At Winona State University, success isn’t just a statistic — it’s a lived experience. For recent Winona State graduates like Kennedi Kjellberg ’25 and Filippos Moulkas ’25, the journey from college to career is shaped by hands-on opportunities, strong faculty support, and a campus culture focused on student growth.
“The support from faculty, other students, and the university as a whole is unmatched,” said Kjellberg, a spring 2025 graduate in Teaching, “WSU truly has some of the best resources you could ever ask for when it comes to being successful academically and otherwise.”
Filippos, a spring 2025 Exercise Science graduate who combined his classroom learning with practical experience working with Duke University Athletics, echoed Kjellberg’s sentiment.
“[Winona State] does a great job of not only pushing but guiding students in experiences that will test their knowledge and develop them as professionals, ” he said, “I am proud to have graduated from an institution that puts students first and surrounds them with opportunities to succeed professionally.”
Stories like these are more than individual successes — they’re examples of a broader trend. Winona State University graduates maintain an impressive 97% job placement rate, one of the highest across the Minnesota State system.
From career coaching to networking events, Winona State’s Career Services plays a critical role in preparing students for a successful life after graduation.
“The career advisors in the Warrior Success Center will provide guidance, feedback, and support,” said DeAnna Goddard, Director of Career Services. “They will review your application documents, practice interviewing with you, help you search for an internship or job, provide you with resources and tools to support your career, and help you navigate through the decision-making process.”
This personalized approach ensures students don’t just graduate with a degree — they can graduate with direction and confidence.
Winona State President Kenneth Janz credits this culture of support and opportunity with cultivating student success across the board.
“From our graduation rates to our job placement rates, Winona State has some of the highest markers of student success among the 37 state colleges and universities in Minnesota,” said Janz. “That success starts with how we treat each other. When students feel supported, encouraged, and truly seen, they’re ready to take on the world. We prepare them not just for careers, but to lead with purpose and compassion. That’s the Warrior Way — lighting the path to a brighter future for all.”
Winona State’s strong outcomes reflect a campus-wide commitment to student success. With a 97% job placement rate and top graduation rates in the Minnesota State system, the university continues to demonstrate the value of a supportive, student-centered approach to higher education.
Discover everything you need to build a brighter future at Winona State University — visit wsu.mn/admissions to explore 100+ bachelor’s degrees, 80+ minors, 40+ graduate programs, and a variety of adult & continuing education programs.
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive, regional public university with campuses in Winona and Rochester. The oldest member of the Minnesota State system, WSU offers more than 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate and doctorate programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
Winona State is ranked among the Top 30 universities in the Midwest region (U.S. News and World Report, 2024-25) and has been named among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 21 consecutive years. The University generates $447.9 million in economic impact for the region per year. The university’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities it serves: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.
