Outstanding Young Professional Award

(Formerly Superior Achievement Award for Early or Mid-Career Alumni)

This citation honors College of Agriculture and Life Sciences early- or mid-career alumni who have distinguished themselves through significant advancement and achievement in their discipline, field or area of expertise. Selection is made by the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

This award was established in 2010 and is presented annually during Iowa State University’s Homecoming Weekend.

2025 Outstanding Young Professional Awardee

Jimmy Kent (’14 agricultural business)
Muscatine, IowaJimmy Kent

Early in his career, Jimmy Kent has established himself as a distinguished leader in the agricultural industry. Beginning his career at Beck's Hybrids as a seed advisor, and then joining KENT WORLDWIDE (formerly KENT Corporation) in 2016, Kent has held a variety of leadership roles. For KENT, he started as emerging channels sales manager for consumer brands, followed by roles of increasing responsibility including director of sales and marketing for the company's leading hydration brand, Sqwincher; then, vice president of sales and marketing for consumer brands. 

Today, Kent serves as president of both KENT Nutrition Group and Grain Processing Corporation. Under his leadership, these companies have made advancements in innovation, sustainability, and market impact - solidifying their roles as national and global leaders in the manufacture and marketing of high-quality animal nutrition and grain processing. 

In 2024, Kent was selected for Leadership Iowa, a premier statewide program that cultivates high-impact leaders committed to fostering growth, collaboration, and leadership for Iowa's future. He also serves on the Trinity Muscatine Hospital Board and is an active member of the Corn Refiners Association, reflecting his dedication to both industry and community. 

During his time at Iowa State, Kent's foundation was built through hands-on experience at the swine teaching farm and active involvement in the Agricultural Business Club and Block & Bridle. He credits Iowa State as the place that grew his passion and shared his path for the agricultural industry - and it's where he met the love of his life and now wife, Danielle ('14 animal science).

Past Recipients