College of Arts and Sciences

Alumni Spotlights

Arts and Sciences Alumni Spotlights

The College of Arts and Sciences graduates more than 1,500 students per year, all of whom are equipped to make a difference in the world. Here's a look at just a few ArtSci grads who have carved out impressive careers in fields ranging from e-commerce to meteorology to cancer research to opera.

  • Danielle Cornejo Calhoun '08, journalism and Spanish minor: This award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion leader began her career in digital media more than 16 years ago and followed her passion around inclusion.
  • Eric Farmer '97, mathematics and computer science: This principal staff mathematician at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has 25 years of experience designing advanced capabilities that defend our military and allies against aircraft, missile and cyber threats.
  • Allison Bowman '17, fine arts: This prairie-loving artist and nonprofit professional creates connections to nature and community through her art all around Greater Kansas City and beyond. (Written December 2024)

  • Erica Short '07, mass communication: Creative director for Overflow, in Kansas City, uses her talents to inspire change. (Written December 2024)

  • Rhonda A. Lee '97, journalism and mass communication and American ethnic studies: This meteorologist is "your favorite weather auntie" and civil rights advocate. (Written August 2024)

  • Dan Biles '74: From journalist to state Supreme Court, there’s no limit to where a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences can take you.
  • Rich Jankovich '79: From physical education to musical theater, Rich Jankovich’s diverse experience at K-State helped shape his professional life in business.
  • Matt King '07: This former recipient of the Distinguished Young Alumni award earned a Fulbright scholarship, studied at Oxford, launched multiple entrepreneurial endeavors and was chosen to be a Fund Analyst for the World Bank Group all before the age of 30.
  • Yibo Liu: When Liu transferred to K-State from China, he was committed to pursuing an interest in biology. He found much more in Manhattan: “K-State gave me a great life orientation. I met my friends and my wife here, and I discovered my future here.”
  • Jessica Reyes: This English alumna helps students at Towson University in Maryland prepare for a workforce that demands excellent written communication and collaboration skills.
  • Mike Sharpe: From exploring academics to enjoying extracurriculars to meeting his wife, Sharpe shaped the future of his dreams thanks to K-State.
  • Adam Szetela: Meet an alumnus dedicated to bringing passion to the classroom to help students "be participants in their own realities."

Other notable alumni

Business, government, military

  • John Bilbrey (Psychology), President and chief executive officer, Hershey Co.
  • Milton Eisenhower (JMC), Ninth president of K-State and Dwight's brother
  • Paul Fisher (General Sciences), president of Fisher Pens, creator of the Space Pen
  • Marlin Fitzwater (JMC), the only press secretary to serve two U.S. presidents, Ronald Reagan and George Bush
  • Margaret Grosh (Sociology), senior economist at World Bank
  • Jim Haymaker (Economics), VP of Strategy and business development (retired), Cargill
  • John Hofmeister (Political Science), former president of Shell Oil Company and current CEO and founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy
  • Gen. Richard Myers (Air Force ROTC), former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking military official in the nation
  • Bill Porter (Physics), founder and chairman emeritus of E-Trade
  • Pat Roberts (JMC), U.S. Senator from Kansas
  • Joseph Searles III (Social Science), first African-American floor broker and floor member, New York Stock Exchange
  • Pete Souza (JMC), chief White House photographer for two U.S. presidents, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama
  • Gerald Wexler (JMC), influential producer at Atlantic Records, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987

Entertainment

  • Kirstie Alley (English), Emmy-winning actress
  • Velina Houston (JMC), award-winning playwright and author
  • Tim Izo Orindgreff (JMC), band member of The Black Eyed Peas
  • Samuel Ramey (Music), basso cantante with the New York City Opera
  • Eric Stonestreet (Sociology), Emmy Award-winning star of ABC's "Modern Family"

Sports

  • Thomas Barnett (Social Science), NFL
  • Henry Bryant (Social Science), NFL
  • Josh Buhl (Psychology), NFL
  • Dyshod Carter (Social Science), NFL
  • Andre Coleman (Sociology), NFL
  • Eric Everly (Art), NFL
  • Shalee Lehning (JMC), WNBA
  • Jordy Nelson (Social Science), NFL
  • Terence Newman (Social Science), NFL
  • Nicole Ohlde (Social Science), WNBA
  • Darren Sproles (Social Science), NFL
  • Bobby Walker (Social Science), NFL
  • Kendra Wecker (JMC), WNBA