Inspiring Graduate: Tawny Ruppert (’26)
- Hometown: Owen
- Degree: B.S. Psychology
- Minor: Conflict Resolution and Nonviolence Leadership
First-generation college student Tawny Ruppert came to UW-Stout for its small class sizes and polytechnic advantage.
“I knew that I was going to have professors who cared about me as a person rather than a score, and that I was going to get hands-on practice from day one,” she said.
Ruppert received her B.S. in psychology from UW-Stout on May 16, among more than 1,000 of her peers. She will be attending Minnesota State University-Mankato to earn her M.A. in industrial-organizational psychology.
“I hope to help improve employees’ work experience. I especially hope to work with organizations to improve their multiculturalism and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to ensure that everyone is heard and included,” Ruppert 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?
Stout has prepared me by providing me with many opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Almost all of my classes had a project that used the skills we learned in class. I learned how to analyze data, design research projects, create and disseminate surveys, interpret results and present the results. I’ve also learned soft skills such as effective collaboration, problem-solving, active listening, time management and so much more.
What research projects were you involved in for your internship?
My favorite lab experience was creating my own research project as part of my official internship. I examined how work and school balance affect students’ flourishing. Under the mentorship of a psychology Professor Sarah Wood, I designed a research project, “Surviving or Thriving? The Impact of Work and School Involvement on Undergraduate Students.”
I gathered all the resources, created and distributed a survey, analyzed and interpreted the data, and created a poster to present my results at the Midwestern Psychological Association conference in April, in Chicago.
My greatest lesson was how the academic world works. Coming from a nonacademic background as a first-generation college student, I had little idea of what a psychology conference would entail. What I discovered was a space full of great minds and fascinating ideas. MPA was the first time that I felt like I had truly found the field for me and made me fall in love with psychology all over again.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
When I think of my UW-Stout experience, it is impossible not to think about my employment at the library. I have worked at the University Library for three years now. I’ve made life-long friends with my fellow student staff and found strong support with the full-time staff in my department.
I've learned lots about company culture and the importance of experience in various positions. I found my love of leading and teaching once I became a student manager and helped to train and support new hires. My coworkers at the library have truly become like my family. They have supported me so much and in ways I never even thought they could. Without my job at the library, I would not be the person I am today.
How did your involvement impact your experience?
Since my sophomore year, I have been a member of Psi Chi, the international psychology honors club. I have had the opportunity to serve as secretary and vice president over the past two years.
Being in Psi Chi helped me to become closer to my peers and faculty, as well as keeping me in touch with new students. I love helping others, so being able to serve as a mentor through my position meant the world to me.
Working with our faculty advisor, our board planned events for the undergraduate psychology students and their friends. We held events that brought students together to bond over crafts, compete in trivia, hear from guest speakers, and learn about their options during college and after.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
I am most proud of being accepted into graduate school. As a first-generation college student, I put my all into my bachelor’s degree. I have always enjoyed school, and college allowed me to continue that love. I knew early on into my time at Stout that I wanted to go on to graduate school.
When I first started, I was dedicated to becoming a mental health therapist. However, as I learned more about what that specific profession entailed, I realized that it wasn't for me. Late in my junior year, I discovered industrial-organizational psychology and fell in love with it. I quickly shifted my graduate school search and preparation with the help of my professors.
Even as I struggled with mental health and normal college stressors, I had an amazing support group from the moment I got here. My coworkers at the library, professors, friends and family have been here for me since the beginning. Without all of their support, I would have never made it this far.
