. 133 nationwide.
Best Online Master ��. in Engineering Programs: Top 19 in the Midwest, No. 79 nationwide.

Provost Glendalí Rodríguez

“With more than 1,300 online students, we understand that working professionals are balancing academic pursuits with many other responsibilities,” said Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Through flexible online offerings, we work to meet students where they are. Given �� . polytechnic mission, we facilitate relevant, career-focused education to help working professionals increase their advancement opportunities and skills.”

U.S. News evaluates online programs based on a variety of factors, including student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. Now in its 14th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year ��. edition evaluated more than 1,800 online bachelor ��. and master ��. degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Stout Online furthers students’ careers

�� faculty are experienced industry experts dedicated to teaching the latest in technology and trends in their fields. Small cohorts build close communities and share a wealth of diverse perspectives to enhance each other ��. learning.

M.S. Manufacturing Engineering Online

Do you want to improve your ability to respond to the needs of modern manufacturing? Advance in your career with your online degree.

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Students in the online M.S. in manufacturing engineering program, part of �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, enhance their professional skills through assignments and projects that apply to real-life industry problems. They build expertise in continuous process improvement, lean manufacturing, project management and manufacturing engineering processes. Students may also choose to earn a Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate to meet the degree ��. elective requirements.

M.S. Education

Take your career in education further and enhance your impact on students' lives.

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The online M.S. in education is a 30-credit degree program built around a core of 18 teaching and applied research credits, with a selection of 12 elective credits to meet students’ career interests. While meeting those elective requirements, students may earn one of a number of professional certificates or certifications, including Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist, Instructional Design, Math Specialist, Reading Specialist or Teaching Adult Learners.

�� . School of Education also offers online master ��. programs in school counseling and career and technical education as well as an Ed.D. in career and technical education leadership.

B.S. Management & Leadership

Our B.S. Management & Leadership program is designed to open new doors to advance your career through industry-enhanced classes and real-world experiences.

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�� . online bachelor ��. in management and leadership program, offered through the School of Management, has been ranked No. 10 among the best online programs by BestAccreditedColleges.com. It offers eight concentrations to help professionals reach their career goals, including business leadership studies, community-based service management, finance and accounting, human resource management, operations management, project management, quality management, risk control and safety management, and supply chain management.

�� graduates are in demand, with 99% employed or pursuing additional degrees within six months of graduation, a figure that rises to 100% among graduates of the three online programs honored by U.S. News. Those who received graduate degrees from �� had an annual starting salary of $74,000. Meanwhile, the average starting salary for recipients of �� undergraduate degrees was $57,000, according to the university ��. most recent First Destination Report.

For its dedication to affordability and student outcomes, �� has earned national recognition as one of America ��. Best Colleges by Money Magazine for two years in a row.

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�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

February 2, 2026

Stout Online programs ranked among Best Online by U.S. News & World Report rankings

Master ��. in engineering, education; bachelor ��. in business programs recognized for helping professionals advance their career goals

February 4, 2025

Inspiring Graduate: Alex Stuckert, M.S. Operations & Supply Management

‘I am capable of much more than I could ever have imagined.’

January 13, 2025

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals �� campus tour in winter

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Hero Caption: �� manufacturing engineering students program industrial robots. �� . online M.S. in manufacturing engineering program was ranked No. 19 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

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�� marketing and business education students apply learning to make DECA conference succeed

giffeyt — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

�� marketing and business education students apply learning to make DECA conference succeedgiffeyt January 20, 2026

Future teachers organize on-campus competition for high schoolers

Tom Giffey

While the 2026 DECA District I Career Development Conference was held just over a week ago, students in �� . marketing and business education program are already planning next year ��. event.

For 54 years, �� has hosted the conference, which prepares high school marketing students for future careers by challenging them to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills to individual and team events. Likewise, �� students in the Marketing and Business Education Association (MBEA) are challenged to develop and coordinate the conference, which drew more than 500 students from 18 regional high schools to campus on Jan. 10.

Professor Debbie Stanislawski

“The most challenging aspect of the DECA event is preparing to implement a large-scale conference,” said Professor Debbie Stanislawski, program director for B.S. marketing and business education and adviser to the MBEA. “Coordinating logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly requires significant planning and teamwork.”

Among those doing that coordinating this year was senior Ali Hruby, a marketing and business education major from Kennan. She agreed that the immense amount of time and effort required to organize the event are a challenge. “However, I really enjoy working with my colleagues during the setup process and seeing the conference run successfully,” she said.

Through chapters in high schools and colleges worldwide, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. It has over 250,000 members in more than 3,900 high school chapters and 203 collegiate chapters. At the district event, participants competed in 20 individual and eight team events, encompassing topics such as accounting, entrepreneurship, business finance, restaurant and food service management, retail merchandising, sports and entertainment marketing, and more.

More than 500 students from 18 area high schools attended the Jan. 10 conference at ��.

Twelve-month effort

But long before the day of the conference, �� students had been hard at work for months, embodying the university ��. polytechnic mission by applying their skills to plan all aspects of the conference.

“Volunteering for DECA at �� is an incredible opportunity for marketing and business education majors,” said senior AnuTye Her of Eau Claire, president of the �� MBEA. “It allows students to gain valuable insight into how DECA operates while experiencing it from an adviser ��. perspective.”

After evaluating the just-completed conference, student organizers will make plans for the following year, including securing access to Memorial Student Center. Once the fall semester begins, MBEA members and officers will meet biweekly to keep the process moving.

Stanislawski said that coordinating the event “requires a diverse set of skills that mirror the real-world demands of teaching, advising and leadership.” MBEA students must do everything from implementing registration systems and setting prices to ordering awards and organizing opening and closing sessions — which includes securing keynote speakers and even making speeches to the attendees themselves. During the conference, she added, �� students help run the competitive events, facilitate social activities, make sure the awards ceremony goes smoothly and more.

�� freshman Victoria Birnschein was one of numerous marketing and business education majors who helped at the conference.

Hruby has helped plan the DECA conference for two years. “The day of the event is very busy and fast-paced,” she said. “We begin by making sure everything is set up and ready to go. As schools arrive, students gather in the Great Hall for the welcome session. Throughout the day, we help direct students, troubleshoot issues and ensure the schedule stays on track.”

This year, as social coordinator, Hruby helped keep the high school students occupied as they nervously awaited the events’ results. “My favorite part is watching students participate in their competitions and then seeing their excitement during the awards ceremony when their hard work is recognized,” she said.

Shaelee DeWitt, a sophomore marketing and business education major from Mondovi, said the conference was a hectic but fun-filled day. Though she was a first-time volunteer, not only did DeWitt help introduce keynote speakers, including Chancellor Katherine Frank, but she also helped tabulate competitors’ scores.

“I am excited for DECA Districts 2027 and can’t wait to make some improvements from this past year to make it even better experience for the students,” she said.

Winners and runners-up in each category advanced to the State Career Development Conference competition from Monday, Feb. 23, to Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva.

High school marketing students took part in events that tested their skills in accounting, entrepreneurship and much more.

Embodying the polytechnic approach

For Stanislawski, one of the most enjoyable parts of the conference is seeing the numerous �� graduates who are now high school DECA advisers. “Watching them lead and teach in their own classrooms is incredibly rewarding — it ��. a real showcase of the program ��. impact,” she said. “These interactions highlight how the hands-on experiences they had as students prepared them to become confident educators and DECA advisers, which is exactly what our polytechnic approach is all about.”

Inspiring Graduate: Karolyn Waldman, M.S. Career & Technical Education

Wausau West marketing and business teacher supports students' leadership skills

Most gratifying, however, is seeing students — both high school competitors and college organizers — succeed through their roles in the conference.

“This hands-on experience not only provides insight into what it will be like to guide students as future DECA advisers, but it also aligns with �� . polytechnic mission — giving students practical, real-world preparation for their careers as marketing and business teachers,” she said.

The marketing and business education program is part of �� . School of Education, which offers nine undergraduate and five graduate programs, including on-campus and online options, along with five certificates and three certifications.

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‘Stout is a school that prepares students to be lifelong learners in real-life situations.’

January 13, 2025

�� marketing & business education majors organize on-campus DECA competition for high schoolers High school students at 2026 DECA Conference

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Hero Caption: Shelby Johnson, a December 2025 graduate in B.S. marketing and business education, volunteered at the 2026 DECA District I Career Development Conference.

Debbie Stanislawski

Debbie Stanislawski is ��'s Program Director for Marketing and Business Education (MBE). In this role, she provides academic advising to all students in the MBE major, leads curriculum development and implementation, and teaches courses on assessment, curriculum design, and instruction. Debbie also oversees clinical experiences for aspiring educators. Additionally, she teaches leadership courses within the doctoral program and mentors graduate students in career and technical education, guiding them through their thesis and dissertation work. Before joining ��, Debbie gained valuable experience teaching middle and high school business in Wisconsin and Illinois. Her time in the PK-12 education system ignited her passion for preparing future educators. Debbie's research interests include instructional technology, particularly in exploring how educators at �� integrate generative AI into their coursework. She is also deeply involved in research focused on the comprehensive preparation of future teachers for their roles in career and technical education. In her free time, Debbie enjoys kayaking, hiking, training hunting dogs, and traveling.

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Doctoral student ��. AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor ��. seasonal greeting card

giffeyt — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Doctoral student ��. AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor ��. seasonal greeting cardgiffeyt January 8, 2026

Like her artwork, educator ��. dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity

Tom Giffey

For more than 125 years, University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. stately Bowman Hall and its distinctive clock tower have served as landmarks for the campus and the community.

This holiday season, they provided artistic inspiration for a doctoral student who designed an annual greeting card sent by �� Chancellor Katherine Frank to hundreds of recipients. The image — created with a combination of digital tools, including an artificial intelligence assistant — shows the familiar campus building reimagined as a glowing 3D blueprint.

Desiah Melby / Contributed photo

“I wanted the design to capture both my student experience and the character of ��,” explained Desiah Melby of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, who is pursuing an Ed.D. in career and technical education leadership. “My mind went to the clock tower — but I wanted to reimagine it to reflect the changes in education right now!”

Among those ongoing changes is the use of AI in higher education, which Melby is examining as part of her doctoral dissertation as well as in her professional career at Mid-State Technical College, which has four central Wisconsin campuses. Melby is a communications instructor at Mid-State, where she teaches courses in writing, literature, workplace communication and technical reporting while also leading institutional initiatives around AI integration in teaching, learning and faculty development.

�� . iconic Bowman Hall in winter.

‘A Blueprint for the Future’

“We are excited about this year ��. design, which shows, through student work, what it means to learn at a polytechnic university,” stated Frank, who sends out the seasonal cards annually. “Desiah ��. design is the result of applied research and learning. What she has produced tells a story about the tangible results of a polytechnic education that have an impact today through the card ��. design and message, and will continue to impact students through the innovative educational experience that Desiah creates in her own classroom well into the future.”

This is the third year that �� students have been invited to submit designs for the chancellor ��. seasonal card. Melby learned about the contest through a campus email, and she pursued the opportunity to connect her current academic pursuit with her personal curiosity and creativity.

“This design reimagines �� . iconic Bowman Hall clock tower as a glowing, holographic blueprint — blending history with innovation,” Melby wrote in an artist ��. statement. “The tower honors the university ��. proud traditions, while the futuristic aesthetic reflects its role as Wisconsin ��. only polytechnic and its forward-facing embrace of technology, creativity and applied learning.”

In addition to the artist ��. statement, the card carried the phrase “A Blueprint for the Future” emblazoned on its front.

Melby ��. creative process integrated both traditional and cutting-edge processes. After sketching an initial concept by hand, she refined the composition using a photograph in Adobe Illustrator. Next, she uploaded the image to Midjourney, a generative AI service, where she used iterative prompting to reach the holographic-style blueprint style she was seeking. From there, Melby brought the image into Photoshop, where she adjusted the color palettes, layout and background until she was satisfied with the result.

“For me, the refinement stage is always the most enjoyable: adjusting compositional balance, nudging elements and reworking details,” she said. “That ��. the ‘play’ part of the process.”

Supporting creativity with technology

A close-up of the image created by doctoral candidate Desiah Melby for the chancellor's annual seasonal card. / Submitted image

Melby completed her M.S. education with an emphasis in curriculum and instructional design at �� in 2023, and soon after decided to pursue her doctorate at �� as well.

“My master ��. experiences left me with a sense that my work wasn’t finished — I knew there were deeper questions I wanted to explore, especially around educational leadership, instructional design and emerging technologies,” Melby said. �� . Ed.D. program was a “perfect fit,” she explained. She is now writing her doctoral dissertation and expects to graduate in May.

“Crucially, the program lets me focus on my professional passions: innovative pedagogy, workforce preparation and the evolving landscape of digital learning,” she said. “It has also informed much of the work I am doing both in my classroom and leading AI in teaching and learning at my college.”

As a full-time faculty member and committee leader at Mid-State, Melby is grateful that �� . online model has allowed her the flexibility to integrate what she ��. learning into her professional life. “Instead of education happening outside of my work, it has genuinely shaped the work I do every day,” she said.

Likewise, both her work in the classroom and her academic interests lie at the intersection of traditional and AI-enhanced methods. “My dissertation examines how integrating AI tools into first-year writing instruction influences student perceptions of writing, confidence and learning,” she said. “I created a curriculum model that integrates AI literacy, workplace use cases and ethics into writing instruction. Instead of replacing critical thinking, I believe that AI can serve as a scaffold — supporting brainstorming, revision and idea development — when students are taught to use it transparently, responsibly and with academic integrity.”

Melby said she is surprised that her design was chosen but is grateful for the opportunity to represent her educational journey at �� in a unique way.

“This project embodies the heart of my dissertation: student learning and creativity supported by technology,” she said. “I used digital tools to extend, not replace, my artistic intent — much like I ask students to use AI to extend their thinking and writing, not bypass it. The design is my practical demonstration of human creativity augmented by thoughtful technological choices, which is exactly the paradigm I believe education must embrace.”

Designer ��. Statement
“This design reimagines �� . iconic Bowman Hall clock tower as a glowing, holographic blueprint — blending history with innovation. The tower honors the university ��. proud traditions, while the futuristic aesthetic reflects Stout ��. role as Wisconsin ��. only polytechnic and its forward-facing embrace of technology, creativity, and applied learning.
“I created this piece in collaboration with an AI design assistant, making the creative process itself a reflection of Stout ��. identity — where human vision and emerging technologies meet. This choice is also deeply connected to my doctoral research, which focuses on how AI can enhance education and workforce readiness. By incorporating AI into my creative process, I extend my scholarly work into the artistic realm.”
Desiah Melby (’22)
Ed.D. Career & Technical Education Leadership Communications Instructor
Mid-State Technical College

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Like her artwork, educator ��. dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity Seasonal card 2025 on white background

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Hero Caption: Using a combination of digital tools, Desiah Melby created this image of Bowman Hall that was used in Chancellor Katherine Frank ��. annual seasonal greeting card.

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Inspiring Graduate: Karolyn Waldman, M.S. Career & Technical Education

giffeyt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:25:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Karolyn Waldman, M.S. Career & Technical Education giffeyt December 23, 2025

Wausau West marketing and business teacher supports students' leadership skills

Inspiring Graduate: Karolyn Waldman (’25)

Hometown: Prentice
Degree: M.S. Career & Technical Education

After earning her marketing and business education degree from �� in May 2019, Karolyn Waldman wanted to further her education and returned to her alma mater for a master ��. in career and technical education.

Waldman is a marketing and business teacher at Wausau West High School and serves as DECA & SBE (school-based enterprise) advisor, supporting students as they grow in their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills and more.

“I love teaching at the high school level because my students are discovering their passions and beginning to choose classes that will lead them down a career path. Any time I am able to assist a student in that journey feels successful,” she said.

Waldman earned her master ��. in career and technical education and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates.

“I hope to make an impact by inspiring passion in students and helping them grow into well-rounded individuals. I always strive to spread kindness and build experiences for students to impact others around them and in their school community,” she said.

Karolyn Waldman receives her graduation hood at ��'s fall 2025 commencement.

What drew you to �� for both your bachelor ��. and master ��. degrees?

Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I always thought that I would teach math or English. In high school, I took an accounting class and fell in love with the subject, which led me to take many more business classes. I really looked up to my marketing and business teacher in high school. Ultimately all of these factors led me to want to become a marketing and business teacher.

Karolyn Waldman at her undergraduate commencement ceremony. / Submitted photo

When I began looking at colleges during high school, I toured a few of the UW schools, as well as a few private colleges. When I toured ��, I knew it was the right fit. My tour guide was saying “Hello” to people all throughout the day on campus. Being from a small town in Wisconsin, I loved the idea that I could build relationships like this on campus and that my professors would know me.

I came to �� for my master ��. program because I had an incredible experience at Stout for my undergraduate degree. �� was the obvious choice for a CTE degree. I was lucky enough to even have some of the same professors that I knew from previous classes. They go above and beyond. I am continuously impressed by how much they care about each and every one of their students.

How has �� prepared you to work in MBE and CTE?

I have fine-tuned much of my educational theory and learned many current CTE trends. Much of the work for my master ��. degree required a lot of reflection on my role as an educator. I always value intentional reflection on my practice.

One of the assignments was to create a career tree. I had to look back at the different careers that members of my family and extended family had. This was an eye-opening experience and helped me to understand outside factors that may play a role when a student is choosing a career.

Karolyn Waldman and Professor Debbie Stanislawski. / Submitted photo

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

One of the challenges that I faced in earning my degree was finding the time to put forth into the work. I didn’t want to lack effort in the classes that I was paying to learn from. It ��. difficult to be in classes and have a full-time job at the same time. I worked through this challenge by making sure to schedule intentional time to read the material and write papers.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I’m proud of myself for pursuing and completing this degree. A master ��. degree was something growing up that I never thought was possible for me, and research was never a strength of mine. I was always extremely intimidated by the idea of a thesis, and therefore always ruled out the idea of a master ��. degree.

I’m grateful for the additional education, the professors that supported me along the way and my time at ��.

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Wausau West marketing and business teacher supports students' leadership skills Karolyn Waldman at fall 225 commencement

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Inspiring Graduate: Gus Larson, B.S. Technology Education

giffeyt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Gus Larson, B.S. Technology Education giffeyt December 23, 2025

Supporting high school students through work-based learning opportunities

Inspiring Graduate: Gus Larson (’25)

Hometown: Abbotsford
Degree: B.S. Technology Education
Specialization: Welding

For Gus Larson, �� was initially a fallback option. He started his college career at North Central Technical College, studying welding. But an accident during his freshman year would change his career path.

“I was headed home when I came across a drunk driving accident. I had gotten out of my vehicle to attempt to render aid to the victims, but I was struck by another car that drove through the accident scene,” he said.

Larson ��. injuries were extensive and, ultimately, he would have had to take a full year off from his education before he could return. Instead, his NTC welding instructor, Veronica Hope, suggested the technology education program at ��.

“I decided that I wanted to keep pushing and rather than continue to weld, I wanted to explore that suggestion from Veronica: technical education,” he said.

Larson transferred to �� and through surgeries, perseverance, and with the support of School of Education faculty, he earned his technology education degree on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. He is applying for full-time technical education teacher and substitute positions.

Gus Larson, far right, at a SkillsUSA competition at ��. / Submitted photo

“My overarching goal is to return to the northwestern side of Wisconsin to be a technical education teacher,” Larson said. “My high school teacher had a massive impact on my education and provided me with advice that one could not put a price on. I hope to make an impact on my future students by being the same inspiring and approachable teacher that I had in Abbotsford.

“I want to work to expand work-based learning by providing students with the opportunity to take part in youth-apprenticeships and school-to-work programs to allow them to develop themselves not just as students, but as employees and young adults,” he added.

Submitted photo

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

�� has provided me with not only the methods to teach but also has given me a start to my networking in the educational field. I was able to gain experience inside the classroom through observations and field experiences. This allowed me to start evolving as a teacher, understand classroom management and ways to engage students in learning.

I was afforded the privilege of doing field experiences in both large schools, like Eau Claire North with Josh Bowe, and small schools, like Plum City with the now-retired Timothy Shock. I was able to be an extra hand within the classroom and assist students in their learning. I was able to be a judge in �� . SkillsUSA competition. This showed me a different side of teaching, where students were able to apply their learned skills in a competition.

Seeing both the students swell with pride in themselves and their teacher ��. pride in their students and craft helped solidify the feeling of being in the right place for the right reasons.

Submitted photo

What stands out about your �� experience? 

What stood out to me about my experience was the dedication to students that many of my professors showed me. Barbara Bauer and Mike Mills were instrumental in guiding me through my coursework with their expert insight and leadership. From them, I was able to receive guidance from teachers who had been where I am going and understand where they were successful in their own classrooms. Through their classes I developed different lessons and was given the advice that I needed to help me create successful lessons.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience? 

I was involved with TEECA, the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association. Through the club, I was able to attend the Wisconsin Technology Educators Association conference and start building my professional network.

I found this to be extremely rewarding as well as very interesting to see what other teachers were doing differently and the different lessons they were putting together for their students. It helped me engage with my peers and continue to build my toolbox to be successful in my classroom.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them? 

The biggest challenge that I faced while earning my degree was my own body. Due to the injuries that I suffered, I went through my first year at �� dealing with excruciating pain from arthritis in my ankle. This made each day hard both in getting to and from class. I was given grace from my teachers when I needed to go home early because I was in too much pain to continue attending classes in person. All my teachers were extremely willing to accommodate me by recording their lectures or allowing me to attend class through Microsoft Teams. By the end of that year, I needed to have a third surgery on my ankle, to fuse the damaged bone to allow me to walk properly without pain. In entering my second year, I was unable to drive as I was still in a boot from my surgery. My teachers were all very understanding if I was running late to class or needed to leave early to get to my next class.

My main method of overcoming these challenges was not only to lean on my support structure but also to push through to keep going. Many days, I had to remind myself that “It will get better,” especially when I was physically hurting. I have learned through my time at Stout that sometimes rather than pushing it off, it was better to face the problem head on and be determined to continue.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of finishing this degree partly because I was unable to finish my welding degree at North Central Technical College. I have been able to find a best friend in my previous roommate, meet someone that I love very much and find the region of Wisconsin where I want to spend the rest of my life.

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Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors

goersab — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors goersab November 20, 2025

Construction, interior design, technology education majors build garden products for senior living home residents

Abbey Goers

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in Lecturer James Bunkelman ��. Light Construction Methods class are designing and building two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for a senior living home.

The project is part of a service-learning activity, as their final products will be delivered to The Neighbors of Dunn County for the residents to use and enjoy in their garden.

The project was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students. The Blueprint for Success: Construction Career Camp, led by Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin, blended practical construction skills with community engagement, thanks to a partnership with Junior Achievement and The Neighbors.

Madelyn Pretzer, Tanner Schauf, Brandy Wolf and Erika Rivolta build a tool bench for The Neighbors

The high school students built prototypes of the garden beds and benches after meeting with The Neighbors residents to learn about their needs, laying the groundwork for the �� students’ projects.

When Bunkelman ��. university students took the project on, “I told them to have fun. I told them what they were to build, but not how to do it. They have free rein in their research, designs and building processes.”

A group of four students is completing an ADA-compliant raised tool bench, built with treated two-by-four pine boards and capable of holding 200 pounds, they estimate. The cross-disciplinary team is:

Madelyn Pretzer, interior design, of Rochester, Minnesota
Erika Rivolta, interior design, of Comerio, Italy
Tanner Schauf, technology education, of Sparta
Brandy Wolf, construction management, of Le Sueur, Minnesota

Brandy Wolf nails pine boards in place on the tool bench frame

Wolf enjoys smaller-scale construction projects and has experience in the building process. “Applying the skills we’ve learned in class to turn our design into reality for a client is very fulfilling,” she said.

The team believes it ��. extremely important to know a client ��. wants or needs before beginning a design. They designed the tool bench to be ADA compliant, considering the needs of The Neighbors residents. The height is designed so that a person in a wheelchair may sit at the bench comfortably.

Madelyn Pretzer cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

“We’re all bringing our own skills into the project,” Pretzer said. “Erika and I have design experience. Next semester, we have a Residential and Senior Living class. This project gives us an early perspective on senior living needs and their possible preferences.”

As a future teacher, Schauf believes collaboration and community involvement are essential. “For teachers, there ��. an expectation to be a pillar in the community,” he said. “I hope to connect my classroom with the programs like this at Stout through similar projects that bridge the gap between technology education and field experiences.”

Tanner Schauf cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

Social responsibility is a fundamental component of the Stout Core curriculum, a series of foundational classes that enhance students’ applied learning while building the soft skills in high demand by employers.

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Construction, interior design, technology education majors build garden products for senior living home residents Light Construction Methods, The Neighbors project, tool bench

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A bright future: Marketing, business education students recognized for dedication, talent

goersab — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:15:00 +0000

A bright future: Marketing, business education students recognized for dedication, talentgoersab October 28, 2025

MBE, CTE alum Grinker receives Outstanding WMEA Educator Award

Abbey Goers

Surrounded by their peers and educators from around the state, three University of Wisconsin-Stout marketing and business education alumni and students were recognized at the BEcoME IT Conference, presented by the Wisconsin Educators of Business and Information Technology and Wisconsin Marketing Education Association:

Alum Traci Grinker received the Outstanding WMEA Educator Award and completed her term as WMEA president.
Ali Hruby received a $500 WEBIT Student Scholarship, presented to her by Shelby Dixon, �� MBE student representative on the WEBIT Board.
Kahlen Outzen received the Emerging Marketing Educator Award and was selected to serve as the upcoming �� MBE student representative on the WMEA Board.

MBE Professor Debbie Stanislawski, right, and students at the BEcoME IT Conference / Debbie Stanislawski

“It ��. truly inspiring to see our students recognized for their dedication, talent and potential. This kind of acknowledgment not only reflects their hard work but also speaks volumes about the bright futures ahead of them,” said Assistant Professor Mike Mills, program director of family and consumer sciences education, marketing and business education and technology education.

Professor Debbie Stanislawski, program director, B.S., M.S., and Ed.D. career and technical education, believes the BEcoME IT Conference is a powerful reminder of how �� . applied learning model prepares future marketing and business teachers for real-world success.

“Through experiences like planning DECA District events, judging at FBLA State, and engaging with professionals at conferences like BEcoME IT, our students build the confidence, skills, and networks they need to thrive as future educators and leaders in the field,” she said. “The conference was really one of those days that really reinforces ‘the why’ to what we do at ��.”

�� . School of Education and the teaching, learning and leadership department are committed to delivering high-quality teacher preparation programs.

“At a time when the value of education is often questioned and alternative licensure pathways are becoming more common, students recognize the importance of earning their Career and Technical Education Teacher Licensure through ��. Our programs prepare future educators not only for a job, but for a meaningful and lasting career in education,” Mills said.

Six �� MBE students were financially supported to attend the conference, held Oct. 16-18 in Wausau, with proceeds from hosting DECA Districts at ��.

Founded in 1965, WMEA ��. mission is to create a culture of learning and sharing within marketing education, to support educators in their roles as professionals, and to advocate for the growth and longevity of the marketing education profession.

Traci Grinker: A career coming full circle

Grinker is a marketing and business teacher in the Medford School District, where she ��. taught for 11 years. She ��. also the DECA and graduation advisor and manages the Raider Cafe & Shoppe school store. Previously, Grinker taught in the Menomonie, Altoona and Colby school districts.

Traci Grinker, left, is presented with her Outstanding WMEA Educator Award by Mischell Fryar / Traci Grinker

Grinker is a two-time �� alum, having earned her bachelor ��. in MBE in 2009 and master ��. in career and technical education in 2021.

“I knew from kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher, but I wasn’t sure what kind of teacher until high school, when I started to take marketing classes. It really is full circle because the person who inspired me the most to become a marketing teacher, Mischell Fryar, was actually the person to present me with the WMEA Educator Award,” Grinker said.

Fryar is also a double �� alum, holding an MBE and an M.S. in CTE. She is the WMEA treasurer and marketing teacher at Rhinelander High School.

Grinker hopes to inspire students to learn that marketing and business-related content applies to all students and careers. “I want students to gain the self-confidence to try something new, like a new class or to join our DECA/FBLA chapter,” she said.

As WMEA president, her three main roles were to manage the organization, organize meetings and provide valuable professional development opportunities to members, including the BEcoME IT Conference with the WEBIT organization.

“As president, I wanted to provide opportunities for our members to network with each other and provide an environment in which they are not afraid to reach out to fellow members and board members for any needs. The best part of our organization is the community that we have built. Our members are the most supportive group of people, and we are like family,” Grinker said.

Ali Hruby: Starting her teaching career strong

The $500 WEBIT scholarship will help Hruby pay for tuition, gas expenses for travel to and from her pre-student teaching placements and business-casual clothing. She will student teach next fall and graduate in December 2026.

Ali Hruby, left, is presented with her WEBIT scholarship by Shelby Dixon / Ali Hruby

“Reducing student debt will help me start my teaching career strong and give me the ability to invest in classroom supplies and materials that make learning more engaging for my students,” said Hruby, of Kennan, Wisconsin.

Hruby has had incredible teachers, professors, coaches, family members, and role models who have guided and supported her in becoming who she is today, she said.

“I want to give that same encouragement to my future students and help guide them to find their own version of success. Academically, I find so much joy in seeing students grow and reach those moments when everything ‘clicks.’ Watching the progress students make throughout the day, semester, year or even high school career is what I find the most inspiring aspect of being a teacher,” Hruby said.

Kahlen Outzen: Providing a student perspective

As the college representative for WMEA, Outzen will assist with conference planning and professional development for secondary and future marketing educators. She’ll also provide insight into what secondary and college students may feel more aligned with in the classroom.

Kahlen Outzen, center, is presented with her Emerging Marketing Educator Award by Traci Grinker and Mischell Fryar / Debbie Stanislawski

Also, as a student from a disadvantaged area where career and technical training were undervalued, Outzen hopes to provide WMEA with insight to understand different educational issues. “I hope I can be a resource for educators on the board who are not from an area like mine and provide some support from a student perspective,” she said.

“I enjoyed my high school CTE classes, so the fact that these classes were undervalued didn’t sit right with me. My MBE teachers, in particular, were ever-changing; this led to a lack of marketing and business education, as well as a lack of professional development, in my school,” said Outzen, who grew up near Milwaukee. “This lack of marketing and business education, and exposure to the business world, leads to a lack of opportunities for high school-aged children, something I would love to make an impact on.”

Outzen wants to introduce her future students to the world of marketing and business in a way that is interesting to them. “I want to be able to spark a passion in those I can, so that they can feel confident in their future careers,” she said. “When I graduated high school, I was unsure of what to do with my future and was, admittedly, very lost. I do not want that for my students. It ��. OK to not know for sure, but I want them to know their options and feel more confident in life after high school, and more confident in their career choices, especially in the marketing and business fields.”

At �� . School of Education, students are engaged right from day one in their teaching area of interest: art education; early childhood education; family and consumer sciences education; marketing and business education; math education; social studies education; special education; and technology education. The School of Education also offers postgraduate degrees in career and technical education, education, school counseling, and school psychology, as well as nine education certificates and certifications.

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MBE, CTE alum Grinker receives Outstanding WMEA Educator Award MBE Professor Debbie Stanislawski and students at a conference

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Mike Mills

Mike Mills is an Assistant Professor of Technology Education. Mike is passionate about Career and Technical Education and what it can provide students. In addition to teaching in the School of Education, Mike will also be doing work outreach and curriculum for fab labs.

Mike joins us from South Dakota where he spent 17 school years teaching high school cabinetmaking/woodworking. During that time Mike also spent 4 years serving as the State Director of SkillsUSA South Dakota. Mike is originally from Osakis, MN which is in the Alexandria, MN area. After graduating high school, Mike attended college in Utah and graduated with a B.S. in Technology Education from Southern Utah University in 2005. During college, Mike worked to gain industry teaching endorsement in cabinetry by working at a cabinet door shop.

Mike completed his student teaching at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College in the high school cabinetry program. Prior to completing his Bachelor of Science degree, Mike graduated with an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in criminal justice from Southern Utah University. After completing his second year of teaching, Mike started his Master of Science degree in Educational Technology and graduated in 2009 from Dakota State University. In August 2023 Mike graduated with his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Practice and Leadership from the University of North Dakota, where he specialized in higher education.

Mike is excited to be transitioning to higher education where he will be able to work with future teachers and leaders in Technology Education, and Career and Technical Education.

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Two-time �� grad leaves mark as nontraditional student turned college president

giffeyt — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:21:22 +0000

Two-time �� grad leaves mark as nontraditional student turned college presidentgiffeyt October 22, 2025

Mid-State Technical College leader honed skills at ��

Tom Giffey

Shelly Mondeik followed a nontraditional path to becoming a college president – a path that ran through �� and led her to be named one of Wisconsin ��. top female leaders.

Mondeik earned an associate ��. degree after graduating from high school and immediately went to work in the medical field. Over time, she developed her natural affinity as an instructor and mentor and ultimately began to teach at a technical college. As her career progressed, she realized she needed to further her own education.

“When I had my checklist, �� hit all the boxes,” Mondeik said. “They were able to provide the balance that I needed, not only for my family at home but also my work family – all the people that I was supervising.”

Mondeik said she was drawn by �� . strong reputation, as well as a delivery mode that allowed her to take classes on weekends while still having time to fulfill her roles as a mother and spouse with a full-time job. As a student, Mondeik said she benefited from both �� . experienced faculty as well as the cohort model, which helped create synergy among her fellow students. She earned her bachelor's degree in career and technical education in 2006, then forged ahead to earn her master ��. in the same field two years later. “I was so happy with my bachelor education, I thought ‘Why would I go anywhere else?’”

Shelly Mondeik, second from right, speaks to students from Mid-State Technical College, which has four campuses in central Wisconsin. / Submitted photo

The back-to-back �� degrees helped propel Mondeik to become dean of public safety and then vice president for learning at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau before she was named president of Mid-State Technical College in 2017.

The technical college has more than 10,000 students on campuses in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield and Adams.

“I very much believe that becoming president was because of the education I received at ��,” Mondeik said. “They prepared me well.” In particular, through case studies and role-playing, �� instilled the skills necessary to provide consistent leadership, she said. Furthermore, her experience as an adult learner returning to college in her 30s contributes to the decisions she makes as leader of an institution where many students have also followed nontraditional routes.

Mondeik ��. leadership has attracted attention far beyond Mid-State ��. four central Wisconsin campuses. She was named Central Region 2024 Chief Executive Officer by the Association of Community College Trustees, and for both 2023 and 2024 was listed among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Wisconsin by Women We Admire. The most recent list included a range of female business, education and nonprofit leaders, including fellow �� alum Krista Hoglund, health insurance company executive.

“When I got that recognition,” Mondeik said, “it did make me reflect and I did smile, because it was some validation that I have had a positive impact and people have noticed.”

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Mid-State Technical College leader honed skills at �� Shelly Mondeik speaks at event

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Hero Caption: Shelly Mondeik, who holds two �� degrees, became president of Mid-State Technical College in 2017. / Submitted photo

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Championing teachers: Community, state support are vital in recruiting, retention of educators

goersab — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Championing teachers: Community, state support are vital in recruiting, retention of educatorsgoersab October 6, 2025

�� prepares future teachers through personalized approach; Teach Day event for high schoolers is Oct. 15

Abbey Goers

It is no secret that enrollment in teacher preparation programs all over the country is suffering. The shortages that school districts are feeling in Wisconsin specifically are very real, and districts large and small are being impacted, said �� School of Education Director Shannon Donnelly.

According to a June 2025 analysis by the Learning Policy Institute, more than 410,000 teaching positions nationwide were either unfilled or filled by teachers not fully certified for their assignments, representing about 1 in 8 of all teaching positions.

“This puts a massive strain on school districts when trying to ensure that they are meeting the needs of all students,” Donnelly said. “Often, these types of positions are filled by professionals without teaching credentials or will simply remain unfilled. As you can imagine, this greatly impacts the educational experience for students and significantly strains the system.”

Attracting people to join the education field is admittedly becoming more and more difficult, especially in high-demand areas such as special education, technology education, and family and consumer science, and subject areas such as math and science, Donnelly added.

School districts nationwide are looking for solutions to recruit and retain teachers by implementing innovative, research-backed strategies.

“One of the first things we as current educators can do is to be the biggest champions of the profession,” she said. “If we aren’t shouting from the rooftops all of the amazing and wonderful reasons to teach, who will? We desperately need to reframe the profession of teaching back to its core, which is the gift of impacting students and families.”

Donnelly also thinks that barriers need to be removed for those seeking teaching degrees, through offering online programs and flexible access, of which she said, “Stout is a leader.”

She thinks the most crucial method to attract people to the profession is through vital community and state support. “This comes in the form of strong partnerships and advocacy from communities and a significant financial investment and commitment by the state,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly believes one of the best ways to retain teachers is to create conditions in schools where teachers feel supported, respected and treated as professionals.

“While the improvement of compensation and benefits will be an ongoing topic of discussion, the research shows that those components are not the driving force behind why teachers leave the field. People leave due to feeling overworked, under-supported and under-prepared,” she said.

“We need to ensure teachers are wrapped in a culture where they are viewed as the professional experts of their field because they are,” Donnelly added.

Preparing future teachers

At ��, Wisconsin ��. ��, School of Education students are engaged right from day one in their teaching area of interest: art education; early childhood education; family and consumer sciences education; marketing and business education; math education; social studies education; special education; and technology education.

Their progressive development in applied learning moves students through interactive and relevant activities in their labs and courses to teaching experiences on campus and in school districts before graduation.

“I am proud of our ongoing work at Stout to ensure that we are utilizing innovative ways to best prepare our future teachers to excel and succeed in an environment that is ever-changing,” Donnelly said. “We place a high priority on getting students out into K-12 classrooms immediately. This unique, personalized approach allows our students to explore a variety of teaching areas and age levels so they can pursue the education career path most exciting to them.”

Graduates are 100% employed or are continuing their education within six months of graduation and have an average starting salary of $52,000, according to Career Services’ First Destination Report.

“I continue to be so impressed with the passion and pride that our faculty have for our educator preparation pathways at Stout. We have a longstanding reputation for providing high-quality programming and ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to successfully enter the education profession,” Donnelly added.

Teach Day shows students a variety of pathways

The School of Education will host its fifth annual Teach Day on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with hands-on activities for prospective students who are interested in becoming teachers. Students explore any of the eight pathways in �� . undergraduate teacher preparation programs.

In past years, high school students from Minnesota and Wisconsin have attended Teach Day, with regional students from Menomonie, St. Croix Central, Somerset, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, Elk Mound and more.

“We want Teach Day to be an event where students leave with excitement about the variety of pathways they can pursue to be a teacher while also seeing Stout as a place that they could call home,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly was previously the superintendent of the Somerset School District, whose students often participate in Teach Day. The high school offers multiple exploratory courses for students interested in becoming teachers.

“The Teach Day event was a natural fit,” Donnelly said. “Students and staff came back from Teach Day excited, having learned about the wide variety of educational licensure options Stout offers. They added how impressed they were with Stout as a whole, as for many students, Teach Day is their first interaction with a college campus.”

Donnelly began as the School of Education director in July. She has her bachelor ��. in vocational rehabilitation, now known as B.S. in rehabilitation services, and her master ��. in education from ��, as well as her educational specialist degree from University of St. Thomas and a Doctorate of Education from Bethel University.

In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the School of Education offers postgraduate degrees in career and technical education, education, school counseling, and school psychology, as well as nine education certificates and certifications.

These programs are among the many workforce-ready programs administered in Heritage Hall. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 9 to celebrate the start of the three-year, $144.3 million Heritage Hall renovation project that will transform the half-century-old building into a cutting-edge educational hub to help meet Wisconsin ��. workforce needs.

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Global vision, local design: �� students transform public spaces with murals

goersab — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Global vision, local design: �� students transform public spaces with muralsgoersab July 7, 2025

Art installations in Italy, Minnesota bring communities together

Abbey Goers

Two �� students – Allison Seanor and Megan McDowell – recently completed two murals, half a world apart. Their public installations celebrate how art brings communities together, creating vibrant and welcoming spaces.

Seanor, an art education major from Wausau, studied abroad at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy, last spring. She participated in a city-wide mural festival with her artwork entitled “To Travel is to Understand.”

McDowell, an animation and digital media major from Albertville, Minnesota, was commissioned by Koala Dental Care in St. Cloud, to create a multi-wall-to-wall mural for the office ��. reception area.

Megan McDowell's mural for Koala Dental Care combines popular visuals of Minnesota with dental care objects. / Megan McDowell

‘To Travel is to Understand’

Seanor ��. mural “To Travel is to Understand” is part of Florence ��. annual Palazzuolo Strada Aperta festival, which invites national and international street artists to work with residents to revitalize the city center through art.

Allison Seanor (right) and her teacher Maria Antonietta / Allison Seanor

Her approximately 8-by-8-foot mural is painted on a retractable metal shutter at Via Palazzuolo 76 red. When shops along Via Palazzuolo close their shutters for the evening, the street turns into an art gallery. The street, close to Santa Maria Novella Square, is seeking to revive its historical artisan character and support the local economy.

Seanor ��. mural reflects on the impact of mass tourism on Florence, as seen through the eyes of an American student.

“It is a message of unity and shared respect, a reminder to travelers that to truly experience a place you must appreciate it, learn from it, connect with it, reflect on it and understand it,” Seanor said.

It is also a message to Florentines, acknowledging the challenges that tourism can bring, while offering a heartfelt reassurance: “Many of us arrive with a deep admiration for this extraordinary city and a genuine desire to honor its culture, its people and its rhythms. In Florence, we can meet not as strangers, but as human beings moved by beauty, history and respect,” Seanor added.

At the heart of the painting is a portrait of Seanor ��. Italian teacher, Maria Antonietta, who motivated Seanor to do her best inside and outside of class. “Maria was my inspiration. She is a world traveler and beautiful soul, and she symbolizes the desire to learn no matter where you go,” she said.

She was also influenced by her own observations of the city. “Others might say it ��. bold to comment on tourism within art, when you yourself are an American. However, my goal was to hopefully close the gap between tourists and locals in Florence,” Seanor said.

“I’m very happy with the results of this mural, with how colorful it is and how it turned out physically, but also with how it changed me as a person,” she added. “I believe this mural and studying abroad have helped me really push myself to try to achieve more, and that is something I am really proud of. It ��. not so easy to leave your comfort zone to try to reach your goals, but when you do, it ��. extremely rewarding.”

“To Travel is to Understand” is visible and geolocated on the Street Art of Florence map on Google Maps.

An engaging, abstract collage for kids and families

McDowell ��. Koala Dental Care mural was commissioned by the owner through McDowell ��. aunt, who is a dentist in the office. “I am very grateful I had an inside connection and was able to jumpstart a new passion of mine,” she said.

Megan McDowell's mural is an abstract collage of hidden objects, meant to engage children in the office's reception area / Megan McDowell

Within the mural design, Koala asked McDowell to combine popular visuals of Minnesota with dental care objects. “These are two completely different topics, so to combine them into one cohesive design, I had to be creative. I combined the ideas in an almost abstract way to create a collage of hidden things. I added a lot of motion and fluidity into the design, making it engaging for kids at the office to look at,” she said.

McDowell had always wanted to learn about the process behind creating a mural, and two courses at �� provided her with that knowledge. Within the Digital Illustration course, McDowell worked with a group of her peers to create a mural design for �� . School of Art and Design. It portrayed humanoid characters interacting with elements of art and design – film, ceramics, video games, music, studio art and more – in purple, blue, orange, yellow and red hues.

Their design was chosen by university leadership to be completed by students in the Graffiti and Street Art summer class in 2024. McDowell enrolled in the class and helped bring her design to life, led by Professor Cynthia Bland and Lecturer Wade Lambrigtsen, owner and proprietor of Vintage Sign Shop in Menomonie. It was the third 400-square-foot, student-designed, student-painted mural on campus, located on the east loading dock of the Applied Arts Building.

Megan McDowell helped to design and paint the third mural on campus / ��

“I was inspired by the process. These courses allowed me to get experience outside of school, and I was able to use these skills to further my career and find a new passion,” she said.

“Megan ��. Koala mural is a clear connective thread between the mural production here at Stout and setting up students to become muralists out in the real world,” Bland added.

McDowell graduated this spring and is currently doing freelance work while seeking a full-time career. She wants to continue painting murals as well. “What I love most about animation and digital media is the storytelling. Storytelling through visuals is something I greatly enjoy. I want to bring other people ��. stories to life,” she said.

In summer 2026, Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, will transform and uplift the community through public art, helping make Menomonie a more joyful and vibrant place to live.

The animation and digital media program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. Art education is offered through the School of Education.

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Hero Caption: Allison Seanor's mural "To Travel is to Understand" was created as part of Florence, Italy ��. annual Palazzuolo Strada Aperta festival. Photo by Allison Seanor

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