Michael Knepprath, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned his degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Media Arts. What began as a passion for visual design gradually evolved into a robust career at the intersection of design and technology. Today, Michael works as a Staff Software Engineer at Walmart, where he specializes in customer experience and user interface development.
Michael’s transition from design to software engineering was intentional. Early in his career, he realized the value of being able to build what he designed. That shift not only empowered him to bring his ideas to life more completely but also shaped him into a well-rounded engineer who understands and collaborates naturally with both designers and fellow developers. With a strong foundation in visual thinking and a technical command of tools like React—which he has been writing since 2015—Michael now contributes to end-to-end product development with a keen eye for user-centered design.
Before joining Walmart, Michael worked as a front-end developer at a greeting card company in North Mankato, Minnesota. There, he crafted interactive layouts, designed mockups, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to bring engaging digital experiences to life. His blend of design sensibility and coding expertise helped shape his current path.
Reflecting on his time at Bethany, Michael acknowledges that while the college couldn’t provide all the technical training needed for today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, it did something equally important: it rekindled his love of learning. “I learned how to distinguish between good and bad feedback, and I learned how to defend my work from the bad,” he recalls. “Most importantly, Bethany rekindled my love for learning…”
Michael also cherishes the community he found at Bethany—especially late-night conversations about art, emerging tech, and the friendships that continue to influence his life today.
Looking forward, Michael hopes to further shape the web industry through innovation, mentorship, and meaningful collaboration. Whether building products, writing books, speaking at conferences, or creating an indie game, he sees his work as part of a bigger mission to simplify lives through design and technology.
Now based in Ohio, Michael’s journey from Studio Art major to Staff Software Engineer is a compelling testament to how Bethany Lutheran College cultivates lifelong learners with the creative and technical agility to thrive in ever-changing fields.
View Michael’s recent work at MKnepprath.com.