Twelve Kansas State University alumni selected as 2017 Alumni Fellows
Twelve accomplished Kansas State University alumni have been selected as the 2017 Alumni Fellows and will address students and faculty in classes and receptions April 19-21 during the 2017 Alumni Fellows week.
Alumni Fellows return to campus 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.
The 2017 Alumni Fellows are:
Nandi Nagaraj, R&D human resources business partner, Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, Indiana, for the College of Agriculture. Nagaraj earned a doctoral degree in entomology from K-State in 2004.
Rick Martin, founder, Populous, Kansas City, Missouri, for the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from K-State in 1976.
Cheryl L. Blake, deputy chief of the NGA support team to U.S. Africa Command, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Springfield, Virginia, for the College of Arts and Sciences. Blake earned dual bachelor’s degrees in geography and political science from K-State in 1981.
Peter E. Larsen, DDS, FACS, the Larry J. Peterson Endowed Professor and Chair of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, for the College of Arts and Sciences. Larsen graduated from K-State in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in pre-dentistry
Brad Razook, executive vice president and CEO of Resources, Koch Industries Inc., Wichita, Kansas, for the College of Business Administration. Razook graduated from K-State in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Dr. Shelbie Witte, Chuck and Kim Watson Endowed Chair and associate professor of adolescent literacy and English education, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the College of Education. Witte earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from K-State in 2006 and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction in 2008.
Mike Valentine, chief executive officer, Netsmart Technologies, Overland Park, Kansas, for the College of Engineering. Valentine graduated from K-State in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.
Amy Martens, P.E., manager, engineering services, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Topeka, Kansas, for K-State Global Campus. Martens earned two degrees from K-State, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1995 and master’s degree in engineering management in 2001.
Wenxia Song, professor of cell biology and molecular genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, for the Graduate School. Song earned a doctorate in biochemistry from K-State in 1991.
Tamara Markham, senior area director of operations, the Americas, Marriott International Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, for the College of Human Ecology. Markham graduated from K-State in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management.
Andrew G. Talbott, strike fighter pilot, U.S. Navy, Hanford, California, for the College of Technology and Aviation. Talbott earned a bachelor’s degree in airway science from K-State Salina, now Kansas State Polytechnic, in 2005.
Dr. Jerry P. Jaax, retired associate vice president for research compliance, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Jaax earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from K-State in 1972.