Sports
A Legacy Measured in Lives Changed
Some coaches are remembered for wins. Others are remembered for records. John Cochrane will be remembered for something larger. For more than three decades, Cochrane shaped Truman track and field and cross country programs through a rare combination of competitive excellence, personal sacrifice and unwavering belief in student-athletes. His passing in March marked the loss
In Memoriam
This section includes individuals known to have passed away and reported to the University since May 1, 2025. To report the passing of alumni and friends, contact the Office of Advancement at (800) 452-6678, bulldogforever@truman.edu or by mail at Office of Advancement, Truman State University, 100 E. Normal Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501-4221. 1940s Lyle Wendell
Alumni Profiles
Since attending college at his father's urging, Robert McConnell has found success on two seemingly divergent paths. AS FAR AS SECRET IDENTITIES GO, Robert McConnell is on par with Bruce Wayne. By day, he is a mild-mannered Iowa hog farmer, carrying on a family tradition while contributing to one of the state’s largest economic drivers.
Sports
Connecting a Community Through Conversation
“REIGNING CATS & DOGS,” the weekly coaches podcast featuring Truman State University and Kirksville High School athletics, completed a successful first season this spring. Hosted by Kirksville Daily Express sports editor Henry Janssen (’16) the show aired weekly during the academic year and offered listeners an inside look at local athletics through conversations with coaches,
Alumni Profiles
The only path Megan Sharpe follows is her own. Her calculated approach to planning her career now has her carving out a spot in one of the most in-demand specialities in the medical field. AT FIRST GLANCE, it would be easy to categorize Megan Sharpe (’13) as a free spirit. She picked Truman after making
Sports
Dean Becomes Winningest Coach in Program History
THEO DEAN BECAME THE WINNINGEST HEAD COACH in Truman women’s basketball history during the 2025-26 season, earning his record-setting 113th career victory in an 82-76 win over Indianapolis, Feb. 26. Dean also reached another milestone earlier in the season when the Bulldogs defeated Southwest Baptist 90-55, Dec. 6, for his 100th career win. Since taking
Alumni Profiles
Larry Lunsford will be the second person with a Truman connection to oversee a global organization comprised of more than a million members. NO GAMBLER IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would take the odds. A trained accountant with a head for numbers, Larry Lunsford surely wouldn’t either. Lunsford is in line to be president of Rotary