UW‑Green Bay welcomes alumnus Randy Knaflic for a public keynote
and networking event
GREEN BAY, Wis.—From jazz rehearsal rooms to high-impact leadership roles at Google and SpaceX, Randy Knaflic’s career journey is anything but conventional. On April 15, the UW‑Green Bay alumnus will return to campus to share the lessons and key insights he’s learned along the way during a public keynote and networking event designed to inspire students and engage community members navigating their own career paths.
Knaflic’s keynote, “Beyond Talent: Lessons from a Jazz Studies Alum for Students Who Want to Get Ahead,” will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the University Union Phoenix Rooms on the UW‑Green Bay campus. The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. Registration is available online.
A UW‑Green Bay Jazz Studies graduate, Knaflic brings a career story that reflects the power of a liberal arts foundation paired with curiosity, adaptability and momentum. He has held leadership roles at Google, SpaceX—where he served as vice president of human resources—and Jawbone, and is now co‑owner of Storytelling with Data, where he leads strategy and operations alongside CEO and founder Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic.
“Randy’s journey is a compelling example of how creativity, critical thinking and persistence can open doors across industries,” said Ryan Martin, UW-Green Bay professor and dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science. “His story resonates not only with students, but with anyone navigating career transitions, entrepreneurship or leadership in today’s rapidly changing world.”
The keynote will be followed by a networking reception, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with Knaflic and others from the UW‑Green Bay and regional community. While students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend, the event is also designed to engage local professionals, alumni and community members interested in career development and lifelong learning.
Knaflic’s visit highlights UW‑Green Bay’s commitment to prepare students to think critically, solve problems and contribute from day one, while creating meaningful connections between the University and the broader region it serves.
Event details:
What: Beyond Talent: Lessons from a Jazz Studies Alum for Students Who Want to Get Ahead
Who: Randy Knaflic, UW‑Green Bay alumnus and co‑owner of Storytelling with Data
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 4–6:30 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Rooms, UW‑Green Bay
Register and learn more about the event.
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,600 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
