Inspiring Graduate: Kloie Potts (’26)
- Hometown: Elkhorn
- Degree: B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences Education
- Minor: Human Development & Family Studies
First-generation university student Kloie Potts always knew that she wanted to be a teacher, but wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to teach.
“I was passionate about all the important life skills that family and consumer sciences education covers, from human and family development to food and nutrition, consumerism and finance, clothing and textiles, housing and interior design, and education and career preparation,” Potts said.
In her search of Wisconsin universities, she found only two offered FCSE and learned more about UW-Stout’s polytechnic aspects. “I then scheduled a tour, and after seeing campus and learning more about UW-Stout, I knew that it was where I wanted to be. Being on campus gave me a homey feeling and made me feel comfortable and excited about my future at UW-Stout,” she said.
Potts received her B.S. in family and consumer science education from UW-Stout on May 16, among more than 1,000 of her peers. She was also one of 14 seniors who received the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the university’s highest nonacademic honor for students.
She’s excited to return to her hometown of Elkhorn to begin her career as a family and consumer sciences educator at Elkhorn Area High School.
“My own experience in FCSE as a high school student had a huge impact on the individual I am today, and so I’m beyond grateful to provide that same positive experience for my students. Being able to step into the environment that I had as a student, but as an educator, feels incredibly meaningful.
“As a family and consumer sciences educator, my hope is that I leave a lasting impact on my students’ lives. I have the privilege of facilitating a classroom with hands-on learning and real-world applications that will truly shape students’ futures.
“I hope to equip my students with skills that extend beyond the classroom. I strive to create a positive classroom environment for my students to learn and grow and build meaningful relationships. I will be teaching the next generation about the amazing life skills of FCSE,” Potts 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 prepared me to teach through experience. The polytechnic approach of the university will have a lasting impact on who I am as a person and a professional. The polytechnic model stands out because learning is hands-on and applied.
My participation in various lab-based courses helped build my confidence in teaching content through active learning. I had the opportunity to practice teaching lessons and evaluate assessments, write curriculum, and manage a classroom positively. That prepared me for my future. The smaller class sizes allowed me to create strong relationships with professors and peers.
My student teaching field placement with the Menomonie Area School District was an exciting experience that allowed me to take everything I’ve learned in my coursework at UW-Stout and apply it in a real classroom setting.
For the first quarter, I was at the high school, and for the second quarter, I was at the middle school. Having the opportunity to teach at both the middle school and high school allowed me to gain experience with a variety of students and gave me insight into adapting my teaching to different age groups. These placements have been incredibly valuable because they’ve helped me feel truly prepared to enter the profession.
What stands out to me most is how much I’ve grown from the beginning to now. Taking everything that I learned and then applying it to the classroom in my placement has been an amazing opportunity. Because of this, I now feel confident and ready to step into my own classroom and succeed as a family and consumer sciences educator.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
My various officer positions, such as vice president of the Stout Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and president of Phi Upsilon Omicron, strengthened my leadership and professional skills.
My other roles, including working as a University Housing office assistant, participating in intramurals and various events on campus, and being an active member in multiple student organizations, have molded me into the human that I am today.
I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, handle challenges with grace, and step outside of my comfort zone. These experiences have allowed me to become more adaptable and confident in who I am, and I could not be more grateful for UW-Stout.
I am especially honored to receive the Samuel E. Wood Medallion Award, the most prestigious nonacademic award for graduating seniors who have shown outstanding leadership at UW-Stout. I also received various scholarships through Phi Upsilon Omicron and the UW-Stout Foundation, which further supported my academic and personal journey.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
I’m beyond proud of who I’ve become throughout my time at UW-Stout. I’m not just proud of the degree itself, but more importantly, the person that I’ve grown into. The experience has helped me become more confident and resilient. I’ve developed a stronger sense of purpose and passion for teaching.
From growing my ability to connect and lead others, to discovering what kind of teacher and person I want to be, I could not be prouder of my personal growth. Being a first-generation university student makes this accomplishment even more meaningful. I take pride in creating new opportunities for myself and future generations. I truly love the person I’ve become through this experience as I finish my degree.
