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K-State Today

March 23, 2016

Twelve Kansas State University alumni selected as 2016 Alumni Fellows

Submitted by Tim Schrag

Twelve accomplished Kansas State University alumni have been selected as the 2016 Alumni Fellows and will address students and faculty in classes and receptions April 6-8 during the 2016 Alumni Fellows week. Alumni Fellows return to discuss current business and industry trends and to meet with students and faculty. The program is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association, the Office of the President and the Deans Council.

"The fellows were chosen based on their high levels of professional accomplishment and distinguished service in their respective careers," said Andrea Bryant Gladin, K-State Alumni Association director of alumni programs and organizer of the Alumni Fellows program.

More information and bios for the fellows are online.

The 2016 Alumni Fellows are:

Dave Rock, manager, channel development, U.S. and Canada, John Deere, Olathe, for the College of Agriculture. Rock earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural mechanization from K-State in 1980 and a master's degree in agribusiness in 2003.

Larry W. King, principal, IA Interior Architects, Denver, Colorado, for the College of Architecture, Planning & Design. King earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from K-State in 1971.

R. Dennis Cook, professor and director, School of Statistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the College of Arts & Sciences. Cook earned a master's degree in statistics from K-State in 1969 and a doctorate, also in statistics, in 1970.

Susan E. Williams, MD, associate staff physician, department of endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, for the College of Arts & Sciences. Williams graduated from K-State in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in music education.

Dennis Leatherby, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale, Arkansas, for the College of Business Administration. Leatherby graduated from K-State in 1982 with bachelor's degrees in finance and accounting.

Brooks Barta, math instructor and head football coach, USD 336 Holton High School, Holton, for the College of Education. Barta earned a bachelor's degree in math education from K-State in 1993 and a master's degree in education administration in 1997.

Randall R. Coonrod, president, Coonrod & Associates Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, for the College of Engineering. Coonrod graduated from K-State in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.

Joel DiGirolamo, director of coaching science, International Coach Federation, Lexington, Kentucky, for K-State Global Campus. DiGirolamo earned a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from K-State in 2006.

Steve Goll, director of research and development, Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale, Arkansas, for the Graduate School. Goll earned a doctorate in animal science from K-State in 1988.

Jo Kimbell, aircraft interior design, senior specialist, Textron Aviation, Wichita, for the College of Human Ecology. Kimbell graduated from K-State in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in interior design.

Kathryn Fraser, operations research analyst, Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C., for the College of Technology and Aviation. Fraser earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical technology from K-State Salina, now Kansas State Polytechnic, in 2009.

Bob Smith, DVM, feedlot veterinarian, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services LLC, Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in animal sciences and industry in 1968, a master's degree in animal science in 1970 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from K-State in 1976.

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