Inspiring Graduate: Bria Moore (’25)
- Hometown: Wisconsin Rapids
- Degree: B.S. Psychology
- Minor: Sociology
Bria Moore came to UW-Stout because she was drawn in by the polytechnic, hands-on learning opportunities, and her parents’ neighbor is an alum who helped introduce her to the university.
Moore, a McNair Scholar from Wisconsin Rapids, has a passion for mental health and social justice, and earned her bachelor’s in psychology and crossed the commencement stage on May 10, along with 1,174 UW-Stout graduates.
She will soon travel to Finland for a two-week study abroad trip to study the prison system there. She will then move to Madison to continue her education, pursuing a master’s in clinical rehabilitation at UW-Madison.
“I hope to use my knowledge gained during my time at Stout and what I will learn at Madison to pursue social change for those whose voices are silenced. To do this, I would like to work on a mental health council within the judicial system to advise judges on the best course of treatment for those inmates who struggle with mental health concerns,” Moore said.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
I was selected to present at the 2025 Research in the Rotunda to showcase my research with other UW students at the state Capitol in April. I presented my research Elderly Americans: Maintaining Independence and Well-Being and discussed it with legislators, state leaders, UW alumni and supporters. My faculty and staff mentors were Molly Welch-Deal and Sarah Wynn.
I believe the smaller class sizes at Stout have greatly aided me in my time here. This has allowed me to develop better relationships with my professors and peers, allowing me to learn more in-depth than I might have if I had attended a bigger university.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
My favorite thing in my time here was my McNair Scholars project I had the honor to conduct. I was able to use this as my capstone project as well and found joy in researching something I'm passionate about.
In addition, I have worked at the University Library’s Educational Materials Center. This allowed me a way to connect with peers and the community in a unique way.
What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been my status as a first-generation, low-income student. I have seen fellow students struggle with debt, and I have worked two or three jobs all throughout my time at Stout, along with completing a full-time class load.
This has been my greatest struggle and also what I am most proud of. I have managed to pay out of pocket for tuition and rent and only needed to take out a small loan during my sophomore year.
One of my favorite quotes that has inspired me these last four years and helped me push through my anxiety is, “Sometimes fear does not subside, and you must do it afraid.”
