Josh Lichty is an assistant professor in the School of Education. Prior to teaching at Viterbo, he taught elementary and middle school for 16 years, including coaching numerous sports—he is currently coaching football and track in Onalaska. Lichty received his Master of Arts in Education degree from Viterbo in 2017, with an emphasis in educational leadership. Soon after, he became a national board certified teacher through the NBPTS. K-12 administration was going to be the next chapter in his career until this calling to teach at Viterbo.

How many years have you worked at Viterbo?

Three years. Wow. Time flies!

Best known for teaching … 

With enthusiasm! All students are subjected to my energy and passion, especially the 8 a.m. VUSM 100 and coaching courses. I might roll into a classroom on a hoverboard or blare "We Will Rock You" on a boombox. You better be ready and excited to learn because we are given this gift of education and should be fired up about it.

What do you love most about teaching at Viterbo?

I love the connections I can make with the students, faculty, staff, campus and local community, and FSPA. There are always formal and informal opportunities to grow, learn, and go from great to good.

What inspires you?

Children. Their love, imagination, and energy inspire me and keep me young. They were my drive when I taught K-8 for 16 years, and they are still my drive to teach future teachers at Viterbo.

What do others say about you?

Most would say I truly care about them as a person and their future successes. As busy as I choose to be, I also strive to make deeper connections with people to know and support their passions. I try to be an inspiration in how I approach education and life in general. Many students comment on how my love and energy for education is contagious and encourages them to be intentional in their teaching and to build quality relationships with their future students.