Alumni Spotlights
Troy Anderson
Current Title: Vice President, Operations
Organization: Ardent Mills
Major: B.S. Milling Science and Management '94
Why did you chose your current role at this company?
I chose to pursue a management role within Ardent Mills because I enjoy working with others to drive organizational culture, strategy, and related business outcomes. I’m fortunate to be able to apply experiences from both my previous technical milling and plant-based roles. My career journey from a technical role to a senior management role has provided great experiences to help make informed decisions to deliver the best outcomes possible for our team members and our customers.
What is one thing you learned from your time in the department (at K-State) that you use in your job?
My time at K-State within the Grain Science department built a foundation of focusing on relationships, continuous learning, and striving to be a better person and a better leader every day. Simple things like showing up on time, getting along with others, and keeping promises and commitments are all foundational learnings from my time at K-State that last a lifetime.
I pass on these basic principles to students wanting to have a career in our industry: it’s the simple things that will likely set you apart as you enter the workforce—show up on time, get along with others, do your best every day, and keep your commitments. Continue to learn. I also tell them it’s a great industry, fulfilling a purpose of providing nutritious food to millions of people every day.