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: Award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion leader who began her career in digital media more than 16 years ago and followed her passion around inclusion
Eric Farmer '97, mathematics and computer science: Principal staff mathematician at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory who has 25 years of experience designing advanced capabilities that defend our military and allies against aircraft, missile and cyber threats
Rafael Garcia ’19, media and communication: K-State writer back on campus to tell university's stories
Logan Stacer '18, communication studies: Founder and executive artistic director of Heartland Arts KC, who empowers artists to create change in their community
Allison Bowman '17, fine arts: Prairie-loving artist and nonprofit professional who 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)
Sarah Trabert '08, anthropology and history minor: Associate professor of anthropology at University of Oklahoma has discovered new information about the historical role of horses in the American Plains. (Written August 2024)
Travis Murphy ’06, social sciences: Founder and CEO of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment, a firm specializing in government affairs and international travel that offers services for athletes, entertainment providers and fans across the world
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)
Meredith Reid ’10, ’17, music education: Choral music teacher for grades 7-12 in Girard, Kan.
Mark Engholm ’96, social science: State Fire Marshal helping Kansans stay safe
Dan Biles '74, journalism: From journalism to the Kansas Supreme Court, Biles has honed his writing skills and chased his passion.
Rich Jankovich '79, physical education (no longer offered in the College of Arts and Sciences): From physical education to musical theater, Rich Jankovich’s diverse experience at K-State helped shape his professional life in business.
Matt King '07, political science and natural resources and environmental science: This Distinguished Young Alum awardee earned a Fulbright scholarship, studied at Oxford, launched multiple entrepreneurial endeavors and became a fund analyst for the World Bank Group, all before the age of 30.
Yibo Liu '19, '21, biology and M.S. in public health: A transfer student from China, Liu was committed to his biology studies but found so 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, English '11, '13: This alumna helps Towson University students prepare for a workforce that demands excellent written communication and collaboration skills.
Mike Sharpe '90: From exploring academics to enjoying extracurriculars to meeting his wife, Sharpe shaped the future of his dreams thanks to K-State.
Adam Szetela '15 M.A. in English: Meet an alumnus and instructor who is 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