Outcomes

Beyond Central
Central College alumni put the “hire” in higher education, with nearly 100% of graduates employed, in graduate school or completing service a year after graduation. The real-world value of a liberal arts education continues to accelerate as work environments transform.
Central graduates find professional success as they attain high-powered positions in Fortune 500 companies, retail, television shows and music studios. Others find their futures in social justice-driven careers in higher education, public and private schools, governments, nonprofits and healthcare systems.
Real World Preparation
Student success can be directly linked to the internships, service-learning and off-campus experiences that Central students can access through the Career Development and Civic Engagement office. Central has more than 500 connections to internship sites.
Central connections and the close-knit family follow alumni into and throughout their careers. Many jobs for recent alumni are posted on Handshake, our online recruiting system and job board.
Career Development Internships Service Learning HandshakeDon’t Take Our Word For It
We’re more than proud of all our alumni have accomplished. Explore the latest news about our alums below, or check out all of our alumni stories!
With Purpose and Passion
Savannah Sexton ’25 embarked on an enriching academic journey in the classroom and beyond, encompassing global exploration and dedicated community service. As the student body president for the 2024-25 academic year, Sexton is eager to foster unity across Central College’s campus.
Curiosity Takes You Places
Graduate programs and employers are consistently impressed by Central graduates’ professional agility. Their active curiosity demonstrates ambition, commitment to lifelong learning and an ability to approach challenges from a variety of perspectives. It’s something Central students have in abundance.
Central graduates work in locations around the world. Examples of employers include Apple, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Governor’s office, Mayo Clinic, National Geographic, Pella Corporation, Principal Financial Group and Vermeer Corporation.
Here are just a few of our notable alumni:
- Gavin Babcock ’21, Qualifier for the United States Disc Golf Championship
- Will Daniels ’19
United States Decathlon Competitor for the 2020 Olympics - Jake Hirst ’17
Hitting Coach, New York Yankees Organization - Karlee Rock Schneider ’15
Criminalist, State Crime Lab, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation - Jakob Steenhoek ’15, UAV Specialist/Survey Technician, Shive-Hattery
- Michael Blake Kruse ’12, Actor, “Chicago P.D.”
- Taylor Schuelke ’12, Documentary Producer/Editor, National Geographic
- Kurtis Brondyke ’11, United States Decathlon Competitor for the 2020 Olympics
- Chris Weaver ’10, Contestant on season 13 of “The Voice”
- Carol Mendez ’09, Excellence in Teaching and Teacher of the Year Award Winner
- Sarah Frese Nickel ’09, Executive Director, U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Association, Washington, D.C.
- Adam Gregg ’06, President and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association, Former Lieutenant Governor of the State of Iowa
- Nate Weir ’05, Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer, Green Bay Packers
- Ryan Rumery ’99, 2024 Tony Award winner for sound design of a play, “Stereophonic”
- Rob Lindley ’95, Actor, formerly in “The Phantom of the Opera” National Tour and a 2023 nominee of the Joseph Jefferson Award
- Bernadette M. Allen ’78, Retired U.S. Ambassador, U.S. Department of State
- Jann Freed ’77, Selected as 2024 Des Moines Business Record Woman of Influence
- Harry Smith ’73, Retired Multi-Emmy Award Winning Reporter
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