Inspiring Graduate: Ava Allroggen (’25)
- Hometown: Crystal, Minnesota
- Degree: M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Concentrations: Crisis & Trauma, Child & Adolescence
With the intention of becoming a therapist, Ava Allroggen earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2023. She studied psychology and human services, as well as philosophy.
“I found that those ancient thinkers were counselors in their own right,” she said. “When I had my graduate interview with UW-Stout, I was blown away by the authenticity and passion for the field that I saw in the clinical mental health counseling faculty. I knew there was something different about this program and that I had to be a part of it.”
For her outstanding leadership, involvement and service on campus, Allroggen was named a 2025 Outstanding Student Leader of the Year. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 UW-Stout graduates.
“My goal is to become fully licensed, keep learning, and establish roots in the community. We are all searching for the good life. I intend to help people find it,” said Allroggen, who is interviewing for prelicensed counselor positions across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.
How has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?
I had the opportunity to intern with both the UW-River Falls counseling center and Vance Creek Experiential Therapy, an equine therapy barn in Clayton. At the end of each week, it was cool to swap out my business casual for faded jeans and muddy boots.
I learned so much from my supervisors and coworkers, but the people who taught me most were the clients. Both sites completely rocked my understanding of therapy for the better, and I’m a better counselor as a result.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
Dr. Julie Bates-Maves led a study abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, that dramatically changed how I understand substance use treatment and drug policy. Julie connected us with professionals both on the policy level and those working directly in the field. I was fascinated to hear how these experts were working to make drug treatment more effective and humanistic.
Mental health master’s students witness how Portugal’s public health model benefits its people
Continue ReadingI also enjoyed arguing about counseling theory with Dr. John Klem while I was pouring coffee behind the counter at Raw Deal. Never a dull conversation with that guy.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
I was the graduate assistant for the Student Counseling Center’s Wellness PROs, Peers Reaching Out, a peer health education program. Through my involvement with PROs, I got to work with the coolest, most enthusiastic team of undergraduates and supervising staff.
I developed an in-depth understanding of the issues faced by college kids, which prepared me to work with the students at my internship at UW-River Falls. In 2025, I am proud to say Wellness PROs took home the Student Staff Team of the Year at the 2025 Leadership Awards.
I was also active in the philosophy department at Stout. I attended Professor Xan Bozzo’s community Philosophy Cafes, hosted through the Center for Applied Ethics. I appreciated being able to sneak away from my coursework for a while and indulge in my philosophical roots again.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
The semester my mom was in treatment for multiple myeloma was pretty difficult. However, I am lucky to have many wonderful people in my life who gave me a shoulder to lean on during this time. I’m most proud of my mom, who, after battling cancer throughout the last year, is officially in remission.
My advice for everyone? Take out your phone and tell someone you love them. Connection is all we have.
