Our Alumni

Truman’s educational philosophy pushes our students to chase their goals, build their futures and make a difference in their communities and beyond. Hear what some of our alumni have to say about their Truman experience.

Slide 2 - Neosha Franklin

Neosha Franklin ('10), Communication, English Minor

"Truman has the ability to shape your future in so many ways. You’ll find life-long friends, mentors, and so many resources along the way."

Neosha
Slide 1 -Lincoln McCoy

Lincoln McCoy ('22), Communication

"Truman is, no doubt, a school that will prepare you for whatever your next step is . . . and then it will prepare you for your next 10 steps. The most valuable thing that Truman did for me is it taught me how to think critically."

Lincoln McCoy
Slide 4 - Becca Rockamann

Becca Rockamann (’15), Exercise Science

"My time at Truman State University started out as a pre-med biology major. I loved science and knew that I wanted to use science work with people through medicine. However, the second semester of my freshman year, I realized that there was a different major on campus that would allow me to learn more about people, human structure and function. I will forever be thankful for my decision to become an Exercise Science major. "

Becca
Slide 3 - John O'Brien

John O'Brien ('14), Music

"At Truman, I was encouraged to explore any and all interests I had, even if they didn’t pertain to my major. A lot of really incredible professors opened their doors to me, even when I wasn’t in their department because they saw I had an interest and wanted to learn."

John O'Brien
Slide 4 - Rachel Snyder

Rachel Snyder ('20), Communication Disorders

"Having professors who are completely committed to teaching makes your education at Truman one that is personal, impactful, and rewarding. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been deeply impacted by the immense care of the professors at Truman State!"

Rachel
Slide 4 - Meghan Meyers

Meghan Meyers (’16), Health Science

"My education at Truman and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential prepared me for my graduate studies in ways I cannot even begin to describe. Truman’s rigorous coursework equipped me to seamlessly continue my graduate education in public health and health sciences. The in-depth and real-world applications provided by Truman’s faculty even resulted in a few graduate courses being waived!"

Meghan
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Alumni Stories

Truman gives students the freedom to explore and the knowledge to act creating an educational experience that brings out the best in our graduates. See how these innovators, thinkers, and doers are making an impact on their field.

 

 

We are proud of the many ways Truman graduates are making an impact on the world.


Nathaniel Buttram (’14)
Musician/Bariton Vocalist, United State Navy Band, Sea Chanters

John O’Brien (’14)
Vice President of Programming, The Fabulous Fox

Neil Salsich (’11)
Musician and contestant on “The Voice”

Cody Sumter (’10)
Product Manager, Meta

Corey Owens (’06)
Chief Communications Officer, Metropolis

Oseyi Ikuenobe (’05)
Head of Product, Orders and Checkout at Square

Mike Chen (’03)
YouTube Star

Akela Cooper (’03)
Writer/Producer

Dominic Armstrong (’02)
Opera Singer

Corinne Brinkerhoff (’02)
Television Writer/Producer/Screenwriter

Jason Beckfield (’98)
Professor of Sociology, Harvard University

Jenna Fischer (’95)
Actor and Producer

Darwin Harris (’95)
Actor

Charlie Miller (’95)
Cyber Security Expert

Mark Taggart  (’95)
President and CEO, Toyota Industries Commercial Finance
CFO Toyota Material Handling North America
Chairman Toyota Industries Commercial Finance U.S.
Chairman Toyota Industries Commercial Finance Canada
Chairman Toyota Industries Commercial Lease Mexico
President Raymond Leasing Corporation

Scott Piper (’93)
Opera Singer

Kristopher Battles (’92)
Artist

Lara (Runnels) Olsen (’91)
Producer/Screenwriter

Glenn Jacobs (’90)
WWE Wrestler (Kane)

Dawn (Wellington) Tartaglione (’90)
Neurosurgeon

Harsha De Silva (’89)
Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka

Kevin Fitzpatrick (’89)
Non-Fiction Writer

John J. Sastry, Esq., CFP ® (’88)
Vice President and Financial Planning Officer at Central Trust Company

Chuck Woods (’86)
Leader in the Aerospace Industry

Mike McClaskey (’85)
Retired CIO & CHRO, Dish Network

Ray Armstead (’84)
Olympic Gold Medalist

Greg Brown (’84)
President/CEO, Learfield Communications

Michael Schwend (’83)
President/CEO, Preferred Family Healthcare

Les Dunseith (’80)
Editor and Educator

Mary Rhodes Russell (’80)
Justice for Missouri Supreme Court

Rhonda Vincent (attended)
Bluegrass Singer

Greg Gerhardt (’79)
Parkinson’s Disease Researcher

Trudy Cooper (’76)
Co-Founder, Outback Steakhouse

Michael Gallatin (’75)
Venture Partner and Senior Advisor, Frazier Healthcare Partners

Michael D. Pierschbacher (’74)
President and CEO, Precis Therapeutics, Inc.

Larry Moore (’67)
Kansas City Television News Anchor Emeritus

Timothy Joseph (’67, ’69)
Novelist, Teacher/Professor, Technical Writer, Environmental Engineer

Sandra Benitez (’63, ’75)
Author

Ken Norton (attended)
Professional Boxer

Maurice Medland (’61, ’77)
Author

Betty Jo White (’59)
First female DO to do a General Residency in surgery

Major General John V. Cox (’52)
Naval aviator for 33 years/flew in 292 combat missions in Vietnam

John “Hi” Carl Simmons (’28)
Head Baseball Coach, University of Missouri-Columbia/Truman State University Hall of Fame and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

John J. Pershing (1880)
General of Armies of the United States


Send suggestions for notable alumni to bulldogforever@truman.edu.