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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

goersab — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:05:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukeegoersab September 22, 2026

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

North Shore Healthcare provides services ranging from skilled nursing to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation to home health and hospice, and brain injury rehabilitation. With 70 centers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and North Dakota, it is the largest provider of post-acute care in the Upper Midwest.

Last summer, �� Polytechnic M.S. applied industrial/organizational psychology graduate student Aranthza Gonzalez completed an internship in learning and development at North Shore Healthcare ��. Support Center in Milwaukee, where she worked on the corporate side of the organization, supporting initiatives across multiple health care facilities through services such as learning and development, human resources and operational strategy.

M.S. applied industrial/organizational psychology graduate student Aranthza Gonzalez at North Shore Healthcare

Gonzalez ��. path into applied industrial and organizational psychology was shaped by her experiences at organizations from several different perspectives – from serving in the military to working directly with people in health care to now working within learning and development at the organizational level.

“Those experiences have made me especially interested in the connection between the people making organizational decisions and the people carrying them out every day. My internship reinforced that even something developed behind the scenes – whether it is a training program, communication, process or leadership resource – can ultimately influence an employee ��. experience and the culture of an organization,” she said.

Gonzalez plans to graduate in May 2027 and hopes to continue building her career in learning and development or people and culture, particularly in roles where she can support employee development, leadership, workplace culture and organizational effectiveness.

“Long term, I want to continue growing into positions where I can help shape organizational practices and ensure that the employee perspective remains part of the decisions being made,” she said.

As part of the university ��. degree requirements, all students are required to complete an internship, co-op or field experience. These additional applied learning components are part of the reason why 99% of recent graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, and 77.4% of spring 2026 graduates were hired prior to graduation.

What interests you most about your M.S. AIOP degree?

What interests me most about applied industrial and organizational psychology is understanding how organizations can create environments where people are able to perform well, grow and feel supported.

My background includes serving in the U.S. Navy and working in frontline health care, so I have experienced firsthand how leadership, communication, training and workplace culture can affect employees. I enjoy being able to take those experiences and connect them with research and psychology to help improve the workplace from an organizational perspective.

What were your main internship roles at North Shore Health?

My roles included supporting leadership and employee development, creating training resources, developing implementation and tracking tools, analyzing competency data and helping coordinate learning initiatives across multiple facilities.

Every day looked different. I collaborated with executive leaders, built learning resources, developed dashboards, analyzed data, and supported organization-wide projects that strengthened employee development. Coming from a hands-on health care background, it was a full-circle experience to see how the work happening at the Support Center empowers frontline teams to provide exceptional resident care.

What interested you in interning with North Shore Health?

I was especially interested in the opportunity at North Shore Health ��. Support Center because of my previous experience working directly with patients and clients in health care settings. Moving into the Support Center allowed me to see the other side of health care – how learning and development, people and culture, and organizational leadership support the employees doing frontline work.

It was a full-circle opportunity to connect my professional experience with what I am learning through my I/O psychology program.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed being trusted with projects that had a real purpose and could be used across the organization. It was rewarding to create tools or resources and then see them implemented by leaders and employees at multiple facilities.

I also really valued learning how decisions and resources developed at the Support Center eventually reach frontline employees. Having been a frontline worker myself, that connection was especially meaningful to me.

My favorite part was knowing the work I completed wasn’t temporary. I was able to contribute to projects designed to have a lasting impact. I learned that meaningful organizational change starts with strong collaboration and thoughtful planning.

Gonzalez plans to graduate in May 2027 and hopes to continue building her career in learning and development or people and culture.

What were two projects you worked on or helped with?

One of my largest projects supported the implementation of a new resident-safety framework across multiple facilities. I developed project-management tools, competency tracking systems, Microsoft Forms, Excel dashboards, and reporting processes to help facilities monitor implementation and identify areas where additional training or support were needed.

I also developed an Emotional Intelligence Skills Series for employees and leaders. The series provided practical resources around areas such as self-awareness, communication, relationship building, coaching and navigating difficult workplace conversations.

How did you face challenges within your internship?

One challenge was supporting multiple facilities virtually while recognizing that each location had its own workload, priorities and needs. I couldn't simply create a process and assume it would work the same way everywhere.

That experience taught me to listen, communicate clearly, simplify processes when possible and consider the perspective of the employees responsible for carrying them out. It reinforced that successful organizational change depends just as much on people as it does on the process itself.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

As both a veteran and someone who has worked in frontline health care, I understand how much the decisions made at the administrative and leadership levels can affect the people doing the work every day.

I want to help organizations recognize the importance of psychological safety and understand how leadership, communication, training and organizational practices shape workplace culture. I hope to contribute to workplaces where employees feel safe speaking up, asking questions, learning from mistakes and contributing their ideas. To me, supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.

Do you think your courses and experiences at Stout will help you make that impact?

Absolutely. �� Polytechnic has helped me connect my military and professional experiences with the research and science behind workplace behavior. My coursework has strengthened my understanding of research, organizational development, occupational health psychology, interpersonal effectiveness and employee development.

The applied nature of the M.S. AIOP program has stood out most. Through class projects and my internship, I have had opportunities to move beyond learning concepts and actually use them to evaluate workplace needs, develop resources, analyze information and recommend practical solutions.

Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Inspiring Graduate: KC Maternowski, M.S. Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Ensuring organizations recognize their impact on people

Inspiring Graduate: Josh Green, M.S. Applied Industrial/Operational Psychology

Bringing a psychology and people‑centered perspective into workplaces

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’ Aranthza Gonzalez, M.S. AIO Psych internship at North Shore Healthcare

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M.S. Applied Industrial / Organizational Psychology

Your knowledge of psychological theories, principles, and research methods will help organizations make data-driven decisions and use evidence-based practices.

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Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

goersab — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwingoersab September 22, 2026

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Therapy can help people process difficult emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of connection and purpose following loss or traumatic experiences.

Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, in Baldwin, is a woman-owned private practice that specializes in trauma and grief therapy. These are the topics that interest �� Polytechnic B.S. psychology student Julia Pollitt the most as she thinks ahead to her career.

Julia Pollitt (right) with Reflective Roots owner and founder, psychotherapist Stephanie Larson

Pollitt completed an administrative internship over the summer with Reflective Roots, whose goals are to guide clients to reflect on their past and understand their present through individual therapy; brainspotting, a focused psychotherapy tool that uses specific eye positions to help a client ��. brain and body process and release deep emotional pain and trauma; and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, a trauma-focused psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pollitt, of Baldwin, plans to graduate in spring 2028 and then attend �� Polytechnic ��. M.S. clinical mental health counseling program. She also plans to establish her own practice one day.

“What interests me most about my degree is the opportunity to understand and support those around me through the knowledge I am gaining both from my internship and courses at Stout,” Pollitt said.

As part of the university ��. degree requirements, all students are required to complete an internship, co-op or field experience. These additional applied learning components are part of the reason why 99% of recent graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, and 77.4% of spring 2026 graduates were hired prior to graduation.

What were your main roles as an intern at Reflective Roots?

As an administrative intern, my main roles were to assist in preparing appointments, updating and organizing company policies and documents, compiling resources for referrals to other providers and clinics, and reviewing crisis resources and other files.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed most about my internship was the one-on-one time that I had with my supervisor, Reflective Roots owner and founder, psychotherapist Stephanie Larson. We spent a lot of time exploring the clinical aspects and business aspects of running a private practice, which made me even more excited about becoming a therapist. At our lunch meetings, we would go over treatment plan examples and updates and discuss strategies for providing effective treatment. She answered any questions I had.

She taught me a lot about taking care of yourself as a therapist in order to provide the most beneficial treatment to your clients.

Was there anything challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

The challenging aspect of my internship was that I worked in my local community, so I was familiar with some clients and got to learn a lot about keeping my personal and professional lives separate.

Also, something I learned was that one of the hindrances to individuals seeking treatment or making progress was misinformation. This is why it ��. so important to break things down and help others process what you’re suggesting or guiding them to do.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

One way I hope to make an impact in my field is by incorporating both somatic and psychological interventions into my therapy practices. I learned a lot about this during my internship and have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.

I believe my courses at Stout will contribute to my impact on the field. I have already noticed several connections between the practices I learned during this internship and my coursework.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don’t take your internships and experiences for granted and always ask every question that comes to mind. You will get so much more out of your experience that way.

Psychology

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Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

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Furthering her education by pursuing a master ��. in industrial-organizational psychology

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’ Julia Pollitt, B.S. Psych internship at Reflective Roots

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B.S. Psychology

Our B.S. Psychology program blends theory and applied understanding of human psychology to prepare you for a wide range of careers or graduate school.

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Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

goersab — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needsgoersab September 21, 2026

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

Abbey Goers

Recruiters from hundreds of companies across the United States will travel to �� Polytechnic to interview students and alumni for co-ops, internships and post-graduation professional positions during the university ��. four-day Career Conference Week.

More than 2,000 Blue Devils will connect with leading employers in engineering, packaging, plastics, design, hospitality and more at six industry-focused fairs from Monday, Sept. 21, to Thursday, Sept. 24, hosted by Career Services at the Memorial Student Center.

More than 125 Fortune 500 companies have hired �� Polytechnic graduates in the past five years. Some of these employers attending the conference include 3M, Boston Scientific, DR Horton, Fastenal, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hilton, JLL, Northwestern Mutual Insurance, Parker Hannifin, Sanmina and Xcel Energy.

New this year is the addition of a Design Career Fair. “Our expanding strengths in the areas of 2D and 3D design, modeling, concept art, product and human-centered design, advertising and interactive design, naturally led to the inclusion of such a focused event,” said Career Services Director Bryan Barts. “With our graduates applying their skills across industries from medical devices, entertainment, consumer products and streaming media to manufacturing, technology and apparel design, we hope to build clear, intentional connections and career pathways between students and industry.”

Also new this year are two career education panels that support �� Polytechnic ��. approach to career engagement: an AI in Careers panel with the university ��. AI Fellows and a Video Production Career Pathway panel.

“These two distinct panels will showcase and include opportunities for students to learn from industry experts who will share topics and insights to assist them with career development, while making connections with alumni, new professionals, companies, and career pathways,” Barts said.

Students start with ‘strong fundamental foundation built’

Many of the recruiters attending the Career Conference represent businesses that have formed deeper connections with �� Polytechnic, including through the Career Services Partnership Program (CSPP).

CSPP partners are Aspirus Inc., Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Belmark, Inc., Blast Cleaning Technologies, ConAgra, CTech Manufacturing, EVCO Plastics, Fastenal, Greenheck Group, Heartland Business Systems, The John Roberts Company, Kwik Trip, Market & Johnson, Menards, Phillips-Medisize, Skyward, Sundt, United States Marine Corps, Wilderness Resort and Xcel Energy.

Belmark, Inc.

Belmark, Inc. has seen the fundamentals and concepts around graphics in the packaging industry remain consistent for quite some time. However, the rise of artificial intelligence will have an impact on the tools and automation capabilities that drive quality and efficiency.

“The willingness to embrace technology advancements is what will give people in our industry a competitive advantage. Custom AI-built solutions are at our fingertips, and prioritizing development will set companies and individuals apart from their competition over the next few years,” said Belmark Graphics Manager Brad Butkovich.

The �� Polytechnic students Butkovich has interacted with have a strong fundamental foundation built, he added. “Understanding the concepts around how graphics impacts production and relevant hands-on experience with our industry standard software gives any new employee a head start,” he said. “ I believe graphics’ role in the printing industry will evolve rapidly over the next few years. Mentally preparing students for constant change as they enter the workforce will be critical to their success. Individuals who can adapt and embrace change will rise to the top.”

Belmark, headquartered in De Pere, manufactures pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons for a broad range of industries, bringing customers the creativity, energy and problem-solving to help build their brands through innovative packaging solutions. �� Polytechnic packaging, graphic communications, graphic design, and risk management and safety majors are encouraged to talk to Belmark and other employers on the Tuesday of Career Conference Week.

Career Conference Week and additional recruitment events

Students and alumni are encouraged to attend any and all Career Conference days.

Monday: Computing: Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Tuesday morning: Packaging: Print, Production and Design
Tuesday afternoon: Engineering: Science and Sustainability
Wednesday: Construction: Design, Build, Manage
Thursday morning: Design: Art, Entertainment, Gaming and Media
Thursday afternoon: Management: Business, Wellness, Hospitality and Human Sciences

On top of Career Services’ biannual Career Conference Week, students are invited to join several more programs and events throughout the year, including the Built Environment Career Fair, Human Sciences Day, Government & Nonprofit Career Fair, Internship Draft Day and Art & Design Week.

The Spring 2027 Career Conference will be held Monday, Feb. 22, to Thursday, Feb. 25, 2027.

The Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) helps coordinate students’ required experiential learning components and builds partnerships between employers, students, and university faculty and staff. Nearly 1,000 students enroll each year in CEIP, completing hands-on co-ops and internships at more than 900 sites across the country – more than one-third of which lead to accepted job offers. Fully 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, and 77.4% of spring 2026 graduates were hired prior to graduation.

More than 27,000 �� Polytechnic students have benefited from CEIP since its inception in 1982. The program received a Stewards of Place award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, “for its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions.”

Career Services

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference Career Conference

MarCom

Career Conference Week

One of the largest conferences in the Midwest, preparing Blue Devils to be career ready on day one.

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Co-op Q&A: Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction Inc., Lomira, Wisconsin

goersab — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:25:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction Inc., Lomira, Wisconsingoersab August 26, 2026

‘Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters.’

Supply chain management, business administration and construction management are interconnected industries that transform ideas and resources into projects that improve the places where people live, work and gather. Supply chain professionals ensure that materials, services and resources move efficiently, while business professionals help organizations make strategic decisions and manage people, finances and operations. Construction professionals then bring those plans to life by creating the physical spaces that support businesses, families and communities.

Together, these fields offered �� Polytechnic student Katelynn Peterson opportunities to develop versatile skills, explore meaningful careers and see how her work can have a tangible impact. As a supply chain management major, she served as a business administration intern at Michels Construction Inc., in Lomira. She was one of the first interns placed in this role and managed more than 100 Michels interns.

Peterson was even given the opportunity to take a day trip on a private jet to Syracuse, New York, to watch Project Yankee, where Michels is testing deep foundation pouring for Micron ��. new microchip facility – a $100 billion, 680-acre-plus project.

“The opportunities are endless with Michels,” she said. “If you want to try something new or go somewhere for more experience, Michels is more than willing to put you where you need to be. This company is incredibly flexible in developing a strong career through support, networking and experience.”

Peterson, of New Richmond, expects to graduate in spring 2029, and plans to one day work at the corporate level in supply chain management.

“What interests me is the operations behind companies regarding transportation, logistics and quality management,” she said. “I hope to make an impact in my field by setting a positive, professional, and respectful standard, while finding the best protocols and operations within any project or company.”

Peterson was one of 745 �� Polytechnic students enrolled in Career Services' Cooperative Education and Internship Program this summer. CEIP ensures structure, support and collaborative partnerships between employers, students, faculty and staff.

What were your main roles as an intern at Michels Construction?

As a business administration intern, my main role was managing 115 of the 335 interns in the program. I used Excel to manage all the information. I monitored and managed their time clocks for payroll processing using ExakTime, tracked dashcam alerts with Samsara and audited their receipts for thousands of transactions in Corpay.

I had to navigate best operations for handling all of this for future business admins. Mass communicating to so many interns was challenging – sending proper protocols, policies, standards, training guides and more proved to be more than difficult. It was hard maneuvering all the communication consistently amongst the number of employees, but after finding the best system, it worked out very pleasantly.

What is a project you helped with at Michels Construction?

I created the Business Administration Playbook. It ��. a standard operating procedure (SOP) document that contained everything I did for the summer as a training guide for future business administration interns.

With two other interns placed in this role, it was a lot of organizing and navigating the best processes throughout the three months. We created the guide for those who may need it in the future.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed the networking and professional relationships, as well as friendships that I made. This internship presented endless opportunities for me to experience more – even developing relationships with executives and presidents. This gave me the opportunity to watch testing be done on-site firsthand for Project Yankee for Micron.

Currently, Michels is testing foundation pouring for 80-foot caissons, which are underground cement pipes. They are testing about 10 of these pours before pouring the thousands to come. It was neat to see a challenge firsthand and watch the engineers navigate solutions and what to do going forward.

What advice would you give other students who are given large responsibilities?

Be confident! Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters. Even if you aren’t sure about what you are doing, you can be confident in navigating the next best steps to get there. Others see this motivation, and it will only make them more confident in having you experience different things.

Do you think your courses and experiences at Stout will help you to make an impact?

Yes! I do think my courses and experiences at Stout will help me to make this impact. The Career Conference Week that Stout hosts twice a year has so much potential for any individual, with any opportunity, in any major. The engaging, hands-on courses are informative and provide both soft skills and technical skills.

Supply Chain Management

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Co-op Q&A: Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction Inc., Lomira, Wisconsin

‘Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters.’

Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Falls

‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’

Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit

‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

‘Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters.’ Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction intern

B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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Embark on 40+ years of unmatched experiential learning with leading employers.

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Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Falls

goersab — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Fallsgoersab August 26, 2026

‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’

Great Northern Corporation, which manufactures packaging and retail displays, is headquartered in Appleton and has operations in ﬁve states. It employs more than 1,700 people nationwide, including more than 40 �� Polytechnic alumni. For more than 60 years, Great Northern has led the way in recyclable packaging, protective components, and retail display solutions that help customers succeed while minimizing environmental impact.

This summer, �� Polytechnic student Owen Whitney, a double major in business administration and supply chain management, served as a supply chain intern at Great Northern ��. Chippewa Falls location.

He worked independently to find areas of improvement within the company, developed solutions and ran projects to implement those solutions.

Whitney, of Morristown, Minnesota, plans to graduate in spring 2028 and would like to work in either project management or within supply chain.

“As a message for other students, I would say: do internships. I know it sounds cliché, and I know everyone says it, but they are telling the truth. Try to get one every year. Go to every career fair. I know they can be intimidating at first, but being uncomfortable is what creates some of the greatest growth. Eventually, you’ll start to see that discomfort turn into comfort, or at the very least, it won’t feel like something to fear anymore. That builds confidence, and that confidence builds you,” said Whitney, who also has minors in sales and marketing and computer science.

Whitney was one of 745 �� Polytechnic students enrolled in Career Services' Cooperative Education and Internship Program this summer. CEIP ensures structure, support and collaborative partnerships between employers, students, faculty and staff.

What were your main roles as a supply chain intern at Great Northern Corporation?

What interested me in interning with Great Northern was that not only would I get experience in a supply chain role, but I would also gain knowledge in how to run projects. Getting this real experience was valuable in many ways to me. It allowed me to learn that progress takes time, organization is vital, and that being resourceful is necessary in project management.

As a supply chain intern, I spent a lot of time walking through the days of our employees to see what would stick out to me. I did a lot of research, reached out to vendors, grabbed important details, presented ideas to my boss, planned out next steps and solutions, tested, and did what I could to finish the projects I started.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed most about my internship was getting to meet members of each role in the company and learn all about their position. This allowed me to make connections with many people and really understand how my role in the company ��. process works from start to finish.

I also really enjoyed having the freedom to choose my own projects. Being able to identify an area for improvement and then take the initiative to develop and implement a solution was very interesting and rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.

What are one or two projects you helped with at Great Northern Corporation?

Currently, the Great Northern production lines use paper quality sheets to document quality checks. A member of the company had the idea of transitioning these sheets to iPads, and I helped turn that idea into a more achievable concept. I edited a digital version of the quality sheets in Excel, incorporating features such as checkboxes, automatic timestamps, and other functionalities to make the process more efficient and user-friendly. I also developed a macro that allows the digital quality sheets to be automatically duplicated and organized as many times as needed, regardless of the number of sheets required. This will allow the whole system to be much more user-friendly, and a digital version would mean it would be much better organized.

Another project I helped with involved Great Northern ��. improvement idea process, where employees can submit ideas for improving operations. However, the existing process was entirely paper-based, requiring employees to fill out a physical form, management to manually review each submission and the completed forms to be stored. I developed a digital system to streamline this process and make it easier to manage from submission through approval.

I began by converting the existing improvement idea sheet into a Microsoft Form so employees could submit their ideas electronically. I then created a centralized Microsoft List to automatically store the responses in an organized format. From there, I used Power Automate to build the workflow that connects the different parts of the process. The workflow can notify the appropriate manager when an idea is submitted, route the idea through the necessary approval levels, update the submission based on the decisions made and send the appropriate notifications throughout the process.

The project also required me to troubleshoot and adapt the system as I developed it. When I found a limitation that affected the system, I worked with the corporate IT team to find an alternative solution.

Overall, this project gave me experience designing an automated process from the ground up. While I was not physically writing traditional code, I had to use the same type of logical thinking involved in programming, such as mapping out how information should move through the system, identifying potential problems, troubleshooting them and developing solutions to make the process work efficiently.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

The freedom was one of the most challenging aspects of my internship. It is also funny that the part of my internship I found most rewarding was also one of the most challenging. I had near-complete freedom over how I structured my days, which was very different from any job I had worked before. Instead of being given a set list of daily responsibilities, I had to identify areas that could be improved and then figure out how to approach them.

My managers were always great about answering questions and providing direction, but I still had to learn how to work independently. For a few weeks, I had to take a step back and focus on improving my organization, planning ahead, and becoming more comfortable reaching out to people and vendors.

I faced the challenge with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to make a difference, and over time I became much more comfortable working independently and taking ownership of my projects. I know I still have much to improve on, but this challenge helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact by being good at what I do. My impact in project management would be knowing my company well, understanding the roles, communicating well and planning ahead. I want to make a difference at the places I work; I want to be an asset, I want to make others’ lives easier, and I want to be the best version of myself. So, I think the way I can have the biggest impact on my field is by being coachable and wanting to learn from everyone ��. perspective. With that, I think I could become well-rounded and knowledgeable in whatever job I’m in.

How will your experiences at Stout help you to make that impact?

My courses and experiences have already helped me a lot. My first year, I was an undecided student and wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I was deciding between computer science and business, and because I like planning and thinking about the future, not knowing what direction I wanted to take was really stressful for me.

However, by listening to the students and teachers around me, I slowly started to narrow down what I wanted to do. I especially want to credit one person: Kelly Wenig, my first-year advisor. He worked with me throughout my first year to help me develop a plan and commit to something. At first, I chose computer science, then switched to business a semester later, and eventually added supply chain as a double major this past semester. That was a lot of change, but each time I considered making a big change, I went back to Kelly. He is very personable and genuinely wants everyone to find something they can be passionate about.

By listening to him and many others, I was able to slowly work my way toward something that felt like a better fit for me. And this didn’t all happen in one day, one week, or even one month. It took me two years, and I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do. But I’ve learned that it ��. OK not to have everything figured out.

My experiences at Stout have taught me how important it is to keep learning, ask questions, and be willing to change direction when something isn’t the right fit. My courses have also given me the technical and business knowledge to actually turn ideas into solutions. Combined with the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, I feel like Stout has given me the confidence and tools to find my own path and make a difference wherever I’m meant to be.

2025 University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporation

'�� . hands-on approach aligns with our values of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.'

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‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’ Owen Whitney at Great Northern Corporation

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B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accolades

giffeyt — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accoladesgiffeyt July 17, 2026

University ranked in top tier based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition

Tom Giffey

�� Polytechnic has once again been honored for providing affordable education that sets students on a path for professional success. This time, the university was ranked among the top 50 on a list of America ��. Best Value Public Universities in a study conducted by SmartAsset, which provides consumer-focused financial information.

More than 500 public universities and colleges around the United States were evaluated on average cost of attendance, median earnings for graduates and graduation rates. �� Polytechnic rose to the top based on these criteria, setting it apart from regional and national peers.

“Outcomes can vary widely by school,” SmartAsset wrote, “meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs and solid career prospects.”

�� Polytechnic shines in these and other areas. Blue Devils who received their undergraduate degrees in 2024-25 reported an annual starting salary of $59,000, a 4% increase from the prior year, �� . annual First Destination Report found.

The average starting salary for undergraduate degree holders from �� Polytechnic has been the highest among universities in western Wisconsin for the past seven years, representing the ongoing return on investment in an education at Wisconsin ��. ��.

The most recent survey also found that the average starting salary for graduate degree recipients was $62,000. And fully 99% of recent graduates were either employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

The top 50 ranking among America ��. Best Value Public Universities is just one of numerous honors �� Polytechnic has achieved in recent years. For two years in a row, the university ranked among America ��. Best Colleges as determined by Money Magazine.

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ��. rankings of Best Online Programs named three �� Polytechnic programs among the best in the Midwest and nation, including Best Online Bachelor ��. in Business, Best Online Master ��. in Education and Best Online Master ��. in Engineering.

�� Polytechnic is also ranked highly for serving veterans and the military community, earning the coveted gold designation as a Military Friendly® School for 2026-27 as well as being honored on the Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times.

And many of the university ��. programs have been cited among the best in the nation and even the world:

CEOWorld ranked the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program as No. 9 among the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Programs in the World.
The game design programs were ranked No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 17 among all U.S. public universities by Animation Career Review.
The cybersecurity program ranked No. 14 among the Top 25 programs in the United States, according to Programs.com.
College Factual placed numerous �� Polytechnic programs – including graphic communications, video production, packaging and manufacturing engineering – among the best in the Great Lakes region. And that ��. just for starters.

�� Polytechnic ��. status as the only polytechnic university in Wisconsin or Minnesota means the institution is dedicated to applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The campus has three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77% of �� Polytechnic students were hired before graduation.

In recent years, Blue Devil graduates have gone to work for hundreds of firms with household names or Fortune 500 rankings, including Amazon, Cigna, General Motors, Citigroup, Ashley Furniture, Andersen Windows, Boeing, Milwaukee Tool, Boston Scientific, Harley-Davidson, FedEx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Nike, Oshkosh Corp., Rockwell Automation, Target and 3M.

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

University ranked at the top based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition Students walking on �� Polytechnic campus fall 2025

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Survey finds rising pay, 99% employment rate for recent �� alums

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row

National rankings highlight affordability and student outcomes as university empowers students’ career readiness

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Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidsongoersab May 12, 2026

‘My internships built on the strong foundation Stout has given me by showing me how concepts are used in actual production environments.’

For more than 120 years, Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, has been one of the world ��. most recognizable motorcycle brands. Dominating the U.S. market, the heavyweight motorcycles and the signature orange and black shield embody the freedom of the open road.

Just a short ride up the shores of Lake Michigan is Nicolet Plastics, with facilities in Jackson and Mountain, Wisconsin. The custom injection molding company specializes in producing complex plastic parts for industrial, medical and consumer markets. It was recently awarded the Small Business Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Noah Klenner, a dual major in plastics engineering and mechanical engineering, completed two internships this year, one with each of these manufacturers.

“I most enjoyed seeing what it ��. like to work in an engineering environment at both a smaller-scale company and a larger, more well-known manufacturing plant. I have a better understanding of how different teams operate, how communication and responsibilities vary, and how engineering work changes depending on the size and structure of the company,” Klenner said.

Klenner, of Slinger, was one of 24 �� students who received the university ��. 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award. He will graduate in fall 2028 and is looking to start a role in manufacturing or process engineering, “ideally in an environment where I can continue working on product development, process improvement, and production optimization,” he said.

What were your main roles and projects at Nicolet Plastics?

At Nicolet Plastics, my first internship, was my first real-world engineering role working with injection molding machines in a manufacturing setting. As a plastics engineering intern, I worked closely with the processing team lead on injection molding process support, including helping with mold changes, machine start-ups, and adjusting processing parameters, like injection speed and temperature, to improve part quality and consistency.

Toward the end of this internship, I also helped gather data for production part approval process (PPAP) documentation. Much of my work involved monitoring and adjusting processing parameters, such as injection speed and temperature, to improve part quality and consistency. I also spent time on the production floor troubleshooting issues and working with the team to reduce defects and improve overall efficiency.

What were your main roles and projects at Harley-Davidson?

At Harley-Davidson, as an advanced manufacturing engineering intern, I worked with the new product development group, supporting new parts as they were being prepared for production. One of the main things I worked on was supporting validation efforts for new 2026 police motorcycle parts. A big part of my role was running and supporting validation testing, including ensuring cosmetic quality standards were met and helping with significant production runs (SPRs) to validate that parts and processes were capable of running at production scale.

Toward the end of this internship, I also helped create PPAP documentation for those same parts to support the production approval process. Overall, I was helping make sure parts met quality and production requirements before launch.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

One of the most challenging parts was dealing with process issues on the production floor, where there isn’t always a clear or immediate answer. In those situations, I learned to stay organized, ask the right questions, and work closely with experienced operators and engineers to narrow down the root cause. I also found that being patient and methodical, instead of rushing to a fix, made a big difference in solving problems effectively.

How will your courses and experiences at Stout help you make an impact in your career?

My coursework at Stout has given me a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, materials and engineering problem-solving. Hands-on lab work and project-based courses have been especially valuable because they connect theory to real-world applications.

My internships at Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson really built on that by showing me how those concepts are used in actual production environments.

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

‘My internships built on the strong foundation Stout has given me by showing me how concepts are used in actual production environments.’ Noah Klenner, CEIP award winner

B.S. Plastics Engineering

Our B.S. Plastics Engineering program will prepare you for a career leading innovation in medical, automotive, and other industries.

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B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Our B.S. Mechanical Engineering program covers mechanics, kinematics, thermal/fluid sciences, materials sciences, and more.

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Career Services’ annual First Destination Report declared that 99.5% of recent plastics engineering and mechanical engineering graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $71,500.

This past year, more than 980 students participated in co-ops and internships through Career Services at nearly 600 employers in 28 states and three international locations.

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Co-op Q&A: Ayush Patel, SMK Global, New Jersey

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Ayush Patel, SMK Global, New Jerseygoersab May 12, 2026

‘This experience confirmed that I want to build my career in food safety and quality assurance.’

Growing health consciousness and focus on preventive health care pushed the market size of the global dietary supplements industry to an estimated $210 billion in 2025.

In this rapidly expanding market, �� food science and technology major Ayush Patel applied the skills he learned in the university labs as a quality assurance specialist intern at SMK Global, a nutritional supplement manufacturer in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Patel is interested in how science directly connects to real food production, especially in food safety, quality control, and making sure products are safe and consistent for consumers.

“This experience with SMK helped me grow both professionally and personally,” said Patel, of Anand, India. “As an international student, adapting to a new work environment and contributing to a real production system gave me a lot of confidence. It confirmed that I want to build my career in food safety and quality assurance.”

Patel was one of 24 �� students who received the university ��. 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award. He will graduate in May 2027.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to contribute to improving food safety and quality systems so that consumers can trust the products they use every day. I’m especially interested in making quality processes more efficient while maintaining high safety standards.

What were your main roles at SMK Global?

My experience at SMK gave me a better understanding of how quality systems are maintained in the industry. As a quality assurance specialist, my responsibilities included:

Inspecting powder products and packaging
Testing for moisture, weight, texture and seal integrity
Verifying labeling accuracy
Reviewing ingredients and labels in compliance with FDA regulations
Supporting regulatory documentation
Supported Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance checks during internal audits
Packaging line quality control, helping identify issues with filling, sealing, and labeling
Working closely with QA, R&D, and production teams to ensure product quality and safety.

What do you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed most was being part of a real production environment and seeing how everything we learn in class actually applies. It was rewarding to know that even small checks, like label reviews, compliance verification, or packaging inspections, can directly impact product safety and consumer trust.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

Understanding and applying detailed FDA regulations was definitely challenging at first, especially in a fast-paced production environment. I improved by asking questions, reviewing official guidelines and learning from my team. Over time, I became more confident in making quality decisions and handling real-time production challenges.

How will your courses and experiences at Stout help you make an impact in your career?

Courses like Food Safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Chemistry gave me a strong foundation for understanding quality systems. Lab work and hands-on experiences helped me apply concepts like moisture analysis and product stability directly during my internship.

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

‘This experience confirmed that I want to build my career in food safety and quality assurance.’ Ayush Patel at SMK Global

B.S. Food Science & Technology

Our B.S. Food Science & Technology program prepares you to use technology to develop the future of food systems and safety.

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Career Services’ annual First Destination Report declared that 100% of recent food science and technology graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

This past year, more than 980 students participated in co-ops and internships through Career Services at nearly 600 employers in 28 states and three international locations.

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Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:15:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloitgoersab May 12, 2026

‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

Radioisotopes play a crucial role in health care, enabling accurate 3D imaging diagnostics to help detect and treat cancer, heart disease, thyroid issues and other diseases. With more than 50 million nuclear medicine procedures performed annually worldwide, according to the World Nuclear Association, the need for the rapid production and time-sensitive delivery of radioisotopes is high.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is a radiopharmaceutical company in Beloit that develops and distributes these lifesaving products. Recently, �� supply chain management major Scott Stewart completed a cooperative experience at NorthStar as a supply chain analyst intern.

Stewart, who has a second major in business administration, was interested in working with NorthStar Medical “because of its innovation in health care and its role in producing radiopharmaceuticals that improve patient outcomes, along with the opportunity to work in a complex, highly regulated industry,” he said.

Stewart, of Twin Lakes, was one of 24 �� students who received the university ��. 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award. He will graduate in May 2027.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

What interests me most about supply chain is how it connects everything – how materials, information, and people all work together to keep operations running efficiently and the impact those decisions have on overall performance.

I hope to improve efficiency and communication within supply chain organizations by identifying gaps and implementing better systems and processes.

What were your main roles at NorthStar Medical?

As a supply chain analyst intern, my main roles included supporting procurement and planning, creating purchase orders in Sage X3, assisting with inventory forecasting, and contributing to process improvement projects.

One major project I helped with involved mapping material process flows across the company to improve visibility and reduce confusion in operations. Another project involved researching and evaluating production scheduling software, where I recommended a new system to improve efficiency and planning. The new system is currently being implemented.

What do you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed the hands-on experience and working cross-functionally with different departments and seeing how my work directly supported operations.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

A key challenge was the learning curve in a highly technical industry. I overcame this by asking questions, collaborating with teams and taking time to fully understand processes before making decisions.

How will your courses and experiences at Stout help you make an impact in your career?

Courses like Principles of Logistics and Procurement, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management have been especially helpful in building my understanding of how supply chains operate and how decisions impact efficiency.

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Co-op Q&A: Aranthza Gonzalez, North Shore Healthcare, Milwaukee

‘Supporting employees is not separate from organizational performance – it is part of creating a stronger and more sustainable organization.’

Co-op Q&A: Julia Pollitt, Reflective Roots Psychotherapy & Healing, Baldwin

‘I have grown incredibly passionate about diverse interventions for treating various psychological illnesses and struggles.’

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference

‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’ Scott Stewart at NorthStar

B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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Career Services’ annual First Destination Report declared that 100% of recent supply chain management graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $62,000.

This past year, more than 980 students participated in co-ops and internships through Career Services at nearly 600 employers in 28 states and three international locations.

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Equine therapy gives clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growth

goersab — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:24:52 +0000

Equine therapy gives clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growthgoersab April 3, 2026

Vance Creek Experiential Therapy internships add to clinical training for master ��. students

Abbey Goers

There is something therapeutic to a slow, rhythmic trail ride on horseback. You begin to feel grounded in the quiet nature of the woods and in the calming company of horses. The calm can lead to new thoughts or the banishment of worries or a “letting go” of control.

This form of experiential learning can help clients build self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen communication and trust. Vance Creek Experiential Therapy (VCET), an equine therapy ranch in Clayton owned by Christine Mattila, provides clients with a safe environment to practice coping skills, gain confidence and transfer those skills into everyday life.

It also builds career-ready skills for �� M.S. clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) students as they intern at the ranch and use activity-based learning to observe behavior, support growth and guide clients through real-time learning experiences.

Counselors at Vance Creek help clients feel safe and validated through equine therapy and experiential learning. / Christine Mattila

Ava Allroggen, a fall 2025 clinical mental health counseling graduate, had the opportunity to intern with VCET last summer.

“At the end of each week, it was cool to swap out my business casual for faded jeans and muddy boots,” she said. “I learned so much from my site supervisors and coworkers, but the people who taught me the most were the clients. The site rocked my understanding of therapy for the better, and I’m a better counselor as a result.”

Mattila thinks the biggest transfer of skills from an internship at Vance Creek is the ability for students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a real working environment. “That kind of experiential learning builds practical skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, all of which are just as important as technical knowledge once students enter the workforce,” she said.

It also helps students understand professional expectations, build confidence and learn how to contribute from day one. In this way, the internship experience prepares them not just for their first jobs but also for long-term success in their careers, Mattila added.

With the emphasis being on the relationship counselors develop with their clients, “Our goal is often to help clients feel safe and validated while also recognizing their engagements with themselves and the world around them,” said CMHC Associate Professor Andy Felton, who serves as Mattila ��. clinical supervisor. “The art of our work comes from the experiences we create with clients that offer new forms of engagement and interactions to help them create inter- and intra-personal shifts, becoming empowered to not just survive but thrive.”

Vance Creek internships add to clinical training

Felton and Mattila met about eight years ago when Mattila was looking to develop her clinical practice and expertise. “Then, as I developed the Expressive Arts in Counseling course, Christine was kind enough to allow students to do a field trip to learn more about equine therapy and experience some of what it may be like as a client,” Felton said.

Once Mattila became fully licensed and was in a position to take interns beginning in spring 2023, VCET and the CMHC program began a partnership for students wanting to add to their clinical training, moving beyond talk therapy.

Allroggen was one of three �� interns at VCET. Their role was to be the primary clinician in the room or on the trail with the client. “As a counseling intern, my responsibility was to facilitate the therapeutic part of the experience. I initiated check-ins, helped develop session plans and helped clients apply their experiences to their therapeutic goals,” she said.

CMHC graduate student Ava Allroggen with therapy horses at VCET. / Ava Allroggen

She was supported by Mattila and staff members, who served as the equine specialists (ES). They ensure the safety of both the client and the horse during sessions. “The ES provides direction for proper horse care and safe riding skills. While working with Christine, we often helped each other in our roles. I would help clients manage their horse, while Christine would give therapeutic direction,” Allroggen said.

“The healing process in equine therapy is usually very gradual and relationship-based. It starts with building trust and creating a sense of safety, because many clients need to feel calm and supported before they can begin deeper emotional work,” Mattila said. “From there, the horse often helps mirror emotions and behaviors, providing clients with real-time feedback and helping them become more aware of what they are feeling. Over time, that process can help clients regulate emotions, build confidence and carry those skills into their everyday lives.”

Much of equine work is viewed as the horse being the primary counselor. The horse can be used as the resource the client needs to better understand themselves, their experiences and to take steps towards eliciting change. So much of the therapeutic work comes from the relationship the client develops with the horse, Felton said.

“As clients interact with the horse, they can become empowered to face challenges, realize their potential and move toward becoming the person they want to be,” he said. “For example, as a client becomes more confident in their abilities to interact with the horse, this can translate to the confidence a person feels about themselves and the obstacles in their life.”

Inspiring Graduate: Ava Allroggen, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Establishing roots in the community as a prelicensed counselor

The CMHC program is regularly looking for new partnerships in the community to help students apply their learning. Student placements are based on interests and opportunity for practice. Specific sites have included Menomonie School District, Bloomer School District, Cedar Hill Therapy, Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, Dunn County Human Services, Fernbrook Family Center, Kinnic Falls Inc., Lutheran Social Services, Park Avenue Center, Tomah VA Medical Center and various college counseling centers.

Those interested in pursuing partnerships with CMHC internships may contact Felton at feltonan@uwstout.edu.

�� . counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers five master ��. programs, including marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling and school psychology, as well as three undergraduate programs, minors and certificates.

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Equine therapy gives clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growth

Vance Creek Experiential Therapy internships add to clinical training for master ��. students

Inspiring Graduate: Ava Allroggen, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Establishing roots in the community as a prelicensed counselor

Alumni recognize communication, connections, genuineness as necessary to be trusted leaders

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Vance Creek Experiential Therapy internships add to clinical training for master ��. students Vance Creek Experiential Therapy

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Our M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will prepare you to provide competent and ethical services as a mental health counselor.

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Hero Caption: M.S. clinical mental health counseling student interns use activity-based learning at Vance Creek Experiential Therapy. Photo submitted by Christine Mattila.

Andy Felton

Andy, a Wisconsin native out of Madison, WI, joined �� in 2016. Prior to returning to Wisconsin, Andy lived in Laramie, WY where he obtained his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. While obtaining his degree he was in private practice offering play therapy to children as well as counseling to individuals, couples, and families. Andy also helped facilitate intensive outpatient groups for individuals struggling with substance use. Andy also worked part time working at the university counseling center offering process groups and individual counseling. Before pursuing his PhD, Andy lived in Harrisonburg, VA where he obtained his master's and Ed.S. degrees in Community Counseling and then offered intensive in-home services for individuals and families. Andy continues to provide clinical supervision and clinical services to the community to further help inform his teaching. Though Andy loves teaching, he also has interests that revolve around his family, traveling, photography, and playing board games.

Teaching Interests: Children & Adolescents, Counseling Theory, Play Therapy, Creativity in Counseling, Group Counseling

Research Interests: Creative and expressive methods, Clinical Supervision, Teaching pedagogy

Full Name: Andy Felton

Job Title: Associate Professor / Department Chair / Certificate Advisor

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Area of Expertise: Play Therapy Filial Therapy Interpersonal Process

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Andy Felton CV (50.24 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision

University: University of Wyoming

Degree: Ed.S. Community Counseling

University: James Madison University

Degree: B.A. Psychology

University: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Degree: Licensed Professional Counselor

University: State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Degree: Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor

Degree: Acudetox Specialist

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News

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �������� Polytechnic accolades

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��������. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row

Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson

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B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Co-op Q&A: Ayush Patel, SMK Global, New Jersey

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Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit

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Equine therapy gives clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growth

Vance Creek internships add to clinical training

Inspiring Graduate: Ava Allroggen, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Hundreds of national employers seek �� Polytechnic students, alumni to meet hiring needs

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accolades

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row