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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

jasperb — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:45:24 +0000

#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)jasperb May 13, 2026

Ashley Abts helps guide strategic site decisions at Krispy Kreme, influencing where the brand grows and creating spaces that bring lasting value and connection to communities

Brenna Jasper

Ashley Abts / Submitted photo

When a new storefront opens, most people see the finished result. For Ashley Abts, the vision starts long before opening day. As a manager of real estate development at Krispy Kreme, Abts helps identify and secure locations where the brand can extend its reach into communities across the country while also managing landlord relationships and communicating portfolio recommendations to company leadership.. Her work helps determine where businesses grow and where communities gain new gathering spaces nationwide. Each site represents a multimillion-dollar investment and a long-term presence in a community, making early decisions critical to both business success and local impact.

“We’re all consumers,” Abts said. “It ��. fun to work with brands that people recognize and care about. Being part of bringing something into a community that creates joy is really rewarding.”

Abts was born in the San Francisco area before moving to Wisconsin with her family at a young age. After high school, she initially enrolled at Arizona State University to study interior design, but after a year she realized the path was not quite right.

“I still wanted to be around the world of design and architecture,” she said. “I just realized I didn’t necessarily want to be the one doing the creative work.”

Ashley at her �� graduation / Submitted photo

That realization led her to the real estate property management program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Abts immersed herself, joining the Institute of Real Estate Management student club and building connections through industry tours and internships. Faculty members like John Sobota and Fred Prassas and an internship with Weidner Apartment Homes helped students understand the many directions a real estate career can take while encouraging them to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Those experiences gave her early exposure to the full lifecycle of development and helped her build the professional network that launched her career. Her background in studying property management also gave her a strong foundation in building relationships with landlords, tenants and community partners — skills that continue to play an important role in her work today.

After graduating, Abts moved to New York City to pursue a master ��. degree in real estate development. From there, she gained experience working for developers, launching veterinary clinics in new markets and working with global brands including Tiffany & Co., where she supported real estate operations for one of the world ��. most recognized luxury retailers.

Today, part of her work at Krispy Kreme focuses on evaluating potential sites and guiding projects from concept to reality. That process involves coordinating with brokers, engineers, city planners and community stakeholders to determine whether a location will support both the company ��. goals and the long-term needs of the surrounding area — decisions that ultimately shape whether a project moves forward. Long before construction begins, Abts and her team analyze zoning requirements, traffic patterns, accessibility and neighborhood fit to ensure each project can succeed long-term. Those early insights help prevent costly missteps while ensuring each new location adds value to the community it serves.

Submitted photo

In one recent project in Fridley, Minnesota, the team worked toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability and thoughtful development. This effort required careful planning and collaboration to reduce environmental impact while creating a space that fits naturally within the surrounding neighborhood. The result is a space designed not just for efficiency, but for long-term community benefit.

“We look at things like how employees will get there, how the site fits into the neighborhood, building attributes and what the long-term impact will be,” Abts said. “It ��. about making sure the location works for everyone involved.”

Looking back, Abts credits her time at Stout with helping launch a career that allows her to shape how businesses grow and how communities evolve.

“I’m proud of the community I built at Stout,” she said. “The friendships, the connections and everything I learned there helped shape where I am today.”

As she continues helping companies expand into new markets, Abts remains energized by seeing projects come to life. For Abts, the impact is about creating places people return to again and again. “It ��. exciting to watch something go from an idea to a real place where people gather,” she said. “Being able to help create those spaces is something I’m really proud of.”

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

May 7, 2026

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development.

April 22, 2026

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities. Ashley Abts

Alumni

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#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

jasperb — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:48:56 +0000

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)jasperb May 7, 2026

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

Brenna Jasper

Chad Johnson / Submitted photo

For more than two decades, Chad Johnson has helped shape the evolution of Washington ��. wine industry by crafting wines that reflect place, process and personality while expanding how people experience and access them.

As co-owner and co-winegrower of Dusted Valley, his impact extends beyond the vineyard. His work has helped elevate Washington wine on a national stage, challenge traditional perceptions of the industry and create more approachable entry points for consumers while staying grounded in craftsmanship and community.

Raised in western Wisconsin, Chad ��. path to wine was not direct. After graduating high school, he relocated to northern California where he worked in fine dining and was introduced to the wine industry. Realizing he had always loved fermentation science, Chad decided to pursue a degree at �� with a renewed sense of purpose.

Chad, Janet and Chad's parents at his �� graduation / Submitted photo

As a nontraditional student, Chad enrolled in the food systems and technology program and created a chemistry minor. With deep family ties to �� — his mother, grandfather, siblings and extended family all went or worked at Stout — he found a community that already felt like home. That foundation, paired with applied learning and strong faculty support, gave him direction and momentum.

“I remember going to visit my grandpa when he worked at the student center. We'd do a tour, have lunch and go back to his office for a glass of milk and a chocolate chip cookie. Coming back to Stout gave me a fresh start,” he said. “But it also felt like coming home.”

After graduating, Chad worked in food science and quality control before moving into pharmaceutical sales. Eventually, he made the decision to step away from corporate roles and build something of his own.

With encouragement from his wife Janet, a 1997 �� business administration graduate, Chad relocated to Walla Walla, Washington, alongside Janet ��. sister and brother-in-law. That formed the foundation of a family-run business that, by 2003, had become Dusted Valley.

Dusted Valley owners Chad Johnson, Janet Johnson, Cindy Braunel and Corey Braunel / Submitted photo

From the beginning, Chad approached winemaking with a balance of science and instinct. His background in food systems translated directly into fermentation, quality control and production, while his curiosity pushed him to experiment and refine his craft.

“It all starts with the science, but making wine is the easy part,” he said. “Making great wine isn’t. I’ve had people tell me all the things I’m not supposed to do, and the wines taste better when I do them anyway.”

Submitted photo

Chad recognized early that for Washington wines to gain broader recognition, they needed to reach beyond traditional audiences. That approach led to the creation of Boomtown, a label designed to deliver high-quality wine at a more accessible price point. At the same time, Dusted Valley maintained a commitment to small-lot wines that highlight the character of the grapes and the region.

“It ��. agriculture, it ��. science, it ��. business and it ��. also connection,” he said. “Wine creates moments. It creates community.”

Balancing accessibility with craftsmanship has allowed the winery to connect with both everyday consumers and more experienced wine enthusiasts, resulting in national recognition. Dusted Valley has been named among the top wineries in the world by leading wine publications, with wines that consistently earn high scores and accolades, including Washington wine of the year honors. The Boomtown label has also been recognized globally as one of the top value wine brands, reinforcing Chad ��. belief that quality and accessibility can coexist.

Chad and Corey in the Dusted Valley cellar / Submitted photo

A partnership with a respected, Burgundy-based importer further expanded the winery ��. reach, positioning its wines alongside some of the most established producers in the world and helping bring Washington wine to a broader audience.

Chad ��. influence extends beyond his own winery. Through his service on the Washington State Wine Commission and involvement in industry organizations, he has helped advocate for small growers and elevate the profile of Washington wine nationwide. That commitment carries through to his work. Whether it ��. an everyday wine opened at the dinner table or a special bottle marking a milestone, his goal is to create something meaningful and memorable.

Chad said, “When someone tastes the wine and genuinely loves it - when they choose to spend their money on something we created… that ��. everything. That ��. what ��. most rewarding.”

For students pursuing careers in food science, entrepreneurship or beyond, Chad emphasizes action and openness: “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity,” he said. “Get out there, try things, get your hands dirty. You’ll figure it out by doing.”

That foundation continues to shape his journey, one defined by resilience, curiosity and a lasting impact on both his industry and the people who experience it. And for those looking to see that impact firsthand, Chad offers an open invitation to visit the tasting room in Walla Walla, where his work continues to evolve one vintage at a time.

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

May 7, 2026

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development.

April 22, 2026

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley. Chad Johnson

Alumni

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#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

jasperb — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:55:39 +0000

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)jasperb April 22, 2026

Sara Kay Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world build self-awareness, rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and development.

Sara Kay Gottschalk / Submitted photo

Sara Kay Gottschalk has spent more than 15 years helping leaders navigate pivotal moments in their careers. From first-time managers to senior executives, she has transformed the way organizations think about talent, leadership, and the human side of change. Through executive coaching, succession planning and organizational development, Sara equips leaders with the self-awareness and courage to make decisions that strengthen their teams, organizations and the people they serve.

Sara Kay ��. journey began with a passion for learning inspired by her mother, who earned her PhD while Sara Kay was in elementary school. That early exposure to education instilled a lifelong love of learning that carried her through her undergraduate degree and later to ��, where she earned her master ��. degree in 2014 while working full-time in human resources at Foot Locker, Inc. Stout ��. flexible program, which combined online coursework with in-person sessions across the UW system, allowed her to immediately apply what she was learning to her professional work. This approach gave her an opportunity for accelerated growth and opened doors to increasingly strategic roles.

After completing her master ��. degree, Sara Kay moved into leadership development at Foot Locker, Inc. in New York, eventually taking an international assignment as director of talent management in Amsterdam. There, she and her family lived abroad for three years, immersing themselves in Dutch and European business culture. Leading global teams across multiple countries deepened her perspective on how leadership styles, feedback, and communication differ across cultures. She emphasizes that self-awareness is critical for any leader, especially when navigating complex teams and environments.

“If there was one thing I could give every leader, it would be self-awareness,” she says. “Your ability to understand the impact you have on others—and adjust how you communicate, cascade vision, give feedback and show up as a leader—changes everything. You can’t lead those things well if you can’t first see yourself clearly.”

Sara Kay ��. global experience directly influenced her later work at Amazon, where she shaped executive talent development strategies and lead international teams spanning across North America, Europe, Asia and India. Her impact included building organizations with purpose, designing leadership philosophies with impact and creating systems that help organizations identify and develop high-potential talent.

Through these efforts, Sara Kay ��. work has strengthened entire organizations and empowered teams to achieve their full potential. She says, “The biggest impact I’ve had is helping systems think differently about leadership and who they are in the future. While Fortune 500 companies like Foot Locker, Inc. and Amazon can have people like me inside the company, I’m really convinced that there ��. people outside of these big organizations who need the same support. Those are the organizations I want to be doing this work with.”

Sara Kay has taken the leap to make that vision a reality. As the CEO and founder of Studio Four14, a leadership development practice, she is dedicated to helping people discover their capabilities and expand their impact. She works with organizations of all sizes, bringing Fortune 500-level leadership insight to smaller companies that may not have internal development resources. Her approach emphasizes three important steps for leaders: identifying limiting stories, reframing them into actionable possibilities and summoning the courage to step forward.

“It ��. the identification, the reframing and then the courage to actually do something different—that ��. where most people get stuck.” The result is leaders who are more confident, intentional and capable of driving meaningful change.

Being #StoutProud, Sara Kay reflects, is about recognizing the foundation her education provided. “It ��. being proud of the education that became a springboard for all the things I would do in my career,” she says. From Stout ��. collaborative classrooms to leading diverse teams around the world, her journey demonstrates how the right support at the right time can unlock extraordinary potential.

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

May 7, 2026

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development.

April 22, 2026

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development. Sara Gottschalk

Alumni

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Hero Caption: Sara Gottschalk and her family.

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#StoutProud: John Mueller ('68)

jasperb — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:35:39 +0000

#StoutProud: John Mueller ('68)jasperb April 22, 2026

John Mueller ’68 built a career at the forefront of emerging technologies, helping bring foundational innovation to market and shaping how people work and communicate worldwide.

Brenna Jasper

John Mueller / Submitted photo

John Mueller ��. career has been defined by curiosity, adaptability and a knack for seeing the next big shift before it arrives. His work has influenced technology used by millions worldwide.

One of those shifts emerged in the late 1990s, when cellphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) were common, but carrying two devices was inconvenient. At BSQUARE, a Microsoft contractor focused on the company ��. mobile operating system and embedded devices, Mueller sold one of the first smartphones to Sagem in France and co-led development of early smartphones and other embedded technologies still in use today. He later played a key role at General Software, where foundational system software supported systems critical to companies like Google and aircraft produced by Boeing. His time at BSQUARE also highlighted how disruptive technologies are not always immediately embraced: Mueller remembers when Starbucks told the company it had no interest in using Wi-Fi in its stores.

Reflecting on these experiences, he says: “In high-tech sales working with companies that are pushing the edge of technology, we needed to remind ourselves that we don’t know what we don’t know—this has never been done before. It ��. a gravitational force affecting the business.” That mindset of embracing the unknown and connecting people with opportunity became a hallmark of his career.

John Mueller (back, fourth from left) pictured in the 1966 Tower yearbook with other student photographers. / �� archives

Mueller's path to global impact began in Neenah, Wisconsin, where he spent his youth tinkering in his uncle ��. auto shop. Encouraged by his uncle, a neighbor who taught shop classes and supportive teachers, he developed a foundation in hands-on problem-solving that would carry him through multiple industry reinventions. That hands-on mindset reflects how he has approached his entire career. “The people coming out of Stout don’t want to talk and read about things, they want to do things,” Mueller says. “Polytechnic schools, this is their time to shine.”

After earning a degree in technology education from ��, he began teaching high school but was soon drawn to the technological shifts reshaping the printing industry. He went to work at 3M ��. printing products division, where he built expertise in sales and business strategy and gained what he describes as a priceless business education over 16 years.

When digital imaging began to disrupt the industry, he saw the potential for innovation. That mindset carried him through reinventions at Scitex, where he entered the world of computer hardware and software as the company pioneered digital imaging and experienced rapid growth before being disrupted by emerging desktop tools. Mueller brought that perspective to Intergraph and beyond. At Intergraph, he was part of the team helping bring affordable Windows New Technology workstations to market alongside Microsoft and Intel, technology that outperformed higher-cost UNIX systems, commonly used for advanced engineering work, expanded access to advanced 3D design tools and changed the world of engineering.

His ability to navigate industries in flux, spot opportunity and push technological boundaries led to contributions that reshaped communication and computing worldwide. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the bigger picture: “Students should be asking, ‘What do I need to know about this business to be successful? How does this business work? Where is this business going?’”

Mueller measures success not just in products, but in impact. From conversations with global technology leaders to connecting engineers, companies and ideas, his work helped bring transformative innovations to life. “We knew the things we were doing would change the world,” he says, “but we were so busy making it happen that we didn’t have the time or inclination to celebrate it.”

Throughout his career, he has prioritized mentoring the next generation. While at 3M and Scitex, Mueller regularly spoke with �� students about emerging industries, career paths and the importance of seeing beyond a single role. His advice: move to where the opportunities are; build a career, not a job; embrace change; take intelligent risks; create value and love what you do.

For Mueller, the lasting impact of his work lies not just in the technologies he helped advance, but in the ripple effect of ideas and innovation. From early smartphones to critical software infrastructure, his career reflects how curiosity, adaptability and a Stout education can shape the world.

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

May 7, 2026

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development.

April 22, 2026

John Mueller ’68 built a career at the forefront of emerging tech helping bring foundational innovation and shaping how people work and communicate worldwide. John Mueller

Alumni

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#StoutProud: Farai Machina ('23)

jasperb — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:13:30 +0000

#StoutProud: Farai Machina ('23)jasperb April 22, 2026

From launching products used by millions to building systems that expand access and opportunity, Farai Machina is turning innovation into real-world impact at scale.

Brenna Jasper

Farai Machina at the Brightseed Bio lab in North Carolina where she worked as a principal scientist. / Submitted photo

From helping bring widely distributed food products to market to solving complex production challenges that impact quality at scale, Farai Machina has built a career shaping how ideas move from concept to real-world impact, from products reaching consumers nationwide to systems that create access and opportunity.

As director of research and development at Oats Overnight, she leads innovation and commercialization efforts for a rapidly growing brand, building the systems and processes needed to turn consumer insights into products that reach millions. Her work sits at the intersection of science, operations and strategy, guiding everything from formulation through full-scale production while helping the company scale efficiently and sustainably. Across her career, Machina has worked with companies including Conagra Brands, Interbake Foods and Post Consumer Brands, helping bring new products to market and improve how they are produced at scale.

Farai at her 2023 �� master's degree graduation. / Submitted photo

Early on, she contributed to the development of widely recognized 100-calorie snack packs, products that helped shape portion-controlled snacking for consumers across the country. She later played a key role in addressing quality challenges in Girl Scout Cookies, identifying how manufacturing and distribution conditions affected consistency and working across the supply chain to improve outcomes.

These experiences, along with her hands-on approach to problem solving, expanded her perspective beyond the lab and into the full lifecycle of a product. She set her sights on becoming a chief operating officer, with a focus on understanding how complex systems connect and scale. �� . online master ��. program in Operations and Supply Management provided the opportunity to work towards that goal while continuing to work full time.

“It was exactly what I needed at that point in my career,” she said. “I could take what I was learning in class and apply it directly to my work in real time.”

Farai at the Oats Overnight R&D lab in Arizona, promoting the development of a spoon-stir iced protein coffee in 2025. / Submitted photo

While completing her degree, Machina was leading the launch of a new product line from the ground up. Her capstone project focused on streamlining product lifecycle management systems, work that was implemented within her organization to improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration and accelerate how products moved from development to production.

“The education wasn’t theoretical,” she said. “It was something I was actively building and then using in my job.”

Since earning her degree in 2023, Machina has continued to build in high-growth environments, including startups where she has established labs, developed new-to-market concepts and helped companies scale quickly. Today at Oats Overnight, she continues to lead efforts that support rapid growth while building the operational foundation needed for long-term success.

“I’m a builder at heart,” she said. “I like being part of creating something from the ground up.”

Farai at the Black Girl Florist conference in Atlanta in 2024 / Submitted photo

That mindset extends beyond her professional role. Through her business, Farai Machina Events, she applies the same systems-driven approach to planning and execution, managing complex logistics to deliver seamless weddings and corporate events that bring people together and create lasting impact.

She brings that same focus to her community work. As managing director for the ZIM US Collective Federal Credit Union initiative, she is guiding the development of the proposed Afro Collective Federal Credit Union, a community-driven effort to serve Zimbabweans and the broader African diaspora in the United States. She is also working to connect prospective students, particularly within the Zimbabwean community, to ��, helping open doors to education and long-term career pathways.

“This is about more than banking,” she said. “It ��. about economic empowerment, ownership, and creating something that can serve future generations... For me personally, it has been meaningful to contribute leadership experience from corporate innovation, entrepreneurship, and community building toward something that has the potential to create lasting legacy and collective progress.”

Her connection to �� remains active through her role on the operations and supply management advisory board, where she helps shape the future of the program and ensures students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of industry.

“�� gave me a strong foundation to build on,” she said. “It feels like a family. You’re part of a network of people who genuinely care about your success.”

For Machina, being #StoutProud is about more than where she started. It ��. about scaling ideas into real-world impact, from products used by millions to systems that expand access and opportunities for others.

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

May 7, 2026

#StoutProud: Sara Kay Gottschalk ('14)

Sara Gottschalk ’14 helps leaders around the world rethink leadership and unlock their full potential through transformative coaching and and development.

April 22, 2026

From launching products used by millions to building systems that expand access and opportunity, Farai Machina ’23 is turning innovation into real-world impact. Farai Machina Protein Coffee

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Hero Caption: Farai at a SnaxPo, a Snack Industry Convention in Florida where leaders in the snack industry meet to discuss and learn new innovation and consumer trends in snacking.

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#StoutProud: Todd Treichel ('90)

jasperb — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:45:54 +0000

#StoutProud: Todd Treichel ('90)jasperb April 20, 2026

From developing systems for NASA missions to advancing rocket propulsion, Todd Treichel powers space systems that make missions beyond Earth possible.

Brenna Jasper

Todd received the 2026 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Sustained Service Award. He is pictured with AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. / Submitted photo

From advancing rocket propulsion systems to earning some of aerospace ��. highest honors, Todd Treichel, Ph.D., has built a career defined by precision, persistence and impact. His work with Sierra Space and in collaboration with NASA supports mission-critical systems where failure is not an option, contributing to technologies used in spaceflight and national defense. His impact has been recognized with a NASA Silver Achievement Medal, a Kennedy Space Center Achievement Award and a 2026 sustained service honor from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Treichel ��. path to rocket science didn’t begin in a lab but a dairy farm. Growing up in a small community near Green Bay, Wisconsin, Treichel expected to take over the family farm and continue the hands-on work he loved. That path began to shift in high school, when his teachers and coaches noticed his potential and encouraged him to take the ACT, even though he hadn’t planned to. After performing well on the test and with encouragement from his family, Treichel began to see new possibilities. Support through his service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve helped make college attainable, ultimately leading him to ��.

Todd pictured during his time at ��. / Submitted photo

Even before its designation as Wisconsin ��. ��, �� stood out to Treichel. “It felt like the right fit,” he said. “Farmers are kind of scrappy engineers. You’re always fixing things or figuring out how to make something work better. That ��. what Stout felt like to me.”

At Stout, Treichel balanced academics with his Army Reserve commitments, building discipline while navigating an academic path that was still taking shape. Once immersed in Industrial Technology and Manufacturing Engineering, he found himself drawn to the rigor of quality and process control.

In a challenging course focused on statistical process control, Dr. Wallace “Chuck” Carlson, a professor known for pushing students to their limits, recognized Treichel ��. aptitude and encouraged him to go deeper. While others shied away from the difficulty, Treichel leaned in, a decision that would act as a catalyst for his career.

Positioning a radio frequency antenna during radiated susceptibility testing at Kennedy Space Center, ensuring systems withstand electromagnetic fields. / Submitted photo

That foundation became critical in his first role at Philips Electronics. When a high-stakes government project required advanced reliability analysis, Treichel was asked to step into an engineering role. Relying on the statistical tools he developed at �� and with guidance from Dr. Carlson, he helped tackle the challenge. That moment marked a turning point, launching him into reliability engineering and eventually into test engineering, which became his pathway into aerospace.

Over the years, his work evolved from manufacturing systems to highly specialized aerospace applications, supporting projects tied to satellite systems and space exploration. At Sierra Space, he now focuses on the design, testing and reliability of rocket propulsion systems, the core technology that makes launch, orbit and deep space travel possible by delivering the thrust needed to escape Earth ��. gravity and carry payloads, equipment and people safely into space. His work helps ensure critical technologies perform in the harshest environments imaginable.

Todd presents an RCS rocket thruster to �� students, showcasing in-space propulsion used for precise spacecraft control, maneuvering and repeated mission use. / Submitted photo

Treichel is currently involved in testing systems related to lunar dust exposure through a �� student-led project developing a lunar dust test chamber. The work focuses on how simulated lunar dust interacts with spacecraft components such as lighting systems designed for future lunar rovers. The project is helping evaluate how these conditions may affect hardware performance and guiding future design considerations for space exploration systems.

Beyond his professional work, Treichel has remained connected to �� through serving on the mechanical engineering advisory board, returning to campus to speak with students and actively mentoring future engineers.

Todd with Ground Support Equipment non-flight hardware, including matching vacuum carts used to remove air, moisture and contaminants from fuel lines, tanks and propellant systems. / Submitted photo

His impact extends even further through STEM outreach, where he works with students in the Madison and Milwaukee area to design and launch high-powered rockets, sparking interest in aerospace at an early age.

“It ��. fun to see that spark,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t know if it makes a difference, but then you hear from a student who ��. pursuing engineering because of that experience.”

For Treichel, that full-circle moment reflects what being #StoutProud is all about.

“Stout gave me the foundation and the confidence to step into things I hadn’t done before,” he said. “That ��. something I’ve carried with me ever since.”

From a farm in rural Wisconsin to work that helps enable spaceflight and expand what is possible in space exploration, Treichel ��. journey shows how a hands-on education, strong mentorship and a willingness to take on hard problems can shape technologies that reach far beyond Earth and open the door for what comes next.

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities.

May 13, 2026

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From developing systems for NASA missions to advancing rocket propulsion, Todd Treichel powers space systems that make missions beyond Earth possible. Todd Treichel rocket fueling vacuum carts

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Hero Caption: �� engineering students test a lunar dust chamber developed with Sierra Space, evaluating how simulated lunar dust impacts space system components under the guidance of Todd Treichel.

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#StoutProud: Linda John ('16)

jasperb — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:18:23 +0000

#StoutProud: Linda John ('16)jasperb April 10, 2026

For more than 30 years, Linda John has shaped how communities grow by connecting tourism, leadership and economic development to create lasting impact nationwide.

Brenna Jasper

Linda John / Submitted photo

Linda John has helped shape communities through her work in the tourism industry and with destination management organizations (DMOs) for more than three decades, both locally and across the country. From transforming Eau Claire ��. identity to advising DMOs nationwide, her work has influenced how communities position themselves, how leaders develop and how tourism drives long-term economic vitality.

Today, her influence continues at a national and global level. As a member of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) Board of Directors for Destinations International, the world ��. largest resource for destination organizations, she supports professional education and leadership development for professionals across the industry. In addition to being a certified destination marketing executive, Linda is a certified executive coach.

Linda ��. career and leadership began and evolved at the community and regional level. During her 27-year tenure leading Visit Eau Claire, she helped shift the region from a traditional tourism model to a community defined by culture and creativity. Under her leadership, music became a defining element of the city ��. identity, amplified by nationally recognized artists like Bon Iver and strengthened through major music festivals and events, which helped draw visitors while showcasing the region ��. creative energy. By elevating arts and music as part of the area ��. identity and aligning tourism with economic development, she helped position Eau Claire as a destination people actively choose not just to visit but to invest in and call home. These efforts helped position Eau Claire within a broader national conversation about how mid-sized communities can leverage music and the arts as drivers of tourism and economic growth.

Linda John at her �� graduation in 2016 after completing her master's degree. / Submitted photo

“Create a place where people want to live, and people will want to visit,” Linda said.

From evolving visitor engagement by transitioning from physical spaces to digital platforms and mobile experiences, including the creation of a mobile “Eau Claire-Stream” Airstream stage that took local musicians and the region ��. story on the road, her work extended far beyond destination marketing. It was about building systems and relationships that could sustain growth over time.

While leading Visit Eau Claire Linda continued investing in her own growth, earning her master ��. degree in Training and Human Resource Development from �� in 2016. Drawn to understanding people and relationships, she chose a path that deepened her ability to lead and influence others.

“I was fascinated by people, relationships and interactions,” she said. "We are operating in a time of unprecedented change, especially within the tourism industry. The pace isn’t slowing down; it ��. accelerating. And with that acceleration comes not just opportunity, but real pressure on leaders and teams to adapt, often without a clear roadmap. If I can help individuals and organizations not just respond to change, but lead through it with clarity and confidence, then I know I’m contributing at the level that today ��. moment demands.”

Linda delivered the keynote presentation at the 2026 Tennessee Department of Tourist Development's Blizzard Reimagined Conference. / Submitted photo

That decision proved pivotal. Her graduate education opened the door to coaching certifications and expanded her ability to create impact not just within a single community but across organizations and industries. In 2020, Linda departed Visit Eau Claire and began her work through her own consulting business, Linda John Consulting, and Fired Up! Culture, an organizational development firm. In these roles, she partners with DMOs and other industries across North America to strengthen leadership, build healthy workplace cultures and create sustainable systems for growth. Her approach centers on helping leaders develop self-awareness, navigate change and align strategy with people, work that continues to shape organizations at scale.

“At the end of the day, the impact I hope to have is deeply human,” she said. “If I can help them feel more grounded, more capable and more aligned in that work, then the ripple effect extends far beyond any one individual.”

Connection has been a defining thread throughout her career; one she continues to see reflected across the tourism industry through fellow Stout graduates. “I run into Stout graduates all over the country,” she said. “Being a Stout graduate means connection, community and friendships everywhere. It also represents a quality education and a shared understanding of who we are as professionals.”

Linda at an onsite team summit with client See Monterey / Submitted photo

Whether she is coaching executives, advising organizations or helping emerging leaders grow, Linda ��. focus remains on creating an impact that extends beyond any one role or community. Her work reflects the importance of strong relationships, strategic thinking and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

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For more than 30 years, Linda John has shaped how communities grow by connecting tourism, leadership and economic development to drive lasting impact nationwide Linda John

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Hero Caption: Linda John (center) teaches a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) Destination Leadership Class.

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#StoutProud: Jim ('63) and Nancy ('72) Bensen

jasperb — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:31:56 +0000

#StoutProud: Jim ('63) and Nancy ('72) Bensenjasperb March 25, 2026

Jim and Nancy Bensen built a legacy of innovation and impact, transforming education and communities while opening doors for generations.

Brenna Jasper

Jim and Nancy Bensen have spent a lifetime shaping institutions, strengthening communities and opening doors for others in ways that continue to ripple outward today.

Jim ��. connection to University of Wisconsin-Stout spans from graduate student to Distinguished Professor and Dean where he led transformational growth, including a period in which enrollment tripled, helped launch the Stout Technology Park and advanced applied research and industry partnerships. A Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 1991, his influence helped position Stout as a national leader in applied learning. That same forward-thinking approach extended beyond campus. In Bemidji, Minnesota, his leadership helped fuel a nationally recognized model for community innovation, expanding entrepreneurship programs and supporting the creation of dozens of new ventures.

Jim and Nancy Bensen.

Nancy ��. work transformed lives on an individual level, building education programs that empowered adult learners, English language learners and employees to gain critical skills, retain employment and pursue new opportunities, often restoring confidence along the way. Together, their impact spans both systems and people, strengthening communities across generations.

That shared commitment to growth and to people has defined their journey together from the very beginning. High school sweethearts from Erskine, Minnesota, Jim and Nancy built their lives guided by that mindset, evolving together while supporting one another ��. ambitions.

“We’ve just tried to keep growing together, supporting each other along the way and staying open to what comes next,” Nancy said.

Jim Bensen pictured in his �� office in 1966. / �� Archives

Jim and Nancy started their academic journeys in higher education while raising a young family. Nancy taught while finishing her degree, and Jim began to see a broader future in education and leadership that would take shape at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jim came to Stout to pursue his master ��. degree and returned as a faculty member, where he quickly became a driver for change. He helped lead a complete transformation of the industrial education curriculum, modernizing programs to reflect emerging technologies and workforce needs. As his leadership grew, so did his impact. He helped establish research centers with global reach, launched one of the nation ��. first university-based business incubators and led the development of the Stout Technology Park, creating a lasting connection between industry and the university.

“We were always looking ahead, asking what students would need next and how we could get there first,” Jim said. “Stout really gave me the opportunity to think differently. That mindset stayed with me throughout my career.”

Bemidji State University

Nancy forged her own path at Stout, earning her master ��. degree in guidance and counseling. She applied that foundation in innovative ways, designing programs centered on individualized learning and human connection. Through her leadership in adult education, she built a program that expanded into a comprehensive resource serving learners from all backgrounds, from those seeking GED completion to employees adapting to rapidly changing industries.

Nancy explained, "My experience at Stout helped me see the importance of meeting people where they are. Not everyone learns the same way, and that really stayed with me as I worked with adult learners.”

Nancy ��. approach was rooted in trust and respect, where learners progressed at their own pace and gained not only skills, but confidence. Her work proved especially impactful in workforce training, helping employees transition into more technical roles while allowing companies to grow and retain their workforce.

Bemidji State University

Their shared belief in growth and innovation carried forward as Jim went on to serve as president of Dunwoody College of Technology and later Bemidji State University. In each role, he challenged traditional approaches and created new pathways for students and communities.

In retirement, that work evolved into community transformation. Through BemidjiLeads!, Jim helped guide long-term, forward-thinking planning for more than 20 years. The initiative helped grow an entrepreneurship program from just seven participants to more than 250 in its first four years, supported the launch of 51 new companies and sparked more than two dozen community ventures. The model expanded to 17 communities across Minnesota and helped Bemidji earn recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of the most innovative communities in the nation.

Bemidji State University

“We’ve always talked about planning from the future. Where do you want to be and what do you want your community to look like? Then you work back from that and figure out how to get there. When people can see that future, they start to believe in it,” Jim said.

For both Jim and Nancy, their connection to University of Wisconsin-Stout remains central. It was at Stout where ideas were tested, opportunities were created and their shared commitment to growth took root. “Stout had a tremendous impact on both of us. It shaped how we think about education, about people and about what ��. possible. It ��. where we learned to keep growing and to help others do the same,” they said.

Learn More

Jim Bensen �� Reminiscence Presentation

Jim Bensen TEDx1000Lakes

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Jim and Nancy Bensen built a legacy of innovation and impact, transforming education and communities while opening doors for generations. Jim and Nancy Bensen

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#StoutProud: James Condon ('16)

jasperb — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:40:54 +0000

#StoutProud: James Condon ('16)jasperb March 19, 2026

James Condon ��. decade-long career in luxury hospitality helped shape high standards of service and left a lasting impact on the industry.

Brenna Jasper

James Condon. / Submitted photo

For more than a decade, James Condon built a career delivering luxury hospitality experiences in one of the world ��. busiest international business hubs. Working across multiple luxury properties in southern China, including with global brands like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Rosewood Hotel Group, Condon helped create memorable experiences for guests from around the world, contributing to the level of service and reputation luxury hotels depend on to attract global travelers and business leaders.

Condon ��. journey to an international hospitality career began long before those moments in China. While pursuing his associate ��. degree in Minnesota, Professor and �� alumnus Barney Klecker (’73, ’76) asked him what he planned to do after graduation. “I told him I wasn’t very interested in working in Minnesota,” Condon said. “To be completely honest, I didn’t really want to work in the United States at all. I wanted to go international.”

Klecker connected him with an alumnus working in China and Condon was invited to join a hospitality team in Guangzhou, one of southern China ��. busiest commercial and manufacturing regions. When he arrived, Condon quickly realized the scale of the opportunity. Instead of working under a single hotel manager, he found himself supporting a regional general manager overseeing dozens of properties across South China for IHG.

James and his team at IHG during guest appreciation week. / Submitted photo

After his first year overseas, a change in Chinese employment regulations required international hospitality professionals to hold a bachelor ��. degree in the field. That requirement brought Condon back to Wisconsin. Determined to return to his career abroad as quickly as possible, Condon transferred to �� to complete his hospitality management degree. What normally would take two years, he finished in just 15 months. He credits Stout ��. faculty with supporting his goal and understanding the urgency behind it.

“Every professor along the way was 100 percent supportive of my goal,” he said. “When they saw what I had going on, they understood how important it was for me to finish and get back to my career.”

After graduating, he returned to China and spent nearly a decade working across multiple luxury properties in Guangzhou. Over time he worked in six different hotels, often stepping in where teams needed additional leadership or operational support to maintain the level of service expected at international luxury properties. The city itself offered a unique environment for hospitality professionals. With more than 20 million residents and a reputation as a global business center, Guangzhou attracts visitors and professionals from around the world. For hospitality teams, that environment requires anticipating the needs of international travelers and delivering consistently exceptional service.

Later in his career, Condon joined the luxury brand Rosewood, known for its premier service and luxury accommodations. The company ��. philosophy emphasized providing guests with whatever they needed to create an extraordinary experience. Condon saw that philosophy play out firsthand one evening when a neighboring hotel asked if his team could host one of their most loyal guests, a prominent international businessman whose usual bar was closed for the night. Condon met the guest at the door, coordinated with the bar staff and musicians and ensured he had a table near the stage. What began as a quick drink turned into an evening of live music, conversation and a dinner invitation for the following night with the performers and culinary team. The guest became a regular visitor, even bringing colleagues and industry leaders along, turning a single evening into a lasting relationship with the hotel. For Condon, the moment was a shining example of one of hospitality ��. biggest lessons: a single thoughtful interaction can create a ripple effect, creating relationships that last far beyond one night.

James and his team at the Rosewood, celebrating with a resident who was moving out. / Submitted photo

After more than a decade overseas, Condon returned to the United States to be closer to family. Today he stays connected to �� as a program advisory board member, bringing the same guidance and support he once received from faculty to the next generation of hospitality professionals. By sharing lessons from his global career, he helps students navigate challenges, seize opportunities and develop the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Condon encourages students take initiative and embrace every chance to learn. “Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do,” he said. “Jump in and help. The faster people see what you can do, the faster you’ll grow.” In mentoring students, Condon continues the impact Stout had on him by shaping careers, raising industry standards and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

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James Condon ��. decade-long career in luxury hospitality helped shape high standards of service and left a lasting impact on the industry. James Condon

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Hero Caption: James Condon spent more than ten years working in luxury hospitality in China, including more than two years at the Rosewood Hotel in Guangzhou. The Rosewood was the world's tallest five-star hotel through late 2025.

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#StoutProud: Claudia Knowlton-Chike ('83)

jasperb — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:21:47 +0000

#StoutProud: Claudia Knowlton-Chike ('83)jasperb March 10, 2026

Claudia Knowlton-Chike ’83 built a career at top tech companies leading teams, mentoring future leaders and creating impact around the world.

Brenna Jasper

Claudia Knowlton-Chike / Submitted photo

Claudia Knowlton-Chike ’83 built a 40-year career defined by impact, helping lead complex global supply chains for some of the world ��. largest technology companies while mentoring the next generation of leaders along the way. Her work has shaped operations at organizations including IBM, Motorola, GE Healthcare, Facebook and Google.

In those roles, she oversaw complex international logistics networks, guided major operational transformations and helped ensure the technology millions of people rely on every day continues to run. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the work became especially intense as global demand for digital services surged. Long days were common, but the responsibility was clear: the systems her teams supported powered communication, business operations and everyday life around the world.

Claudia during her time at Stout. / Submitted photo

Originally from Minnesota, Claudia faced a difficult period in life and uncertainty about her future. Her mother encouraged her to pursue college and build a different path forward. That encouragement eventually led her to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she found a supportive and accommodating campus environment that allowed her to thrive. “The counseling services at Stout helped me get through one of the hardest times in my life,” she said. “Having that kind of support on campus made all the difference.”

When Claudia first arrived on campus, her passions were rooted in creativity. She intended to study fashion design and was already running her own design business. But a business course introduced her to packaging engineering and the lucrative career opportunities it offered. That pivotal decision steered her toward engineering, manufacturing and supply chain leadership, fields that would later become central to global technology operations.

Claudia won first place for her package design in the National Packaging Design competition via IOPP. / Submitted photo

After graduating, Claudia joined IBM as a packaging engineer. Her technical role quickly expanded as she gained a reputation for working well with people, solving difficult problems and delivering results from day one. During her 11 years as a packaging engineer, she earned international design recognition and helped develop packaging systems for IBM mainframes that remained in use decades later.

Claudia ��. career continued to evolve as mentors encouraged her to move beyond engineering and into broader operational leadership. That shift ultimately led her into supply chain management, where she would build expertise across planning, logistics and manufacturing. Over time, she held leadership roles at Motorola and GE Healthcare before entering the rapidly expanding technology sector at Facebook and later Google.

Throughout those roles, she led large global teams and navigated the complexities of international supply chains. She also experienced setbacks along the way, including several layoffs during major corporate restructurings. Each time, Claudia relied on resilience, strong professional relationships and a commitment to continuous learning to move forward.

Those experiences also reinforced what she values most about leadership: the opportunity to invest in other people ��. growth. Even with the scale of the operations she managed, the most meaningful part of Claudia ��. career has always been the people she helped develop.

“I love watching the people I hired or mentored go on to do amazing things,” she said. “Helping someone see their potential and grow into it is incredibly rewarding.”

Claudia at Motorola. / Submitted photo

That focus on mentorship and growth reflects the experience she had years earlier at ��. Claudia says, “�� showed me the value of support and flexibility. The faculty encouraged me to take on challenges, try new things and learn from every experience - lessons I carry with me in every leadership role.”

Several courses also left a lasting impression. Classes in biofeedback and speed reading, for example, helped her develop techniques to manage stress and process large amounts of information quickly, skills she relied on throughout decades of leadership roles.

Claudia advocates for Alzheimer's research in honor of her late father. / Submitted photo

Today, Claudia continues to create impact beyond her professional career. She has spent years advocating for Alzheimer ��. research after watching her father battle the disease. Her efforts include fundraising, community organizing and legislative advocacy aimed at expanding research and support for families affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

She and her husband have also chosen to give back to the university that helped launch her career by removing financial barriers to education and supporting future students at ��.

For Knowlton-Chike, that connection between opportunity and impact is deeply personal. The support she received as a student opened doors that eventually led to leadership roles influencing global technology infrastructure. By supporting students today, she hopes to create those same opportunities for others.

“When you invest in education and students, you’re investing in the future and the impact they’ll have on the world,” she said. “Stout was pivotal not only for my career, but for my life."

Claudia and her family. / Submitted photo

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Claudia Knowlton-Chike ’83 built a career at top tech companies leading teams, mentoring future leaders and creating impact around the world. millphoto-20251002-00160.jpeg

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