Inspiring Graduate: Josh Green (’26)
- Hometown: McFarland
- Degree: M.S. Applied Industrial/Operational Psychology
Josh Green earned his bachelor’s in psychology from UW-Madison, and wanting to enter a master’s program, found that UW-Stout was one of the only universities in Wisconsin that offers an industrial/organizational psychology degree.
“Stout was the perfect fit. I hope to improve organizational processes, challenge outdated practices, and strengthen the overall image and effectiveness of the companies I work for. I want to bring a psychology and people‑centered perspective into workplaces, where it’s often overlooked,” he said.
After completing an internship with Red Wing Shoe Company in Red Wing, Minnesota, as a human resources business partner intern, Green received his M.S. in applied industrial/operational psychology from UW-Stout on May 16, among more than 1,000 of his peers.
Green plans to begin his career in human resources and aims to move into the strategic side of HR or organizational strategy. “I’m also very interested in working for an international company, and I would love the opportunity to live abroad and eventually raise a family outside of the United States,” he said.
Of this year’s graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.
How has UW‑Stout prepared you to work in your field?
UW‑Stout has prepared me very well. I feel confident and ready to apply the skills I’ve developed throughout my graduate program. My favorite class experience was developing a Trust in HR scale in my Psychometrics course, with my cohort member KC Maternowski and Professor Dana Linnell. It aligned perfectly with my career interests and strengthened the skills I want to continue building.
The scale measure employees’ trust in their human resources departments. We interviewed subject-matter experts, pilot-tested with human resources management students, and collected final data from a Prolific sample, analyzing the reliability and validity of the scale in a U.S. population. We also presented our findings at the Midwestern Psychological Association in April.
What were your greatest lessons or projects during your internship with Red Wing Shoe Company?
During my internship with Red Wing Shoe Company, I developed, facilitated, and delivered UKG training for onsite employees and supervisors, and I led an intern cohort project focused on retention and turnover.
My biggest lesson was learning to take myself seriously as a professional. Young workers bring fresh ideas, strong skills and real value. I grew significantly in areas such as interpersonal communication, data analysis, strategic planning and presentation design. I can’t thank my mentors and supervisors enough for helping me grow as a professional.
What stands out about your UW‑Stout experience?
The faculty truly stand out. Every professor brought unique strengths, expertise, and perspectives that challenged me and supported my growth. I always felt pushed to improve while also being encouraged and supported.
How did your involvement impact your experience?
I received Stout’s AOP Grant and the Dwight and Linda Nyhus Davis Endowed Scholarship. I’m deeply grateful to UW-Stout and to the Nyhus Davis family for their generosity and support. Their contributions helped ease the financial burden of graduate school and made a meaningful difference during my time at Stout.
What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was imposter syndrome when I first entered the master’s program. Throughout my coursework, I also had to adjust to being given complex problems without step‑by‑step guidance – much like real‑world work. I overcame these challenges by teaching myself new skills, engaging with professors, collaborating with peers and connecting with my Christian faith.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
I’m most proud of proving to myself that I’m capable of succeeding at the graduate level. The work is demanding and requires real dedication and mental resilience. Beyond grades, I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in myself, my peers and my professors. We’ve all developed together, and that shared growth has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My final message is a piece of encouragement rooted in my faith: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you,” Ephesians 4:32. And “Let all that you do be done with love,” 1 Corinthians 16:14. These verses have guided me throughout my time at Stout, and I hope they inspire others as well.
